SF395 - Dead On Arrival (Revelaiton 3 1-6)
Revelation 3:1-6
INTRODUCTION
Historical Background
Political significance
Ø Capital of Lydia
Cultural significance
Ø Center of trade and military
Ø Had been captured twice while the sentries slept
Religious significance
Ø Temple to Artemis ‑ nature cult (death/rebirth)
Ø Necropolis ‑ Large cemetery ‑ fascination with death
Sermon Background
A message from Jesus to Sardis
Ø Nothing left today ‑ it died it did not head the warning
The Seven Stars = The angel or pastors of the church
The Seven Spirits = Only one Holy Spirit ‑ Speaks of the Holy Spirit’s perfection enough of God's Spirit for every Pastor
Four Things
1A. THE REPUTATION OF THE CHURCH (3:1)
Had a good name ‑ very popular!
Ø Lot of eloquence in the pulpit and elegance in the pew.
Ø They were well ordered ‑ Committees on Committees ‑ Committee to Promote the promotion
Very busy ‑ the talk of the town!
Sometimes Names Don't Mean That Much
Country church inherited $50,000. They did not what to do with the money. The name was Rattlesnake Ridge Baptist Church. Remolded the church, looked so good they had to change the name. They called it The First Baptist Church of Serpent Heights.
2A. THE RIGORMORTIS OF THE CHURCH (3:1b)
1B. The Spirit Departs
That is the life of any church or person
Carl Bates "If the Holy Spirit were to suddenly die. Most of our churches would meet next Sunday and not know the difference.
T.V. Ministry
Green light ‑ 5 minutes, Amber light ‑ 1 minute; Red light ‑ End. Little boy asked what they meant. Father explained that they were the count down for the end of the service. When the red light was on it was over. The green light came on and the pastor keep on he did not slow down ‑ Red light he keep right on. Little boy said "The pastor is finished and he doesn't even know it."
There are many churches that are finished and they do not know it.
2B. The Senses Departs
The feeling goes
Ø There is a difference between carnal emotion and spiritual feeling.
Live Visitor in a Dead Church
The man said "Amen." They whole church looked. The usher said "Be quite you are disturbing the worship service." The man said "I have the Spirit." The usher said "You may have but you did not get it here."
There is something contagious about the Holy Spirit
Ø We don't have to fry in fanaticism
Ø Freeze in formalism
Ø But we should have a burning passionate love for Jesus!
We need that old time religion
3B. The Strength Departs (v.2)
Samson ‑ when the Spirit departed had no strength
2 Timothy 3:5 (NIV) having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
They had activity and death at the same time
Ø You can cut a snake’s head and he will keep moving.
The North Star
The north star is thirty‑three light years away. It could have burned out thirty years ago and you would not know it until now. There are churches that are dead but are living in the brilliance of the past.
Little Girl Birth Certificate Lost
"I have lost my excuse for being born."
3A. THE REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH (3:2-3)
There was still a spark of life
"Be Watchful!" = to chase sleep ‑ Do not go to bed until you settle this
Why ‑ "I have not found your works perfect before God" ‑ You have not fulfilled God's purpose!
You have fallen short of what God intends.
1B. God Calls Us to Remember the Past (3:3)
God's recipe: Remember, Repent, and Return!
Vance Havner
"Every spiritual enterprise goes through four stages: A man, A movement, A machine, A monument"
John Newton
Was a wrench before he was saved. He went to the bottom! He was a slave trader and before he was saved, he became the slave of a slave. He was wonderfully saved on board a ship. He left the sea and went into the ministry.
His life verse that hanged in his study was: Deuteronomy 15:15 (NIV) Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today.
2B. God Calls Us to Recognize the Present (3:3b)
This is a call for self-judgement.
Judge Yourself
Alan Redpath was staying with some friends in England. There were two young boys in the home. They were typical young boys. One night the parents went out and left the boys at home. When they returned they found the house strangely quite.
They soon discovered why. In the middle of the dining room table were stacked the remains of the mother's favorite vase. A note was attached explaining that they had broken it and had put themselves to bed without their supper.
Says Redpath, Do you think the father went upstairs and hauled those boys out of bed and gave them a beating? Not at all! They had passed judgement on themselves and the parents accepted it. Remember, Repent, obey, then the Lord will not have to judge.
3B. God Calls Us to be Ready for the Future (3:3c)
The thief comes in a negative way we are not to look for Him as a thief.
1 Thessalonians 5:4 (NIV) But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
Here he is talking about judgement
4A. THE REMNANT IN THE CHURCH
The faithful few ‑ the master’s minority
Three Classes of Persons
Ø The dead
Ø The dying
Ø The dedicated
A word of encouragement because...
1B. They Were Virtuous (3:4)
They would not defile themselves
The French Count
An old French count was reduced to living in a common lodging house in Paris. He was surrounded by thieves and rouges. Each time they would ask him to join them in their criminal activity he would reply "Excuse me, please, Position has its responsibilities, You see, I am a French count. If I were to join in your operations, why my family name would be besmirched. I should bring disgrace upon the name I bear. No! No! Excuse me, please!"
The remnant in Sardis must have made a similar statement. "Excuse me, please. I am a member of the royal family of heaven. God is my Father, His Son is my Savior, His Spirit is my comforter and guide, the Lord's people are my companions. If I did what you suggest. I would bring dishonor on the name I bear. Excuse me, please."
2B. They Were Victorious (3:5)
The Savior is acknowledging us even now.
We are going to heaven
The Lord will present us to the Father as His well beloved
APPLICATION
A Deacon Died in Worship
Have You Checked You Pulse Lately?
DEAD ON ARRIVAL
“Have You Checked Your Pulse Lately”
Sunday, June 6, 1999 - Revelation 3:1-6
1A. THE ____________________ OF THE CHURCH (3:1)
Had a good __________________ ‑ very popular!
2A. THE RIGORMORTIS OF THE CHURCH (3:1b)
1B. The ___________________ Departs
2B. The ___________________ Depart
There is something contagious about the Holy Spirit
3B. The ____________________ Departs (3:2)
2 Timothy 3:5 (NIV) having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.
3A. THE REFORMATION OF THE CHURCH (3:2-3)
1B. God Calls Us to _________________ the Past (3:3)
God's recipe: Remember, Repent, and Return!
2B. God Calls Us to ______________ the Present (3:3b)
3B. God Calls Us to be ______________ for the Future (3:3c)
1 Thessalonians 5:4 (NIV) But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
4A. THE ______________________ IN THE CHURCH
1B. They Were Virtuous (3:4)
They would not defile themselves
2B. They Were ________________ (3:5)