Letter To Our Churches (V)

               

LETTER TO OUR CHURCHES (V)
Revelations 3:1-6

Under the spotlight of our study is the Church in Sardis. No positive commendations for this church but condemnation. They are a church that is given to works, but dead works to be precise. People on the outside see this church as a living church, but Christ sees them as dead; to the world, this church portrays the life of Christ, but as a matter of fact, they are lifeless. There were many from this church that still have things to do with that Old Man and his deeds. There was nothing of positive note about this church.

Like many believers think today, the church in Sardis thought even Christ could be fooled and misguided by their dead works. Believers today engage in dead works just to please the men around or even the ministers of God; they engage in all sorts of activities thereby drawing praise from men.

Just as Jesus condemned the lifeless state of the church in Sardis, so is He condemning many believers already. The church in Sardis was filled with unsaved people going through the motions and practices of religion; many modern day christians fall into this category, they are only being religious not spiritual and godly. That mind which was in Christ Jesus is not in them, Philippians 2:5.

In the church today, many people have turned out to be tares among the wheats, Matthew 13:24-30). Now, Jesus is sending out calls to repentance,
Revelations 3:2-3a; "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent..."

He wants you to stop being careless about your heart's condition and placement before God. A severe punishment awaits those who will remain adamant and would not return to Him.

Jesus acknowledges that there are still faithful and spotless people even in this corrupt generation, even in this gathering of lifelessness; Revelations 3:4; "Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy." He has seen how much you have denied yourself all for His Kingdom. May He continue to strengthen and uphold you.

He has promises for us if we would hold on as true soldiers. When we hold on till the end, then we have overcome the world. There are promises for the ones that will overcome this world of cruelty;
Revelations 3:4-5; "You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

May God keep our feet from falling in Jesus' name.