THE CHURCH IN SARDIS - II

Revelation 3:1 '“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.'

When we look into the churches mentioned in the book of revelation, we can clearly understand the expectations of the Lord concerning a church. In these end of times, we should be the church which is according to the pattern of the Lord. In the above passage, the Lord clearly speaks certain things to this church in Sardis. We see the city of Sardis used to be a wealthy city and also a city where strategic decisions are taken. This was also a luxurious place where people from many places were gathered here for trading. And also due to lot of trading activities and varied cultures, the sins were also increased. The message given to this church is a message of warning. And the same time the letter from Jesus is a call for revival. The church in Sardis may appear vibrant outwardly but inside they lacked true spiritual life. Today let us learn how our spiritual life is in the inner state.

THE ONE WHO HOLDS AUTHORITY

Revelation 3:1 '... These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.'

Here we see the Lord speaks about the Holy spirit which is inside of them which is hidden. In the above passage, the words were spoken by the one who holds seven spirits of God and seven stars. This symbolises the divine authority of the Lord. The seven spirits of God signifies the fullness of the Holy ghost. We can read about that in Isaiah 11:2 'The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.' The spirit of the Lord is something which perfects his children. The Holy spirt will speak and guide us. The Lord has given his authority to his children. We need to use that authority in our lives. Seven stars represents the leaders and messenger of the churches. We see the Lord Jesus holds them and that demonstrate his authority over the church. The Lord gives a message to this church to revive them. We need to understand that the true revival comes from Jesus. He is the one who will empower and lead the church through the Holy Spirit. In times of sickness, we need to resist them by chiding them in the name of Jesus with the authority the Lord gave us. Let us not depend on the tablets but the divine healer. The Lord has formed the church in this world so that we as church get prepared as the bride for Christ. Therefore, we need to identify the authority given by the Lord and we need exercise it accordingly.

THE REBUKED CHURCH

Revelation 3:1 '...I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.'

Over here we read about the rebuke of the Lord. The Lord not only rebukes the church but also tells them the reason for it. Even in courts, they list down the crimes before giving a verdict. Similarly, the Lord rebukes the churches by giving the reason. Here the Lord calls the church as a dead one. The church in Sardis had a good reputation outwardly and it was wealthy as well. However inside the spiritual life, it was dead. The church was spiritually lifeless. Reading the above verse, we can understand there are churches which are alive and church which are dead. We can realise this when the presence of the Lord is missing inside the church. Today, we need to ask ourselves saying 'Am i alive or dead?' We see the work of the people in the church were incomplete before God suggesting lack of spiritual depth and genuine faith. Even in our lives, all the things that is hidden in our hearts is known to us, known to God but also known to Satan. Therefore, we need to lend our ears to the word of God. When there is no spiritual life, all our outward appearances and activities will be meaningless. The Lord sees the heart of his children. Let us examine ourselves to know if we have the genuine faith for Christ.

A REVIVED AND STRENGTHENED CHURCH

Revelation 3:2 'Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.'

Over here the Lord asks the church to WAKE UP. The Lord also asks the church to strengthen the things which are left in their lives. The Lord asks the church to strengthen what remains and about to die. The Lord wants the church to identify this and revive from that. Jesus calls the church to spiritual alertness and action urging them to rekindle their dying faith.
Also the Lord asks the church to remember the things they heard and received. He asks the church to hold on to it and repent. Even in our lives, we are forgetful and have a fading memory. Therefore, when we remember the word of God by writing it, it will be easy to hold on to it. The Lord also tells them how they can regain the revival. Firstly, he asks them to remember the Gospel. Secondly, return to the foundational truth (Salvation-Anointing-Baptism). Thirdly, to live in obedience to the word of God. Spiritual revival begins with self-awareness. Each and every believer should have this self-awareness concerning their spiritual stage. Unless we accept the word of God and repent, we cannot witness any change in our lives. A small revival can change the person, which will impact his family, which will impact his church, which will impact his neighbourhood and the entire city and nation. Therefore, lets us return to Gospel and doctrines of the Lord. Let us be revived and strengthened in Christ.

THE CHURCH THAT PRESERVES UNTIL THE END

Revelation 3:3-4 'Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.'

Here we see about the few people who has no soiled their garments. Not everyone in the church were Holy. Only a very few were called as worthy. The Lord is telling them if they are reforming and prepared, he will come to them like a thief. The coming of Jesus is compared to the coming of a thief. The warning of Jesus coming like a thief emphasises the suddenness of judgement for those who remain unrepentant. Even in our lives, we have some dark areas where we neglect and pay no attention. We need to ask the Holy spirit to reveal the things we are complacent about. These things can end in a fatal way. Delayed repentance and complacency can lead to unexpected consequences.

When we remain holy until the end not defiling our garments, we will be victorious. People who are victorious will walk with Jesus dressed with white. Their names will not be blotted out from the book of life. The Lord will affirm their names before his father and his angels. Also the Lord gives eternal life to those who remain faithful. Every good deed that we do for the Lord will ne noted and will be rewarded to his children.

CONCLUSION : A call to revival - The church in Sardis reminds us that spiritual vitality is not about reputation or activities but a genuine vibrant relationship with God. The Lord Jesus calls his church to wake up repent and strengthen what is remaining.
> Examine your spiritual life - Assess whether your faith is vibrant or merely outward appearances. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of spiritual complacency.
> Wake up spiritually - Avoid spiritual slumber by staying vigilant in prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word. Be alert to the Holy Spirit’s leading.
> Repent and Return to God - Remember the gospel message and live according to its truth. Repent of sin and seek a deeper relationship with Christ.
> Encourage faithfulness - Be a light in your church or community, encouraging others to remain steadfast and obedient to God.
> Focus on Eternal rewards - Keep your eyes on the promises of eternal life and Jesus’ acknowledgment before the Father. Let this motivate your faithfulness.