Title: Spiritually Dead Church / Revelation 3:1-6
Contents 1. The Reformers unanimously called for continuous reform of the church.
If you stop, the church starts to fall from that moment. That's what medieval churches did.
C. Secular culture dominated the church.
2. The Church of Sardis also suffered from this problem. However, none of them
He did not try to correct the wrong reality.
3. So, the Lord confronted the problem head-on. In a way, we live spiritually.
A church that appears to exist but is actually dead, perhaps it is the church of today.
Could it be the meetings?
I. Spiritually dead.
A. Sardis Church
1. I know your deeds, that you have a name of being alive, but in reality you are dead.
Obviously, the appearance of the church was normal.
It was more of a living church than a church.
2. However, to the human eye, it must have been a living church, but in reality it was a dead church.
was a church. This church is mimicking the problems of the area where it is located.
It was.
3. "Sardis" was once the capital of a great country called Lydia. Very wealthy,
It was the first to issue currency among the neighboring regions. The wool dyeing industry was developed.
4. But idolatry was at its peak in this city.
Along with idolatry, they fell into sexual depravity.
5. Sade is the place where the most splendid culture in Asia was achieved.
Soon it became the most corrupt city. So this city is the exact opposite of "Smyrna".
The city was dead but alive. But Sade seemed alive.
But in reality, it was a city that was desperately dead.
6. This church had no influence on the world at all.
B. Why did he die?
1. They revered the past. They continued to cling to the past. Sometimes the past shapes the future.
However, it may be necessary to cling to or cling to past achievements.
it gets in the way
2. It leaned more on the form rather than the maturity of the personality. The problem of how to carry out the ministry is
It is important, but more important than the method is the maturation of the individual character. If the church
If he neglects this work, it may seem like a success on the surface, but in reality it becomes a failure.
3. He loved tradition more than Christ. Change is a reality in life.
C. Old-fashioned ways can sometimes get in the way. Therefore, too much emphasis is placed on tradition.
must not stand
4. The church must obey the Bible. It must obey the Bible completely.
We need to be flexible when we apply it to our lives. God's Word doesn't change, but our
Cultures, attitudes, beliefs, and environments are constantly changing.
should go
5. The missionary zeal has died. They have reduced the church to a "closed community".
It focused only on its own development.
II. Measures were suggested.
A. Awake! (Phase 2).
1. “Awake” in the text means to always be awake. The members of Sardis Church are very
They were self-centered. And they were spiritually ignorant. So they did not know their own situation.
2. So Jesus wanted them to open their eyes and see their condition right away.
B. Strengthen the remnant (2b).
1. There was a possibility for them too. Because there was a remnant. Jesus said that they
He wanted to breathe life into their brethren.
2. The reason they were so depressed was that they were satisfied with the easy glory of the past.
Therefore, we must forget the past and move forward towards the future.
All.
C. Remember the purpose (3).
1. He said, "Remember how you received and how you heard."
They received the gospel and received Christ through the gospel. However, the power of the gospel
could not show
2. However, God has given us the power of the gospel.
must be clearly remembered.
D. Apply the truth.
1. Remembering the truth of faith and applying that truth to your life are different.
It is not a dog. Jesus taught the Christians in Sardis to put their faith into practice.
ordered to move.
2. Christianity is not just about teaching knowledge. It changes all of us.
Tall has the ability.
E. Change direction.
In verse 1.3, he asked for repentance. The most important thing in the life of faith is repentance.
When we open, we naturally solve the four problems we discussed earlier.
2. Repentance gives new life to the dying.
III. Loyalty is rewarded.
A. Eternal righteousness is given.
B. Eternal citizenship is granted.
C. There is an eternal reward.