Revelation Series; wk. 4 - To The Church of Sardis 9.14.25

Title: To The Church of Sardis
Main Scriptures: Revelation 3:1-6
Link to full Sermon: (click here)

To The Church of Sardis

History of Sardis

Sardis was the capital of the kingdom of Lydia, about thirty miles southeast of Thyatira. It was once wealthy and powerful, but its glory did not last. The city was captured multiple times, often because its walls were unwatched and its people overconfident. Sardis hosted a massive temple to Artemis, one of the largest in the ancient world, and also honored the Roman imperial cult. By the time of the New Testament, Sardis had declined in influence. After a devastating earthquake in AD 17, it was rebuilt, but never fully regained strength. Into this city came the church.

Address and Authority of Christ (v. 1a)

Jesus introduces Himself as the One who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. His authority is complete, and His perspective is perfect. He knows the true condition of His church.

The Condition of the Church (v. 1b)

“I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” The church at Sardis looked alive on the outside but was spiritually lifeless on the inside. They had the form of godliness without the power of the Spirit. They were going through the motions, boasting about their works, and clinging to reputation.

This reminds us that God looks beyond appearances. As 1 Samuel 16:7 says, man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. A church can be busy with programs and activities yet still be dead in the eyes of Christ.

The Call to Wake Up (vv. 2–3)

Jesus tells Sardis to wake up and strengthen what remains before it dies. They must remember what they received and heard, keep it, and repent. If not, He will come like a thief, suddenly and unexpectedly.

What had they received?
 
The gospel message, sound teaching, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. They had drifted away from the foundation of their faith.

We too must guard against spiritual drift:

1. Stay anchored in God’s Word (Hebrews 2:1).
2. Cultivate a life of prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
3. Practice regular self-examination (2 Corinthians 13:5).
4. Walk in community (Hebrews 10:24–25).
5. Master the gospel until it overflows naturally.
6. Obey Christ quickly and fully (James 1:22).
7. Stay watchful and alert to temptation.

Isolation fuels drift, but community keeps us strong.

The Commendation (v. 4)

Jesus commends the few in Sardis who have not soiled their garments. They will walk with Him in white, for they are worthy. These believers remained faithful despite the deadness around them. Their clean garments represent purity and faithfulness, while soiled garments symbolize compromise and corruption.

The Promise to the Overcomer (vv. 5–6)

To the one who conquers, Jesus promises three things. They will be clothed in white garments, their name will never be blotted out of the Book of Life, and Christ will confess their name before the Father and His angels. These are powerful assurances of security, purity, and eternal recognition.

Ending

The church in Sardis was spiritually dead because they were drifting away from Christ. But Jesus called them to wake up, repent, and return to the gospel. The same call comes to us today. We must not settle for going through the motions or resting on reputation. Instead, we are called to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37) and to live in the power of His Spirit.

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