Church of the Living Dead

Introduction

Taylor - a story of betrayal by a spiritual leader—and when she asked for help, those in authority would not hear what she was saying.

Why is it difficult to hear the truth? Prejudice; fear of lose (position, favor); selfishness/preservation; unwillingness to see something different or something that challenges the status quo.

But Jesus says:

Text

Revelation 3:6 ESV

6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Seven times Jesus admonishes the churches with this common phrase. Each church addressed is invited to hear—the listen—to receive—to act upon the word of Christ.

Why was it difficult for church leaders to hear the devastating, painful cry of Taylor?

Why is it so difficult for us to hear God’s voice today?

Transition

Today we are going to took at the fifth church in Revelation: the church of Sardis.

When Cyrus attacked the city in the sixth century, his forces noticed the use of a trapdoor under the unguarded walls, and while the occupants slept, he entered to open the city gates.

Three hundred years later, the Seleucid king Antiochus III the Great besieged the city, and apparently took it after reading of Cyrus’s victory.

The inhabitants were once again asleep instead of on guard.

Today we are going to take a look at the church of the living dead—and learn what it takes to hear what the Spirit is saying!

Ian Paul, Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary, ed. Eckhard J. Schnabel, vol. 20, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (London: Inter-Varsity Press, 2018), 99.

Point 1

Jesus Knows what You Do and Who You Are.

Point 2

A Positive Reputation Does Always Mean a Right Relationship with God.

Titus 1:16 ESV

16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

What do your works, your actions, your attitude say about God (your relationship with Him).

Point 3

Rebuild, Remember, Repent, and then there is the Remnant.

Revelation 3:2–3 ESV

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.

Rebuild what is broken:

“Strengthen what remains and and is about to die.”

Loving one another, unity, nourishment of the Word. If these elements are missing, the church dies!

Remember God’s Word:

Repent of your sins:

Remnant

Revelation 3:4 ESV

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.

People who are in alignment with God and His righteousness. “Life of the future is in continuity with a life of holiness in the present.”

Point 4

Experience the Blessing of a Reputation Aligned with a Godly Relationship.

Revelation 3:5 ESV

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.

Three promises:

“Life of the future is in continuity with a life of holiness in the present.” (white garments)

“I will never blot his name out of the book of life.” (Assurance)

“I [Jesus] will confess his name before my Father and before His angels.” (“Belonging to Christ involves reciprocal acknowledgment—but us of him before others, and by him of us before the throne of God.

Conclusion

Matthew 26:41 ESV

41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”