Sardis - The Living Dead

Revelation 3:1-6

I. Christ Confronts a Church With a Reputation (v. 1)

• Sardis had a name that it lived—a reputation for vitality, orthodoxy, and activity.

• The tragedy: men applauded them, but Christ condemned them.

• Their reputation was a mask; their reality was spiritual death.

• Key pastoral angle: A church can be admired, busy, historic, respected—and still dead before God.

II. Christ Reveals the True Condition (v. 1)

• “But thou art dead.”

• Death can wear the garments of life.

• Spiritual decay is subtle, slow, and often unnoticed.

• A church can maintain forms while losing the Spirit.

In 2 Timothy 3:5, Paul describes people who:

• Keep the appearance of religion

• Maintain the forms of worship

• Use the language of faith

• Preserve the traditions of the church

• But lack the transforming power of the Holy Spirit

That is Sardis to the letter.

Jesus says:

• “You have a name that you live…” → the form

• “…but you are dead.” → the denial of power

Sardis is the New Testament poster child for 2 Timothy 3:5.

Application:

• What does Christ see when He looks past our reputation?

• Are we more concerned with what people think than what Christ knows?

III. Christ Commands a Revival of What Remains (vv. 2–3)

1. Wake up — “Be watchful.”

• Spiritual decline begins with carelessness.

• Christ calls them to spiritual alertness, not complacency.

2. Strengthen the remnants — “Strengthen the things which remain.”

• There were faint embers, not yet extinguished.

• Grace may be weak, but it is not gone; revive it.

3. Remember the gospel — “Remember how thou hast received and heard.”

• Return to the doctrines, duties, and devotion they once embraced.

4. Hold fast.

• Grip the truth with renewed conviction.

5. Repent.

• Repentance is the only cure for a dying church.

6. Warning of sudden judgment.

• Christ will come “as a thief” upon the unwatchful.

IV. Christ Encourages the Faithful Few (v. 4)

• Even in a dying church, Christ sees the undefiled.

• God always preserves a remnant.

• Purity in doctrine and life marks true believers.

• Promise: They will walk with Christ in white—purity, victory, joy.

V. Christ Promises Life to the Overcomer (vv. 5–6)

• White garments—holiness and honor.

• Name secure in the Book of Life—assurance and acceptance.

• Christ will confess them before the Father—public vindication.

• Christ’s promises are the antidote to spiritual death.

Application

Examine Your Spiritual Reality, Not Your Reputation. A good name can still hide a dead soul. Christ is no impressed or fooled by activity, history, or outward forms, he looks at the heart.

Strengthen What God Has Started Before it Dies. Christ urges us to wake up, strengthen, remember, hold fast, repent. These are not suggestions but commands imperative to our soul. Rekindle neglected spiritual disciplines, restore broken fellowship, return to the Gospel you first received and repent quickly when the Spirit convicts. If there is even a spark of Grace left, Christ can fan it to flame.

Live for the Approval of Christ, not the Applause of Men. Sardis was admired by people, but condemned by Christ. Seek purity, not popularity. Walk with Christ even if others don’t. Live for the day He confesses your name before the Father. Christ’s approval is the only verdict that matters.