Comeback 4 - Sardis - Logos Sermons

Comeback Series: Review, Return, Revive, Resume, Renew

7 Churches – 7 stories

· Christ’s messages to the seven churches serve as a warning of the judgment to come while extending hope and encouragement to all who will listen.

What this series means to us:

· Real PEOPLE – 7 churches literally existed

· Real PLACE – modern day Turkey

· Real PROBLEMS – struggles Christians still face today

· Real POLITICS – exposes the church’s involvement / relationship with the world around them

· Real PUNISHMENT – for the disobedient

· Real PROMISE – for the overcomer

Redeem the time, because Jesus is coming back and we will all give an account for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad.

3 Points for today

a – RESUSCITATE the Vision

b – REMAIN Faithful

c – REWARD the Victorious

About Sardis

· a luxurious city in Asia Minor

· PROMINENCE –

o the capital of the Lydian empire and later became of provincial capital of Asia Minor

o situated atop a plateau.

· Sardis = “red ones”[1]

· WAS CONQUERED =

o sustained a series of foreign conquests

o Fell under Roman rule before Christ was born

· PAGAN = Also home to temple of Artemis – and emperor worship

· DISREPAIR = Fell into decline after the 6th century AD, now lies in ruins

Temple –

· Length = ½ football field

· capacity = 1,000 people

The Dead Church – David Jeremiah

· The lights were on and people showed up, but the power of the Holy Spirit was missing.

· this church received no commendations—only condemnation.

· The place was full of what we today would call “nominal Christians”—Christians in name only. Christ gave five instructions for the church that is dead.

https://davidjeremiah.blog/seven-churches-of-revelation-bible-study/

Revelation 3:1 (NLT)

Revelation 3:1 NLT

1 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead.

· Reputation for being Alive – G3686 – called, named, rank, deeds

· Dead – G3948 – given up to sin, destitute of force or power

Revelation 3:2 (NLT)

Revelation 3:2 NLT

2 Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God.

· Wake up = be watchful (watch and prayer) – G1127 –

o become vigilant, give strict attention to

o to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one[2]

· Strengthen – G4741 – make stable – confirm one’s mind

· Actions do not meet Requirements – G2041 –

o deed, doing, business, undertaking, product

Revelation 3:3 (NLT)

Revelation 3:3 NLT

3 Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.

· Go back – G3421 - remember

· Hold firmly (fast) – take care of, guard = teach and honor the Word of God

o David Jeremiah - When a church abandons the Bible, it removes the Holy Spirit’s primary tool for transforming believers into the image of Christ.

· Repent – G3340 - heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past sins[3]

REDEEM – the time

Revelation 3:4 (NLT)

Revelation 3:4 NLT

4 “Yet there are some in the church in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes with evil. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

· Some – G3641 = FEW.

o remnant = the true church within the whole church

o preserved by God

o Based upon our nation’s condition and the state of the American church, it seems the MAJORITY believes they are the MINORITY (I’m good with God, I am undefiled, I am in the remnant) or else there would be massive and wide scale repentance taking place now!

· Soiled – G3435 – defiled, impure by fornication and adultery

· Walk – G4043 – progress – make use of opportunities – vs talk only

· White – G3022 – innocence and purity of the soul – ripening grain – exalted to the splendor of the heavenly state

· Worthy – G514 – due reward, value

Reward – clothed in white, name in Book of Life

Revelation 3:5 (NLT)

Revelation 3:5 NLT

5 All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.

· Victorious – G3528 – overcome temptations and persecutions, conquer, prevail

· Erase – G1813 – blot out, wipe away

· Announce – G3670 – declare openly, celebrate

· Mine –

Revelation 3:6 (NLT)

Revelation 3:6 NLT

6 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.

David Jeremiah –

For all its shortcomings, Christ offered hope to Sardis: The church could experience eternal life if it returned to obeying His commands (verses 5-6).

3 Points for today

a – RESUSCITATE the Vision

b – REMAIN Faithful

c – REWARD the Victorious

· Does your vision need resuscitated?

· Are you remaining faithful to God?

· How is your reputation with God?

· Do your actions meet God’s requirements?

Comeback 4 - Sardis

4 – RESUME - Sardis – start back

Theme

a – RESUSCITATE the Vision

b – REMAIN Faithful

c – REWARD the Victorious

What about you?