Sardis: A church that was about image over substance

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REVELATION 3:1-6 NET

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write the following: “This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a reputation that you are alive, but in reality you are dead. ² Wake up then, and strengthen what remains that was about to die, because I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. ³ Therefore, remember what you received and heard, and obey it, and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come against you. ⁴ But you have a few individuals in Sardis who have not stained their clothes, and they will walk with me dressed in white, because they are worthy. ⁵ The one who conquers will be dressed like them in white clothing, and I will never erase his name from the book of life, but will declare his name before my Father and before his angels. ⁶ The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

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BE more interested in the content of your character than your reputation. Character is WHO you are; reputation is what people THINK you are.

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What does God say to do?

1. Wake up/Be watchful - v.2
2. It’s not how you start but how you finish; Your work is unfinished in God’s sight - v.2
3. Remember what you received and heard - v.3
4. Repent and obey - v.3

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Rewards of doing it God’s way:

• Walk with God - v.4
• Clothed in His character - v.5
• Name in Book of Life - v.5
• Jesus speaks on your behalf before God the Father and angels! - v.5

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WALK WITH GOD AND FINISH WELL

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WHAT WE LEARN FROM THE CHURCHES:

• Ephesus Be Loving
• Smyrna Be Enduring
• Pergamum Be Unwavering
• Thyatira Be Faithful
• Sardis Be Alert & Finish Strong
• Philadelphia Be Steady and Persevere
• Laodicea Be Passionate

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1. Ephesus: The Loveless Church.

2. Smyrna: The Suffering Church.

3. Pergamum: The Compromising Church.

4. Thyatira: The Adulterous Church.

5. Sardis: The Dead Church.

6. Philadelphia: The Faithful Church.

7. Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church.