The Church With A Name

THE CHURCH WITH A NAME

Revelation 3

1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. 4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. 6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

I. A CHURCH IN WHICH SPITIRUAL LIFE IS ASSUMED.

“Thou hast a name that thou livest”

A. THE CITY OF SARDIS

1. Was noted for it’s great wealth.

a. Famous for arts and crafts

b. First city to mint gold and silver coins

2. Was noted for it’s great wickedness.

a. Known for it’s loose living.

b. Known for it’s luxury living.

B. THE CHURCH AT SARDIS

1. The church appeared to be normal.

a. There were no signs of division.

b. There were no signs of disorganization.

2. The church had a good name.

II. A CHURCH FROM WHICH SPIRITUAL LIFE WAS

ABSENT.

“Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”

A. SOME WERE ALREADY DEAD.

B. SOME WERE ABOUT TO DIE.

1. There were found wanting.

“I have not found thy works perfect before God.”

2. They had to be watchful

“Be watchful…If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee

as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.”

III. A CHURCH TO WHICH SPIRITUAL LIFE WAS

AVAILABLE.

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment;

and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life.”

A. REMEMBER

1. The teachings you have heard

2. The truths you have received

B. REPENT

1. Turn from sin.

2. Turn your face to the Savior.

C. REWARD

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment;

and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will

confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.”