To the Church in Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6)

For the church in Sardis, it was time for a wake up call.  The church had a reputation for being alive, yet Jesus calls them dead (Rev. 3:1).  The reality of the character of the Christians in Sardis did not match the good reputation that they had.  Ephesians 2:1 says that we were all dead in the trespasses and sins in which we once walked, but we later read in verses 4-6, that we have been graciously made alive in Christ Jesus. That offer withstanding, the Christians in Sardis were dead spiritually: Dead to Christ, dead to God, dead men walking.

Jesus tells them in Rev. 3:2, “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.”  The church in Sardis was apathetic and unresponsive, and this was its wake up call.  Their works had not been completed.  The church had started their race, but had stopped before they reached the finish line. Jesus urges them, here, to straighten up by clinging to His word and repenting of their ways (much like the church in Ephesus, Rev. 2:4-5).  If they remain sleeping, Jesus will enter their homes like a thief, without them ever knowing (Rev. 3:3).

Though the majority of the church in Sardis were being unfaithful, there were some who were deemed worthy, having not “soiled their garments, walking with Him in white” (v.4).   They had “taken off their old self, which belonged to their former manner of life” (Eph. 4:22).  To the faithful, “the one who conquers,” Jesus also offers these 3 things, found in Rev. 3:5:

  1. They will be clothed in white.  In Rev. 7:13-14, the people are praising God and the Lamb for the salvation they have provided. “Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Those who conquer the sinfulness of this world will be clothed in Christ and made righteous by the only one who has the power to do so, the perfect Lamb of God.
  2. Their name would never be blotted out of the Book of Life.  Those who remain faithful throughout life will never be blotted out.
  3. He will confess their name before the Father (See Matt. 10:32-33 & Luke 12:8-9).  Notice how parents’ possession of children shifts depending on what they have done.  When they have done something bad, it’s “Did you see what your son/daughter did?” but when it’s good it’s “That’s my boy/girl.”  Why is that?  Because possession equals approval.  When Jesus confesses us, claiming us as His, he’s looking at our lives and deeming us acceptable, worthy, and approved.

The lesson to the church in Sardis is two-fold.  First, to the unfaithful, let your reputation (what is on the outside) reflect your character (Reality, what is on the inside), and not the other way around.  Secondly, to the faithful, God has much to offer.  Strive to be among those whom God deems worthy.

  • Jared McLeod

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