Sardis

Revelation 3:1-6

Sardis

• 30 miles SE of Thyatira

• five important roads converged in Sardis, making it one of the great trade centers of Asia Minor

• first coins were minted in Sardis

• nothing known about the establishment of the church

The Church Mirrored Its City

• The city enjoyed a strategic location.

• Gave the citizens an overconfident sense of security.

• The church does not appear to be burdened with the enforcement of emperor worship.

• Sardis was notorious for its pleasures and love for luxury.

Identification

• He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars

Complaint

• I know your works

• that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead

• for I have not found your works perfect before God

Counsel

• Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die,

• Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent

Counsel

• Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you

Commendation

• You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments

Promise

• they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments

• I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life

• I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

Lessons From Sardis

• A church’s reputation may not be its true character (2 Cor. 13:5).

• A church that abandons its distinction in order to blend in with the religious landscape will die without completing its works.

• Judgment will be on an individual basis.

• Christians are to “watch!”

• Is your name found in the Book of Life?

Philadelphia

Revelation 3:7-13

Philadelphia

• 28 miles SE of Sardis

• the youngest of the seven cities

• strategically located on a major road leading to the east out of Europe

• built as a “missionary city” to carry Greek language and culture to the east

Philadelphia’s Fear

• earthquakes were common to the area

• severe earthquake destroyed the city in AD 17, was rebuilt

• citizens lived in constant fear, were routinely seen dwelling outside the city in tents

• like Smyrna, the church suffered at the hands of Jews

Identification

• He who is holy, He who is true

• He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens

Commendation

• I know your works

• I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it

Commendation

• for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name

• you have kept My command to persevere

Counsel

• Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown

Promise

• Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie — indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you

Promise

• Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial

• I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more

Promise

• I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name

Lessons From Philadelphia

• A church’s effectiveness does not depend upon physical numbers, status or strength

• Jesus has all authority

• The Lord gives us opportunities, but expects us to take them

• Eternal security is acquired through faithfulness and perseverance