What Have We Become?

On The Brink Of Death

Text: Revelation 3:1-6

Introduction

Jesus gives them NO COMMENDATION. He goes right to the problem!

Barely alive

Prideful

It’s location will play a vital role in John address to them.

30 miles southeast of Thyatira (the most powerful city of Asia at one time).

It had become a large trad center.

The capital of the Lydian Kingdom.

Known for its textile industry.

It claimed the invention of the woo-dyeing process.

1500 up on a cliff / impregnable / thought it was safe yet very vulnerable / twice this city had been conquered.

It’s religion

Famous for its decadence.

goddess worship debased them into large group sexual acts.

Known for the immorality, pagan temples, emperor worship, sexual obsessions.

The largest Jewish synagogue building was discovered them.

External pressure doesn’t seem to be the primary concern!!!

1) Jesus Declares His Authority

Seven Spirits

Possible making reference to the seven-fold nature of the Holy Spirit.

Could include the fact God has infinite knowledge; He could see underneath the veneer of their reputation.

Possibly giving the thought of His Spirit being the only One who could bring life back into this church — Romans 8:11 “11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

This would broadside the teaching of the goddess Cybele (god of restoring life).

Seven stars = pastors of the churches.

Could give the comforting fact the Jesus always stands with His messengers and their message.

2) Jesus Describes His Concern For Health

A. Sardis was known for their reputation and not their works (viewed by the culture)

Many churches, like this one, degenerate into inactivity; members do not busy themselves with good works and do not seem bothered by the lack. Perhaps they are unintentionally convinced, by teachers stressing justification by faith alone, that they do not have to work in order to be saved. But though we must uphold the doctrine of justification by faith, the Bible’s interest in the believer’s works must be seen for what it is. Christianity is properly balanced when grace and works complement one another. Gwyn Pugh, “Commentary on the Book of Revelation,” in 1, 2, 3 John & Revelation, ed. Robert E. Picirilli, First Edition., The Randall House Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Randall House, 2010), 187.

Jesus lets this church know they are vulnerable just like their city.

You all are about your reputation; being alive, flourishing (spiritual). They claimed a spiritual life by their works, wealth, programs, etc…

The most dangerous false reality to believe is that you are saved and your are not.

Ephesians 2:8–9 “8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

James 2:17–20 “17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. 19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?”

“Be watchful” — be alert, get back to . Maybe more toward getting back to anti-cultural lifestyle; walking with holiness.

In most denominational churches (salvation by works) there are a few who truly know that salvation is by faith in Christ.

You have started many works but never finished them.

3) Jesus Directs Them Back To Health

A. “Be watchful”

Jesus said he would come as a “thief.”

549 bc, Cirus and his Persian army saw a solider sitting on top of the city walls. This soldier would doze off and his helmet would fall to the ground. The soldier would go down to get his helmet and then return to his post. Cirus learned the city had a secret entrance. They destroyed this city while everyone was sleeping.

218 bc, Antiochus the great. Dead donkey at the base of the wall. They raealized there were no guards at that section of wall. They scaled the wall and destroyed the city!

all happened while the city was sleeping.

Jesus used the cultural context of the city and taught them a spiritual lesson.

When you start to get comfortable and relaxed, you will slip away in your fellowship with Jesus.

How many of you right now could say, “I used to have a fire for Jesus, but now I find myself watching instead of working. I used to find myself encouraging, but now I find myself being critical toward others. I used to sing with joy, but now I just sing the words.”

Get up, watch, remember, receive, return

If you don’t repent toward me in light of Me, you will be shocked when you face me on earth.

The people were probably caught off guard.

Jesus never did correct their theology unlike previous churches.

B. “strengthen the things which remain”

man / mission / movement / museum (watch and no participation / mortuary

The process of dying had already begun!

He said, “There isn’t much left, however, SALVAGE WHAT IS LEFT!

Jesus can talk a little health and revive it when God’s people fully turn back to Him!!!

If Jesus could be raised from the dead, Jesus can raise a dying church back to full health again!

A dying church is a church that start resting on the successes of their past.

When was the last time you had a moving of the Sprit in your life

What is God doing in your life.

Interacting with God brings a particular life action!

Question: Why should we go to the doctor for regular examination.

Churches die as a result of a lack of self evaluation.

There were some Chinese missionaries who came home from going to America and they were asked what did you learn about the American church. They said, “It is amazing what is done apart and separate from the Holy Spirit.”

John 15:4–5 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

4) Jesus Determines To Reward The Faithful

A. “thou has a few names”

They had not defiled their life.

A genuine believer will not live a perfect life, however, they will not sit and settle in the defilement of the culture.

They will be rewarded

True believers are made worthy through faith in Jesus Christ.

They will have the privilege one day to walk with Jesus.

B. “He that overcometh”

“clothed in white raiment”

This is also speaking of the genuine believer.

This speaks of of putting into action what Jesus has said!

Not blotted out & confessed before the Father

Jesus will proudly announce your name as one that was attributting a work of life with the church.

Jesus will crown you with titles like: faithful, repentive, sacrificial, humble, brave, courageous, etc.