We have come to the fifth of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation. It is the church in the city of Sardis. Unfortunately, this church has been known throughout history as the “dead church.” We shall see why in a few moments.

(Revelation 3:1-6)

“Write to the angel of the church in Sardis: “The One who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead. ² Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God. ³ Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you. ⁴ But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy. ⁵ In the same way, the victor will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of Life but will acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels. ⁶ “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. 

This church was located about thirty miles southeast of the church at Thyatira. Although the city of Sardis had suffered from the effects of a great earthquake in the first century and had been affected by war on at least two different occasions, it was known as a wealthy city.

The “seven spirits of God” in verse one most likely refer to the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2-3; Revelation 3:1; 4:5; 5:6). This phrase is only found in the book of Revelation. It possibly refers to the sevenfold work of the Holy Spirit revealed in (Isaiah 11:2). “The Spirit of the Lord,” “the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,” “the Spirit of counsel and of power,” and “the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.” Jesus didn’t condemn this church for heresy like so many of the other churches we have looked at, He condemned them for being spiritually dead. This church looked so good from the outside but was corrupt on the inside. This is a common problem among modern-day Christian churches and individuals. Everything looks to be fantastic on the outside but falling apart on the inside. Christ knew the true condition of this church. He knows our hearts as well.

Jesus said they have a “reputation” for being “alive,” but they are dead. Isn’t that the way many of our churches and people think today? Thinking it is all about numbers and achievements. But while these churches and people are being praised, God has stamped them as dead. The Lord looks at the character of a church or individual. He looks at the heart.

So how did Jesus respond to their condition? He responded with a two-fold command that was to help them to survive and not die. He said they are to “be alert” or “watchful.” Watchful of the things that were causing death. They were also to “strengthen what remains.” Bringing this into a modern-day application for us, means Christians are to be supporting the good things the church is doing. Not just monetarily but also by being present and participating in the good part of the church so it will gain strength.

The Lord said He had not found their work “complete.” This exposes the dedication of the people. They were only partly involved spiritually. The carnal things of the world were keeping them from being all in with their faith.

After telling this church what He knew about their character, He gave them a three-fold challenge. He challenged them to “remember” their past when they did well. They needed to remember how greatly endowed (what they had heard and received) they were spiritually at one time. They needed to “keep” or “hold fast” to what had worked and not just move on the next newest thing. Lastly, Jesus told them they needed to “repent” of their sin. This means they own up to their own sin and confess it and turn from it.

Jesus then cautioned them that if they didn’t remain “alert,” He would come like a thief and take away the blessings they had. Being “alert” concerns being attentive to the spiritual health of the church. Churches and individuals will lose their spiritual blessings and privileges if they are not “watchful” of the spiritual things of the church.

Jesus did have a word of commendation for the church. He said there were a “few” who had not defiled themselves. The truth of the matter is that holiness is not something that is going to be popular in the world, but it is the best way to live your life. These few were like people in white walking in the middle of the defiled. Another reality is our churches are filled with those who live unholy lives but there are a “few” who stay true. If you are striving to stay true to God and His Word, God will honor you. You will not be honored in the world for being holy, but you will be by God who honors those of high character.