The Seven Churches: Part III

5. Sardis, “[some] have not soiled their garments”

BUT… “you have the name ‘alive’, but you are dead”; “I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God”

situated in such a way this city was impregnable, it was a city on a hill, strong and high for all to see. but a weakness was found in 549 and in 218 BC, the city was seized, and then an earthquake in 17 AD left this city in crumbles, too small to fit up on the top any longer, it spilled to the lower region, arrogance, false security, leaning on a reputation from the past, fear perhaps of losing what little is left of that reputation,

6. Philadelphia, “you have kept my word”; “you have not denied my name”; “you have kept my word about patient endurance”

BUT…no condemnation

The city named after Attalus II (159-138 BC) for his loyalty to his brother Eumenes. Established to spread the Greek language and customs

7. Laodicea, “you are neither hot or cold [i.e., not useful]”; “you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked”

BUT…no commendation

hot springs made this a “spa” resort town, famous for remedies to cure or sooth weak eyes, black wool was abundant and woven into the clothing, it was at a convergence of three major roads, making it a center of financial and commercial influence. It was a wealthy town. This church struggles with the idea that wealth is the evidence of God’s blessing and they are just fine.

even though the lord wants to spit them out, he is gracious with them. truth and love.

What we do on our own will overflow and strengthen the body. What we do together will strengthen what we do on our own.

Prayer: We don’t want to be any of these 5 churches, we want to be a faithful, obedient, trustworthy church.

Loving one Another/Being Distant from one another

Enduring with one another/Giving Up, Tapping Out

Faithfulness to God/Caving In to our Desiires/Cravings

Trusting the Lord Will Provide/Worrying we need to provide for ourselves

Actively Pursuing works and growth/saying the right things at the right time