Book of Revelation #6: Sardis: The Dead Church

Faith and the Warning from Sardis

Revelation 3:1-6

Today, we will reflect on the letter the Lord wrote to the fifth church mentioned in Revelation, the church of Sardis. In Revelation 3:1-6, it is stated: “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: The one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says this: I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” It is vital to understand that despite their external appearance, the church in Sardis was spiritually dead. The church is called to be vigilant and to strengthen what little remains. The Lord’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, perseverance, and renewal. Without vigilance, the Lord cautions that He will come like a thief at an unknown hour. This is a call to true faith, urging members to examine their spiritual condition continually. The beautiful reminder is that there are still some in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; they will walk with the Lord in white because they are worthy. The faithful ones are promised that they will not have their names erased from the book of life, a profound encouragement for us all.

The Reality of Compromise in the Church of Sardis

The city of Sardis, located around 80 kilometers east of Smyrna, was significant and affluent, situated on a major trade route. Historically, it was a center of pagan worship and secret religious societies, illustrating a backdrop where the true followers of Christ faced immense challenges. The church in Sardis was surrounded by idolatry, worshiping fertility gods and engaging in sinful festivals that ran contrary to a life of holiness. Such was the reality that the early Christians dealt with in Sardis. Today, only a small farming village called Sart remains where this once-thriving city stood. The depiction of Jesus as the one who possesses the seven spirits of God serves as a reminder of His omniscience. His assessment of the church’s works is unflinching, revealing that despite appearances of vitality—community involvement and activities—their spiritual state was grave. The church was lukewarm, lacking genuine spiritual fervor. The message is clear: it is not enough to just appear alive; true faith and heartfelt commitment to God’s Word must be at the foundation. We must ask ourselves, are we truly committed to Christ or merely going through the motions? If the church fails to address its spiritual condition, it risks becoming obsolete, drowned in formality while creativity and life wither away.

Perseverance and the Call to Renewal

The admonition to the Sardian church is a critical lesson for modern believers. As we take stock of our own spiritual lives, it is vital to foster a genuine relationship with Christ. The church historically represents a warning as the Protestant church, which, after the Reformation, gained a reputation for faithfulness to the Word of God. However, over centuries, many have drifted away from core doctrines. The essence of revival and renewal lies in faith, asserting strong ties to Scripture, and advocating for spiritual growth. The God whom we serve is a God of action. He invites us to re-establish our first love for Him and to rekindle our commitment. We are called to embrace the Spirit’s transforming power, enabling us to be a vibrant church that goes beyond appearances. It is a spiritual path that requires self-examination and a commitment to genuine faith. Let us also encourage one another to pursue that path of renewal and identity founded in the love and grace of Christ, ensuring our church’s light shines brightly in our community.

Understanding Sardis and Its Spiritual Decline

The city of Sardis was located around 80 kilometers east of Smyrna. It was a wealthy and significant city that lay on a major trade route. Historically, it was ruled by Croesus, an immensely rich monarch in the 6th century BC. However, Sardis was not just a center of commerce; it also served as a hub of pagan worship and secret religious societies. Among its notable structures was the temple of Artemis, remnants of which still exist today. The inhabitants of Sardis engaged in idolatry, primarily venerating the goddess Cybele, known for her association with fertility. Notably, festivals honoring Cybele were notorious for their excessive revelry and sinful activities. This explains the dire spiritual condition of Sardis during biblical times. We will reflect on the message that the Lord conveyed to this 5th church mentioned in Revelation, urging the faithful to remain vigilant and committed to their faith.

The Lord’s Evaluation of Sardis

In Revelation 3:1, the Lord describes Himself as “the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.” This underscores that the fullness of the Spirit rests upon Jesus Christ, who has absolute knowledge of the conditions within His churches. Despite the outward appearance of the church in Sardis, which seemed alive and vibrant, the harsh truth was that it was spiritually dead. Jesus plainly states, “I know your works; you have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” Unlike His earlier messages to the other churches that included commendations, there is no word of praise for Sardis. This reflects a critical state where the church is more focused on maintaining a facade of life rather than nurturing genuine spiritual growth. The Lord’s evaluation serves as a reminder that we cannot only remain engaged in activities without any meaningful relationship with Him.

The Invitation for Renewal

The Lord’s urgent call to Sardis is evident: “Wake up and strengthen what remains and is about to die.” This is an invitation not just for individuals, but for the entire church community to align themselves with God’s will and allow His Spirit to regenerate their faith. Just as Sardis was warned to remember the truth of the Word they initially accepted, we too must reflect on the teachings we have received in our own lives. Are we clinging to the truths of Scripture, or are we at risk of succumbing to a form of godliness devoid of power? The call to repentance is not merely a call to acknowledge our shortcomings; it is a radical transformation that requires us to turn away from complacency and toward an authentic relationship with Christ. The Lord promises that to those who remain faithful, He will acknowledge them before the Father and grant them eternal life. Therefore, let us seek to rekindle our faith and focus on the spiritual growth necessary to live as authentic followers of Christ.

A Hopeful Promise for the Faithful

The passage concludes with profound promises for those who choose to be faithful: The conqueror will be clothed in white garments, symbolizing purity and righteousness. The assurance that their name will not be erased from the Book of Life emphasizes the eternal security found in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The Lord recognizes those who remain steadfast, promising a future filled with glory and acknowledgment before the heavenly hosts. As we reflect on the state of our own lives and that of our church, may we not settle for the outward appearances but strive for genuine love, faith, and perseverance. Let us heed the call to renewal and encourage one another to grow in grace. By prioritizing spiritual vitality over mere activity, we can avoid the fate of Sardis and instead flourish as living testimonies of God’s transformative love.

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer

 Questions and Answers Relating to the Seven Churches in Revelation