Scripture to Read: Revelation 3:1
We continue our journey through Revelation. This week we focus on Revelation 3:1-6 and our Lord’s Words to the church in Sardis. As we begin, we must remember that the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ has been given in order to reach everyone who is dead in their sin. When someone who is dead in their sin hears the message of Christ, repents, and turns to follow Christ completely, they are then “made alive together with Christ.” God says it this way in Ephesians 2:4-5, But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved). Our Lord Jesus Christ has John start His letter to the church in Sardis the same as He did His other letters in Revelation 2. Christ gives an introduction, and then our Lord gives His opening remarks. But this time our Lord does not provide any words of encouragement to the church in Sardis. Our Lord starts this letter with a word of warning. Our Lord tells the church that He knows their works and that their works are worthless. He also points out that though the church in Sardis has a reputation for being “alive,” they are actually “dead.” Most of the people in the church in Sardis were playing church and going through the motions but their hearts had never been transformed by Christ. Only through repentance of sin and turning to Christ can a life be changed.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about people who think they’re “alive” when they are actually still “dead” in their sin?
2. Who will you share this truth with this week; who needs to cross over from death in sin to life in Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!