Revelation 3:1-6
 
Background: Sardis part of the trade route into the interior of Asia. It’s thirty miles from Thyatira. It had at one time been a vibrant ministry. The problem many churches have is that they live in the hay day. They dream of a time when ministry was alive and forget that they are responsible for the ministry now!  
 
The Diagnosis v.1
 

The Greek word used in verse 1 is Nekros- meaning physically and spiritually dead. It’s the same type of death Paul mentions in Ephesians as he describes our status before Christ.

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.” Ephesians 2:1-2
 
The Greek word used in verse 1 is Nekros- meaning physically and spiritually dead.
 
The Prescription vv.2-4
 
The only prescription for a dead person to come to life, or a dead church to be awakened is for the supernatural work of Christ. We can encourage His work by being obedient. Here are five ways the scripture gives us insight into how to be obedient.
 
  1. Watch v.2- “Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die” This term of wake up is a term used to kept watch out for the enemy. It is as if the church has been asleep and must awaken to keep watch. Watch for what, what remains alive before it dies.
 
1 Corinthians 15:34 “Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.”
 
  1. Work v.2- “for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.” What are we called to do? Make disciples!
  2. Weep v.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.”
  3. Wash v.4- “Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments”
 
The idea was that a few people, a remnant were in the church, that were indeed washed by the blood of Christ and being obedient.
 
  1. Walk v.4- “and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.”
 
What does it mean to walk with the Lord, to follow Christ? It means to be obedient and trust Him. It means to do the work of ministry. Share Christ! Love others!
 
The Recuperation vv.5-6
 
What does the great Healer do when we are obedient?
 
  1. “clothed thus in white” – given an identity in Christ
  2. “I will never blot his name out of the book of life.” – Assurance of salvation, sealed
  3. “I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.” – Acceptance