For I do not want you, brothers and sisters, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; - Romans 11:25
Late in his life, around the turn of the first century, the Apostle John was exiled by the Romans to the small island of Patmos. While serving his sentence there, one Sunday John received an incredible vision from God. The vision began with Jesus standing among 7 lampstands and holding 7 stars in His right hand. Jesus identified and introduced Himself, and then He dictated messages to the 7 churches of Asia.
We have already discussed the first 4 of these letters - those addressed to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thytira. This morning we will briefly examine the final 3 letters. These are found in Revelation chapter 3. Turn there and let’s begin.
I. THE MESSAGE TO SARDIS (Revelation 3:1-6)
The fifth message is written to the church at Sardis. Jesus described Himself as “He who has the 7 spirits of God and the 7 stars”. By way of reminder, the stars are commonly identified as the pastors or leaders of the churches. The 7 spirits of God, mentioned and discussed earlier in chapter 1 verse 4, are generally believed to be the Holy Spirit (see Zechariah 4:1-7).
Unlike His other letters, Jesus had nothing positive to say about the church at Sardis. He didn’t applaud them for their service or ministry. He did not commend them for their faith or perseverance. Instead, He bluntly charged that though they appeared to be alive they were, in fact, dead. Though they had a congregation who met regularly, their church was spiritually lifeless. The Holy Spirit was notably absent from their gatherings. For this reason, the church at Sardis is known as “The Dead Church”.
What is a dead church? There are several descriptors that could be given, but let’s highlight just a few of them. A dead church doesn’t do anything, nor does it really want to do anything. Its members have little to no desire for missions or evangelism. They don’t give generously through their tithes and offering. They don’t want to serve, teach, or volunteer in any way. Discipleship is neglected. The preaching is powerless and uninspiring. The church makes virtually no impact on its community or neighborhood. It has forgotten why it exists. And, perhaps most notably, it isn't growing - either spiritually or physically.
Fortunately, God has the power to raise the dead. He urged the church at Sardis to wake up and to strengthen what remained, for it wasn’t completely past the point of resuscitation. He advised them to remember the things they received and heard, and called them to repent and obey. If they failed to do so, however, Jesus warned that He’d come to them unexpectedly like a thief. To those few in Sardis who had not dirtied themselves by the stains of sin, Jesus promised a “white” robe.
As is the case in each letter, Jesus extended this message to all believers. He promised that everyone who overcame would be given white garments as a token of their righteousness. Furthermore, their names would not be erased from the Book of Life (see Revelation 20:15) and He would personally confess their names before the Father and His angels (see Luke 12:8).
II. THE MESSAGE TO PHILADELPHIA (Revelation 3:7-13)
The sixth letter is addressed to the people and pastor at Philadelphia. Jesus introduced Himself as the One “who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David”. Among other things, this points to Jesus’ dominion and control over the house of David (Isaiah 22:22). It also alludes to His providential authority and ability to open and close doors in our lives.
Jesus complimented the church at Philadelphia for several things. First, He commended them for recognizing and taking advantage of the many opportunities for service that He had provided. Next, He applauded them for working in His strength, rather than their own. Then He praised them for carefully honoring and following His word. Lastly, He approved their courage and unwillingness to deny His name.
The church at Philadelphia is referred to as “The Faithful Church”. Jesus promised that these Christians would same day receive vindication, in that their adversaries (“those of the synagogue of Satan”) would someday bow before them and acknowledge them as beloved children of God. Jesus further promised to keep them “from the hour of testing… which is about to come upon the whole world”. His words provide strong support for a pre-tribulation rapture.
Jesus stated that He is coming quickly and told the Philadelphia believers to hold fast. He pledged to make those who overcame a “pillar in the temple of My God”, pointing to their supportive strength and permanence in His kingdom. Furthermore, Jesus promised to write on them the name of His God, His city (see Revelation 21:10-27), and His own new name. All born-again Christians will be identified as children of God, citizens of the New Jerusalem, and co-heirs with our Lord Jesus Christ.
III. THE MESSAGE TO LAODICEA (Revelation 3:14-22)
The seventh message is directed to the church at Laodicea. Jesus called Himself “The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Origin of the creation of God”. This is comparable to saying “The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end”. It highlights His eternal nature.
Jesus rebuked the church at Laodicea for being neither hot nor cold. It is thought of as “The Lukewarm Church”. He said, in essence, “You make me sick at my stomach.” Apparently, this church was wealthy, prominent, and held a high opinion of itself. In stark contrast, Jesus described it as spiritually “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked”. He urged the members to seek His riches, to clothe themselves in His righteousness, and to be cured of their spiritual blindness. Jesus reprimanded them and called them to repentance because He loved them.
Jesus described Himself as one standing outside and knocking on the door. He pleaded for anyone who heard Him to open the door and let Him in. Though this imagery is often applied to the individual heart and the receiving of salvation, in context it most directly pertains to the Laodician church. Jesus had been shut-out of their congregation! Fortunately, He had not abandoned them completely and patiently longed for reconciliation and renewed fellowship.
Jesus promised that the “one who overcomes” would be allowed to sit “with Me on My throne”, just as He Himself had been seated with His Father on His throne. Those who trust in Christ for salvation will reign with Him. May everyone hear and heed Jesus’ powerful messages to these 7 churches, spoken to us through the Holy Spirit.
CONCLUSION
The 7 churches of Asia each had differing strengths and weaknesses. These varied characteristics have been shared by churches throughout the Church Age. The lessons we learn from them are still relevant and applicable today. Let’s take one last look:
Ephesus - "The Loveless Church” - busily engaged in ministry, but lacking in their love for Jesus
Smyrna - “The Suffering Church” - enduring intense persecution for the cause of Christ
Pergamum - “The Compromising Church” - persisting in a harsh environment, but compromising themselves to the culture
Thyatira - “The Adulterous Church” - growing and thriving, but tolerant of false teaching and empty philosophies
Sardis - “The Dead Church” - meeting regularly, but not growing, serving, giving, or making any meaningful impact for Christ
Philadelphia - “The Faithful Church” - faithfully engaged in ministry and carefully keeping His word
Laodicea - “The Lukewarm Church” - active and wealthy, but prideful, self-righteous, and self-reliant
As we move into chapter 4 next week, the setting of John’s vision makes a dramatic shift. The topic transitions away from this present Church Age and looks forward to the coming of Last Days. We will begin our discussion and examination of the Apocalypse. I can hardly wait!
Late in his life, around the turn of the first century, the Apostle John was exiled by the Romans to the small island of Patmos. While serving his sentence there, one Sunday John received an incredible vision from God. The vision began with Jesus standing among 7 lampstands and holding 7 stars in His right hand. Jesus identified and introduced Himself, and then He dictated messages to the 7 churches of Asia.
We have already discussed the first 4 of these letters - those addressed to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, and Thytira. This morning we will briefly examine the final 3 letters. These are found in Revelation chapter 3. Turn there and let’s begin.
I. THE MESSAGE TO SARDIS (Revelation 3:1-6)
The fifth message is written to the church at Sardis. Jesus described Himself as “He who has the 7 spirits of God and the 7 stars”. By way of reminder, the stars are commonly identified as the pastors or leaders of the churches. The 7 spirits of God, mentioned and discussed earlier in chapter 1 verse 4, are generally believed to be the Holy Spirit (see Zechariah 4:1-7).
Unlike His other letters, Jesus had nothing positive to say about the church at Sardis. He didn’t applaud them for their service or ministry. He did not commend them for their faith or perseverance. Instead, He bluntly charged that though they appeared to be alive they were, in fact, dead. Though they had a congregation who met regularly, their church was spiritually lifeless. The Holy Spirit was notably absent from their gatherings. For this reason, the church at Sardis is known as “The Dead Church”.
What is a dead church? There are several descriptors that could be given, but let’s highlight just a few of them. A dead church doesn’t do anything, nor does it really want to do anything. Its members have little to no desire for missions or evangelism. They don’t give generously through their tithes and offering. They don’t want to serve, teach, or volunteer in any way. Discipleship is neglected. The preaching is powerless and uninspiring. The church makes virtually no impact on its community or neighborhood. It has forgotten why it exists. And, perhaps most notably, it isn't growing - either spiritually or physically.
Fortunately, God has the power to raise the dead. He urged the church at Sardis to wake up and to strengthen what remained, for it wasn’t completely past the point of resuscitation. He advised them to remember the things they received and heard, and called them to repent and obey. If they failed to do so, however, Jesus warned that He’d come to them unexpectedly like a thief. To those few in Sardis who had not dirtied themselves by the stains of sin, Jesus promised a “white” robe.
As is the case in each letter, Jesus extended this message to all believers. He promised that everyone who overcame would be given white garments as a token of their righteousness. Furthermore, their names would not be erased from the Book of Life (see Revelation 20:15) and He would personally confess their names before the Father and His angels (see Luke 12:8).
II. THE MESSAGE TO PHILADELPHIA (Revelation 3:7-13)
The sixth letter is addressed to the people and pastor at Philadelphia. Jesus introduced Himself as the One “who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David”. Among other things, this points to Jesus’ dominion and control over the house of David (Isaiah 22:22). It also alludes to His providential authority and ability to open and close doors in our lives.
Jesus complimented the church at Philadelphia for several things. First, He commended them for recognizing and taking advantage of the many opportunities for service that He had provided. Next, He applauded them for working in His strength, rather than their own. Then He praised them for carefully honoring and following His word. Lastly, He approved their courage and unwillingness to deny His name.
The church at Philadelphia is referred to as “The Faithful Church”. Jesus promised that these Christians would same day receive vindication, in that their adversaries (“those of the synagogue of Satan”) would someday bow before them and acknowledge them as beloved children of God. Jesus further promised to keep them “from the hour of testing… which is about to come upon the whole world”. His words provide strong support for a pre-tribulation rapture.
Jesus stated that He is coming quickly and told the Philadelphia believers to hold fast. He pledged to make those who overcame a “pillar in the temple of My God”, pointing to their supportive strength and permanence in His kingdom. Furthermore, Jesus promised to write on them the name of His God, His city (see Revelation 21:10-27), and His own new name. All born-again Christians will be identified as children of God, citizens of the New Jerusalem, and co-heirs with our Lord Jesus Christ.
III. THE MESSAGE TO LAODICEA (Revelation 3:14-22)
The seventh message is directed to the church at Laodicea. Jesus called Himself “The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Origin of the creation of God”. This is comparable to saying “The Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end”. It highlights His eternal nature.
Jesus rebuked the church at Laodicea for being neither hot nor cold. It is thought of as “The Lukewarm Church”. He said, in essence, “You make me sick at my stomach.” Apparently, this church was wealthy, prominent, and held a high opinion of itself. In stark contrast, Jesus described it as spiritually “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked”. He urged the members to seek His riches, to clothe themselves in His righteousness, and to be cured of their spiritual blindness. Jesus reprimanded them and called them to repentance because He loved them.
Jesus described Himself as one standing outside and knocking on the door. He pleaded for anyone who heard Him to open the door and let Him in. Though this imagery is often applied to the individual heart and the receiving of salvation, in context it most directly pertains to the Laodician church. Jesus had been shut-out of their congregation! Fortunately, He had not abandoned them completely and patiently longed for reconciliation and renewed fellowship.
Jesus promised that the “one who overcomes” would be allowed to sit “with Me on My throne”, just as He Himself had been seated with His Father on His throne. Those who trust in Christ for salvation will reign with Him. May everyone hear and heed Jesus’ powerful messages to these 7 churches, spoken to us through the Holy Spirit.
CONCLUSION
The 7 churches of Asia each had differing strengths and weaknesses. These varied characteristics have been shared by churches throughout the Church Age. The lessons we learn from them are still relevant and applicable today. Let’s take one last look:
Ephesus - "The Loveless Church” - busily engaged in ministry, but lacking in their love for Jesus
Smyrna - “The Suffering Church” - enduring intense persecution for the cause of Christ
Pergamum - “The Compromising Church” - persisting in a harsh environment, but compromising themselves to the culture
Thyatira - “The Adulterous Church” - growing and thriving, but tolerant of false teaching and empty philosophies
Sardis - “The Dead Church” - meeting regularly, but not growing, serving, giving, or making any meaningful impact for Christ
Philadelphia - “The Faithful Church” - faithfully engaged in ministry and carefully keeping His word
Laodicea - “The Lukewarm Church” - active and wealthy, but prideful, self-righteous, and self-reliant
As we move into chapter 4 next week, the setting of John’s vision makes a dramatic shift. The topic transitions away from this present Church Age and looks forward to the coming of Last Days. We will begin our discussion and examination of the Apocalypse. I can hardly wait!