The Apostle John’s letter to the church at Sardis may be outlined under six headings: Destination (3:1), The Lord (3:1), Commendation (None), Condemnation (3:1b-2), Exhortation (3:3-4), Promise (3:5-6).
Destination (Revelation 3:1)
Sardis was about thirty miles south of Thyatira and was known for its wool industry. The word Sardis is probably from a Hebrew word meaning “rest or remnant.” This church may represent the Reformation period from 1500 to around 1750 A.D.
The Lord (Revelation 3:1)
Christ, the originator of this letter, is identified as having the seven spirits of God (Revelation 1:4; 5:6). This is perhaps a reference to the perfection of the Holy Spirit, for the number seven denotes wholeness and completeness. If the church was to have life, it had to come from the Holy Spirit. Christ is also seen as the One who sustains the Pastors and has control over them!
Commendation (None)
There is no initial message of commendation.
Condemnation (Revelation 3:1b-2)
Christ was aware of everything this church was doing. They had a name (reputation) for being alive. They were regarded as being an effective church, but they were devoid of spiritual life and power! They were truly satisfied with having a great name but they had no depth of spiritual power. They had an impressive appearance, but they were lacking spiritual vitality! In verse 2, they were admonished to wake up, and be constantly on the alert. They needed to open their eyes and take a serious look at their terrible condition. Their service for the Lord was not perfect or complete. They had fallen far from Christ’s goal for them.
Exhortation (Revelation 3:3-4)
To remedy their poor spiritual condition, Christ exhorted them to remember the teaching they had received and accepted at first. This was a call to go back to the basics! They were to concentrate on things that were truly important. What counts is not one’s reputation before others but approval from God! God was not satisfied with the church at Sardis. The members were living phony and hypocritical lives, trusting in their shallow reputation. This church needed to wake up from their spiritual stupor and repent. If they refuse to repent, Christ would come upon them suddenly, like a thief. He would come as a thief simply means He would come unexpectedly: “Thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee” (Revelation 3:3). In verse 4, there was a small faithful remnant (a few names) who had not soiled their garments (compromised with pagan society). To the faithful remnant, they shall be privileged to walk with Christ, signifying having fellowship with Christ.
Promise (Revelation 3:5-6)
The believers (overcomers) are promised eternal citizenship in heaven. All believers’ names are written in the book of life. Our names will never be blotted out of the book of life because we are eternally secured in Jesus Christ (John 10:28-30). Another promise by Christ is that He will confess our names before God the Father and the angels. We need to heed this important message to this church of Sardis.
May God Bless!
