The Dead Church Sardis

INTRO

Week five Refresh

We are evaluating our Spiritual goals as a church by looking at the seven churches in Revelation

This week we are looking at the dead church Sardis.

Revelation 3:1–6 “1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “ ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. 4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Context

• Sardis was once a wealthy and powerful city, known for its trade, gold and silver coin minting, and textile innovations.

• The city had two sections: an older mountain-top city with an acropolis and a newer valley city with an unfinished temple to Artemis.

• It was considered nearly impregnable due to its steep rock walls but was twice conquered by enemies who scaled the cliffs unnoticed.

• Despite its former greatness, Sardis declined under Roman rule, losing the honor of building a temple to Caesar to Smyrna.

• A devastating earthquake in A.D. 17 further weakened the city.

• Once thriving, Sardis became lethargic and morally decadent, its past splendor a mere shadow of what it once was.

Revelation 3:1 “1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “ ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”

There’s been a pattern to these letters and they always start with Jesus referencing himself as the author of the letter.

Each church he describes himself differently.

A couple things to point out.

the one who has the seven spirits of God

The seven stars.

We know according to chapter one that the stars are the leaders in the church.

the one who has the seven spirits of God

another name for the Holy Spirit

Reference from Isaiah 11:2

Isaiah 11:2 ESV

2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. (worship)

The Spirit of the Lord is one: (6 identifying characteristics)

Wisdom

Understanding

Counsel

Might

Knowledge

Fear (Worship)

Jesus is saying that he is the who literally possess the the Holy Spirit and posses the pastors, ministers and leaders of the church.

Text ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”

Instead of immediately offering a praise

Jesus starts offers with condemnation

Jesus is pointing out that in the same way your city is living off a reputation that it no longer has the church is Sardis is disillusioned by its reputation.

Compared to the other churches there is no mention of

Love

Sacrifice

Advocating for good teaching

More than likely there is nothing that distinguishes this church from its community.

You do a lot of good things but you are dead.

A dead church is a church that is reduced its efforts to charity, morals, and social justice but does not have a passion for Jesus, a love for biblical truth, and a refusal to compromise.

An alive church has all of thee above!

POINT ONE

Refocus: A good church values more than charitable works.

What does a dead church look like today?

• Embraces tradition over genuine faith – Goes through religious motions without true devotion to Christ.

• Engages in church activities without true spiritual growth – Prioritizes programs over personal transformation.

• Views Christianity as a moral system rather than a relationship – Focuses on behavior modification instead of knowing Jesus.

• Prioritizes comfort and social approval over biblical truth – Avoids hard truths and discipleship to keep peace.

• Lacks repentance, spiritual fruit, and dependence on Christ – Relies on human effort rather than the Holy Spirit.

The challenge

is that self-deception is easy

we may believe we are spiritually thriving because of external measures of success.

But Jesus calls us to examine our hearts and measure our faith by His standards, not our own (Revelation 3:1-3).

TEXT

Revelation 3:2–3 “2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.”

Jesus calls this church to wake up (Remember then what you recieved and heard)

Go back to the basics of the faith. (Not necessarily the disciplines)

They recieved and heard the message of the gospel that brings salvation.

Moving away from the gospel brings death but moving back to the gospel brings life

If they do not course correct Jesus will come like a “thief in the night” (Not a reference for his second coming)

In the same way their city was sacked through enemies scaling the walls.

Jesus will come like a thief in the night.

POINT TWO

Refocus: Make sure we’re not asleep.

Moving away from the gospel brings death but moving back to the gospel brings life

The Gospel does not just save us but it sustains us as well

An awake Christian

• Trusts Christ with their life, not just believes He is trustworthy.

• Has a hunger for truth that leads to active growth in church and spiritual disciplines.

• Pursues a relationship with Jesus, not just a moral lifestyle.

• Desires to be known for the fruit of the Spirit as much as the gifts of the Spirit.

TEXT

Revelation 3:4–6 “4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

For those who have been faithful there is a threefold promise.

They will be set apart, cleansed of sin (White)

Placed in God’s heavenly registry

Christ will acknowledge them publicly.

POINT THREE

Refocus: Faithfulness to Christ gives us confidence in our salvation

I use to battle with the question how do I know I’m saved?

Do I love Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind and strength?

There are signs: If I win the lottery I’m not telling anyone but there will be signs.

There are signs of our geniuses

1. Spiritual Growth or Stagnation? – Am I growing in holiness, love, and faith, or am I indifferent? (2 Peter 1:5-10; Philippians 1:6)

2. Love for God and Others? – Do I genuinely love God and people, or am I self-centered? (1 John 3:14; 4:7-8)

3. Conviction of Sin or Comfort in Sin? – Does the Holy Spirit convict me when I sin, or do I feel no remorse? (John 16:8; Hebrews 12:6-8)

4. Spiritual Fruit or Worldly Desires? – Is my life marked by love, joy, and righteousness, or by sin and selfishness? (Galatians 5:22-24; 1 John 2:15-17)

5. Love for the Church or Isolation? – Do I desire to be with God’s people, or do I avoid Christian fellowship? (Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 John 2:19)

6. Desire for Christ or Just Heaven? – Do I long for Jesus Himself, or just the benefits of salvation? (Philippians 3:8; John 17:3)

These signs give us confidence that our faith is genuine,

helping us to know that salvation isn’t just a question, but a transformed life.

Let’s refocus: Faithfulness to Christ gives us confidence in our salvation.