“Jesus’ Assessment of the Church at Sardis” 4/06/08
Revelation 3:1-6
Economic- Very wealthy. Crossroads
with 5 roads. Wool garments traded. $$
Political-
Romans
assize town where justice was administered.
Religious- No major Caesar worship.
Worship of Cybele (earth goddess).
Wannabees
in music, sports, peformace artists.
START IN VERSE 6.
A.
The
letter to the church contains the CORRESPONDENT’S TITLE
(Revelation 1:16, 20, 2:1 7 Spirits; 7 Stars)
B.
The
letter to the church contains Jesus’ CRITICISM
He knows their works:
1)
NAME- growth, money, talent, programs, busyness.
2)
DEAD- no authentic spiritual life.
We
demonstrate spiritual life through: 1) Loving God; 2) Obeying God; 3) Prayer;
4)
Being in the Word; 5) Evangelism; 6) Loving each other/forgiveness
C.
The
letter to the church contains Jesus’ COUNSEL
1)
Be
Intentionally Watchful
2)
Strengthen
the remaining living things. Jesus
expects return.
3)
Remember
HOW you received/heard (Gal 3:1-5; 2
Tim 3:5).
Holy
Spirit is necessary (Prayer meetings, fasting, seeking) RANDALL QUOTE (below)
4)
Guard
it!
5)
Repent
(1 John 1:9).
6)
Risk
of judgment because we are not intentionally watching.
D.
The
letter to the church contains Jesus’ COMMENDATION
(Verse 4; few names who
haven’t defiled their garments; lack of holiness; Romans 12:1-2; 1 John
1:9)
“Pursue… holiness, without which no one will see the
Lord.”
Hebrews 12:14
E. HULSE QUOTE (below)
F.
The
letter to the church contains Jesus’ CLOSURE
(God’s Book: Ex 32:32; Ps 69:28 Mal 3:16; Dan 12:1;
Ps 139:16;
Book of Life: Phil 4:3; Rev 13:8, 17:8, 20:12, 15,
21:27, 22:19)
“Who
is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of
God?” 1 John 5:5
Deeper Spirit to be alive to Him
through your actions!
(Mat 11:15, 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9; 23; Luke 8:8;
14:35; Rev 2-3)
The coming together of the Spirit of God with the spirit of man is
the secret of inspiration, revelation, religion, regeneration, consecration.
When the Spirit of God unveils a truth, there is revelation; when He inbreathes
into a man, there is inspiration; when He renews, quickens, and inspires, there
is dedication, even regeneration and consecration. The Holy Spirit may either
illumine the mind with truth, or set it on fire with love. And when His power
is exerted in all its sevenfold might, anyone so charged with Divine energy may
receive it in any form whatever, for the purpose of fulfilling any kind of
life-work which God may have for him to do. There is no limit to our possible equipment
for service. (T. Randall)
What is the state of churches in the world today? The answer is
that evangelical churches generally throughout the world are in a state of
weakness. There are tens of thousands of such churches but spiritual revival is
only rarely to be found among them. Many churches have the appearance of life.
They have a name to live but are dead. Conviction of sin, appetite for prayer
meetings, and the study of doctrine are the exception. There is enthusiasm for
Hollywood-type videos, glossy easy-to-read magazines, sermonettes, exciting
campaigns, variety programs in the services and entertainment. Spirit-filled
preachers who expound the Scriptures so as to bring transformation of life to
all classes of society are uncommon. 20th century evangelicalism bears marks of
superficiality. Truths loved by our forefathers are now largely despised. To
contend for them is regarded with cynicism and even ridicule. Evangelicalism
today is world-wide but is deficient in depth, in doctrine, in unity and in
vital spiritual life. (E. Hulse)