“Sardis: The Dead Church”

Revelation 3:1-6
September 26, 2021

Main Point: Jesus is the Great Physician who provides His prognosis of a dying church, the prescription for revival, and the promises for the repentant.

I. Christ’s Pronouncement, Verse 1

A. His Deity, v. 1a

B. His Discernment, v. 1b

C. His Diagnosis, v. 1c

II. Christ’s Prescription, Verses 2-3

A. Rise and Wake Up, v. 2a

B. Return and Fulfill the Mission v. 2b

C. Remember the Truth, v. 3a

D. Resolve to Obey, v. 3b

E. Repent of Sin, v. 3c

III. Christ’s Promises, Verses 4-6

A. Spotless Splendor, v. 4

B. Secure Salvation, vs. 5-6

Questions for Spiritual Growth

Our Cornerstone mission is To Know Christ and Make Him Known. Community Groups help us to live out our mission as Family, Missionaries, and Servants.

1. How did Jesus introduce Himself to the church in Sardis? What is known about the city and church there?
   

2. What does Jesus mean by the terms “dead” and “alive” in verse 1?
   

3. Jesus has His finger on the pulse of the church and of each individual in the church. What would you say is His spiritual diagnosis of our church? His diagnosis of you?
   

4. The other churches faced persecution, but the church in Sardis did not. Why not? What lesson can we learn about faithfulness to Christ?
   

5. What did Jesus command the church in Sardis to do about their problems?
   

6. In verses 4 and 5, Jesus addresses the faithful believers in the church. Must a faithful Christian leave a congregation that is in spiritual decline or in sin? Why were some believers in Sardis accepted by Christ, yet most were rebuked?
   

7. What is the significance of the white garments in verse 5?
   

8. What is “the book of life” in verse 5? How can you know if your name is written in it?