Rev. 3:1-6; Psalm 34:15-18

Rev. 3:1-6
We are still studying what Jesus had to say to 7 churches. Don't forget that these letters apply to the church today as well! This particular message is to the church in Sardis. Like the others it comes from Christ who here describes Himself as "him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars." v. 1. The "seven spirits" is probably a reference to the Holy Spirit. Though we know there is only one Holy Spirit, we believe the number seven represents His perfection. The work of the Holy Spirit was very much needed in Sardis. The seven stars refer to the pastors who should always be subject to Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The church at Sardis had a reputation of being alive, but Christ calls them dead. v. 1 Reputation comes from past deeds, and so we can assume that Sardis had at one time been a great church. However, God does not look at our past deeds but rather on our present ones. The "life" of a church comes from the Holy Spirit, and when He is quenched or grieved, the church begins to die. We must not get too comfortable, and we must not take our salvation or God's blessing or our responsibilities for granted. Apparently, Sardis was not beyond hope because v. 2 encourages them to "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die,..."  It seems that Sardis was asleep at the wheel. They were not being persecuted because they were not doing anything meaningful for the Lord!

Here is the prescription for a dying church:

• Wake up! v. 2
• Strengthen your faith. v. 2
• Remember what you have received and heard. v. 3
• Obey God! v. 3
• Repent v. 3

If a dying church refuses to change, they will not be ready when Christ returns. v. 3

There were a few faithful people in Sardis who had not compromised. v. 4 It is often the case that a faithful remnant will be present even in a dying church. Jesus promises them rewards for their faithfulness. It's important to note that vv. 4-5 are not teaching that a believer can lose his salvation. Lost people will have their names removed from the book of life. Actually they have no eternal life. We are enrolled in heaven because we have been born again through the Lord Jesus Christ. We are God's children, and even if we are disobedient children, we cannot be "unborn." The warning here is to stay alert and alive and listening to what the Spirit says to the churches.

Psalm 34:15-18
"The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;...The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles." vv. 15-17  This reassures us when we pray. God sees us, and He hears us, and He will work in our behalf!

Are you sometimes discouraged or depressed? "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." v. 18 God knows everything about us, and He is compassionate when we are hurting.