Scripture to Read: Revelation 3:1
We continue today in Revelation 3:1 because of our Lord’s strong words to the church in Sardis being “dead.” We have all known churches that appear to be doing well. They may have what seems like great preaching, programs, worship, and even will have big crowds, but the people who fill that church do not know our Lord. The indictment on the church at Sardis is that they were “dead” because they had no relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. They were still lost in their sin. The evidence of a “transformed life” is a life that does what God commands. Jesus makes this Truth clear in the gospels (Matthew 7:21; Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49), in Romans 2:13, and also in James 1:22-25; James 2:14-26. There are several other places in Scripture where our Lord tells us that obedience to His Word is a true sign of the Christian life. Jesus says in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, ’will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” The history of Sardis was that its location was on top of a steep hill. The people who lived there thought their location ensured its safety from enemies. Since it seemed secure, the guards of that city failed to protect the cliffs surrounding the city and the city was overtaken twice. The more significant failure was that the church never received “life” through the gospel they heard.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about walking in obedience to Him and His Word?
2. We must examine our lives and make sure we are walking in obedience to our Lord. How are you walking in obedience daily?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!