A Letter to the Spiritually Dead (Revelation 3:1-6) November 28/29 2015

1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

New Bible Dictionary (3rd edition, p. 1062), Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL; InterVarsity Press

Study Questions 1. As we’ve already seen, the letters to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 are all similarly structured.

Use the chart below to summarize the Lord’s message to Sardis. Do you have any blank boxes?

Description of Jesus

Obedient action(s)

Disobedient action(s)

If they continue to disobey…

If they obey…

2. There is no mention of persecution of the church at Sardis. Read Matthew 10:16-22. What should our expectations be for persecution in our faith? Can you think of a time when you have been persecuted for your faith in Jesus?

Historical Bite on Sardis Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, the greatest of the powers encountered by the Greeks during their early colonization of Asia Minor. Its early prosperity became a byword for wealth; its riches are said to derive in part from the gold won through the stream which flowed through the city. The original city was an almost impregnable fortress-citadel, towering above the broad valley of the Hermus and nearly surrounded by precipitous cliffs of loose rock. There is now a small city (Sart) near the site of the ancient city.

 

 

A Letter to the Spiritually Dead (Revelation 3:1-6) (continued)

3. Pastor Robbie listed some of the signs that the Holy Spirit is working in us. Read 1 Thessalonians

5:11 and Hebrews 3:13. What are ways that you see the Spirit working in your small group men and ladies? Take time in your group to glorify God as you encourage one another in how the Spirit is working.

4. Pastor Robbie talked about the need to wake up, sit up and ‘fess up. When you consider your participation in our church, your small group and your family, are there ways that God is calling you to wake up, sit up and ‘fess up?

5. Revelation 3:4 talks about God preserving a remnant in the church of Sardis. Read Zechariah 8:6-8 and Romans 11:1-6. When you consider your situation (work, family, friends, etc) , how does this truth encourage your faith?

6. God wrote the book of life before the beginning of the world. Read Revelation 20:11-15 and describe how this truth should be both encouraging and sobering to believers in Jesus Christ. What verses can you point to that show God’s sovereignty in salvation by grace alone?

7. The thought of Christ confessing our names before God should humble us beyond all earthly measure. Read Romans 8:26-39. List ways in which God’s unending love for us is displayed practically in our lives.

Breakout Questions 1. The church at Sardis had a reputation of being alive and living on its past glory. God calls us to make

disciples (Matthew 28:19) and to preach the gospel in season and out of season (2 Timothy 4:2). Are you growing in these areas or living on past glory?

2. Matthew Henry said that “every word of God deserves attention from man.” What specific convictions

and insight has God led you to this week in His Word?