Awakening from Spiritual Apathy: The Call to Sardis

Devotional

Day 1: Revelation is About Jesus

The book of Revelation is often misunderstood as merely a collection of apocalyptic visions and symbols about the end times. However, its primary purpose is to reveal Jesus Christ in all His glory. This perspective shifts our focus from fear and confusion to a deeper relationship with Jesus. By understanding Revelation as a revelation of Jesus, we can see Him at the center of it all, guiding and sustaining us through every trial and tribulation. This understanding encourages us to seek a closer, more intimate relationship with Him, knowing that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. [49:28]

Revelation 1:1-3 (ESV)
"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near."

Reflection: How does viewing Revelation as a revelation of Jesus change your perspective on the book? What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Jesus?

Day 2: God Commands Full Obedience

Partial obedience to God is not enough. We cannot pick and choose which of His commands to follow. True faithfulness requires us to be obedient in all aspects of our lives, not just in part. This means loving our neighbors, being truthful, and living out our faith consistently. Incomplete deeds are unacceptable to God, and He calls us to a higher standard of full obedience. This call challenges us to examine our lives and ensure that we are fully committed to following God's commands in every area. [01:05:31]

James 1:22-25 (ESV)
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you practicing partial obedience? What specific steps can you take today to fully obey God's commands in those areas?

Day 3: Love Sometimes Requires Correction

God's love is not just about affirmation but also about correction. Just as Jesus told the adulterous woman to "go and sin no more," the Spirit's rebuke to the church in Sardis is an act of love, calling them out of darkness into light. True love meets us in our darkness but leads us to the light. This correction is a sign of God's deep love for us, as He desires our growth and transformation. Embracing His correction can lead to repentance and renewal, drawing us closer to Him. [55:00]

Hebrews 12:5-6 (ESV)
"And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? 'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.'"

Reflection: How do you typically respond to God's correction? Can you identify a recent instance where you felt God's loving correction, and how can you embrace it to grow closer to Him?

Day 4: Spiritual Apathy is Dangerous

The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive but was spiritually dead. This serves as a warning against spiritual complacency. We must live with heightened spiritual awareness, expecting Christ's return at any moment. Apathy can lead to unexpected judgment, much like the historical conquests of Sardis. This call to "wake up" is a reminder to stay vigilant and actively pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus, avoiding the dangers of spiritual apathy. [01:08:14]

1 Thessalonians 5:6-8 (ESV)
"So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation."

Reflection: Are there areas in your spiritual life where you have become complacent? What practical steps can you take today to "wake up" and live with heightened spiritual awareness?

Day 5: The Promise to the Faithful

The promise to those who are faithful is profound. They will walk with Jesus, dressed in white, symbolizing purity and eternal life. This promise is both for today and eternity. God's presence in our lives today is essential, and His promise of eternal life gives us hope and assurance. This promise encourages us to remain faithful, knowing that our faithfulness will be rewarded with a close, eternal relationship with Jesus. [01:09:54]

Revelation 3:5 (ESV)
"The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels."

Reflection: How does the promise of walking with Jesus and being dressed in white inspire you to remain faithful? What specific actions can you take today to live out your faith more fully?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into Revelation chapter three, focusing on the letter to the church in Sardis. This letter is part of a series of seven letters to seven churches, each containing a unique message from God. The book of Revelation, often misunderstood due to its apocalyptic genre, is not just about the end times but primarily about the revelation of Jesus Christ. The key to understanding Revelation is to see it as a revelation of Jesus, not just a collection of mysterious visions and symbols.

The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive, but Jesus declared them spiritually dead. This stark message calls for a wake-up call, urging them to strengthen what remains and repent. The historical context of Sardis, a city known for its wealth and seemingly impregnable defenses, yet twice conquered due to complacency, serves as a powerful metaphor for the church's spiritual state. The citizens of Sardis, much like the church, rested on their past achievements and reputation, leading to spiritual apathy.

God's love sometimes requires correction. Just as Jesus told the adulterous woman to "go and sin no more," the Spirit's rebuke to Sardis is an act of love, calling them out of darkness into light. The letter follows a pattern of positive affirmation, corrective discipline, and a motivating promise. The Spirit's critique is not just a harsh rebuke but a genuine call to repentance and renewal.

The message to Sardis is a reminder that partial obedience is not enough. God commands our full obedience, and incomplete deeds are unacceptable. The call to "wake up" is a call to live with heightened spiritual awareness, expecting Christ's return at any moment. The promise to the faithful is profound: they will walk with Jesus, dressed in white, symbolizing purity and eternal life.

In conclusion, the letter to Sardis challenges us to examine our own spiritual state. Are we resting on our past achievements, or are we actively pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus? The call to repentance and renewal is as relevant today as it was for the church in Sardis. Let us strive to be faithful in all aspects of our lives, not just in part, and let the revelation of Jesus transform us daily.

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Key Takeaways

1. Revelation is About Jesus: The book of Revelation is not primarily about the end times or the antichrist but about the revelation of Jesus Christ. Understanding this shifts our focus from fear and confusion to a deeper relationship with Jesus. The key to interpreting Revelation is to see it as a revelation of Jesus, who is at the center of it all. [49:28]
2. God Commands Full Obedience: Partial obedience is not enough. We cannot pick and choose which commands to follow. Incomplete deeds are unacceptable to God. True faithfulness requires us to be obedient in all aspects of our lives, not just in part. This means loving our neighbors, being truthful, and living out our faith consistently. [65:31]
3. Love Sometimes Requires Correction: God's love is not just about affirmation but also about correction. Just as Jesus told the adulterous woman to "go and sin no more," the Spirit's rebuke to Sardis is an act of love, calling them out of darkness into light. True love meets us in our darkness but leads us to the light. [55:00]
4. Spiritual Apathy is Dangerous: The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive but was spiritually dead. This serves as a warning against spiritual complacency. We must live with heightened spiritual awareness, expecting Christ's return at any moment. Apathy can lead to unexpected judgment, much like the historical conquests of Sardis. [68:14]
5. The Promise to the Faithful: The promise to those who are faithful is profound. They will walk with Jesus, dressed in white, symbolizing purity and eternal life. This promise is both for today and eternity. God's presence in our lives today is essential, and His promise of eternal life gives us hope and assurance. [01:09:54]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[42:50] - Opening Prayer
[44:04] - Understanding Revelation
[45:20] - Genre and Interpretation
[46:38] - Historical Context of Sardis
[47:41] - Careful Interpretation
[49:28] - Revelation is About Jesus
[50:47] - Structure of the Letters
[52:07] - Letter to Sardis
[53:45] - The Spirit's Direct Critique
[55:00] - Love and Correction
[56:04] - Figurative Language
[57:26] - Historical Insecurities
[60:00] - Lessons from Sardis' History
[63:58] - Full Obedience Required
[65:31] - Incomplete Deeds
[68:14] - Spiritual Apathy
[69:54] - Promise to the Faithful
[72:29] - Call to Faithfulness
[75:26] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
[78:43] - Closing Worship

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Jesus say about the church in Sardis' reputation versus their actual spiritual state? ([52:07])
What historical events in Sardis' past serve as a metaphor for the church's spiritual complacency? ([01:00:00])
According to the sermon, what is the main point of the book of Revelation? ([49:28])
What promise does Jesus give to those in Sardis who remain faithful? ([01:09:54])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Jesus emphasize the need for the church in Sardis to "wake up" and strengthen what remains? How does this relate to their historical context? ([52:07])
How does the concept of partial obedience versus full obedience apply to the church in Sardis, and what does it mean for us today? ([01:03:58])
In what ways does God's love sometimes require correction, and how is this demonstrated in the letter to Sardis? ([55:00])
What does it mean to live with heightened spiritual awareness, and how can this prevent spiritual apathy? ([01:08:14])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own spiritual state. Are there areas where you might be resting on past achievements rather than actively pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus? How can you address this? ([01:12:29])
How can you ensure that your obedience to God is complete and not partial? Are there specific commands or areas in your life where you tend to pick and choose what to follow? ([01:05:31])
Think of a time when you experienced God's correction. How did it lead you out of darkness and into light? How can you be more receptive to God's loving correction in the future? ([55:00])
What steps can you take to "wake up" spiritually and live with heightened awareness of Christ's return? How can you avoid the danger of spiritual apathy? ([01:08:14])
The promise to the faithful in Sardis is to walk with Jesus, dressed in white. How does this promise of purity and eternal life impact your daily walk with Christ? ([01:09:54])
Identify one area in your life where you need to repent and renew your commitment to Jesus. What practical steps will you take this week to strengthen what remains and is about to die? ([52:07])
How can you help others in your small group or community to avoid spiritual complacency and encourage them to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus? ([01:12:29])

Sermon Clips

1. "But because this is so hard to understand, because the book of revelation is so hard to understand the trap for us is that we spend less time reading it and more time reading about it. We spend less time reading it. And we need to spend time actually reading the text, actually studying the text and not just reading books about it or commentaries about it or what other people have to say about it. We need to read it for ourselves." [45:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The whole point is Jesus. The whole point is Jesus. Jesus is at the center of it all. The revelation, when we study revelation, revelation is not about the antichrist. Revelation is about the risen Christ. It's about Jesus. And so as you're reading this, and as you're like, man, this is like crazy stuff's happening. I don't understand. Just make it about Jesus. Like Jesus, what are you trying to say? Jesus, how is this about? How can I help? How can you help me follow you more?" [49:28] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Sometimes love tells us that we need to change. Sometimes love tells us that we need to live different. Sometimes love calls us out. Love will meet you in darkness, but love will always lead you to light. Love will meet you in darkness, but love will always lead you to light. So we see in this letter, yes, it comes across as aggressive. Yes. He's calling things out. He says, you have a reputation for being alive, but you're dead." [56:04] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The spirit isn't just rebuking this church's ability to control its bowels throughout this series. Pastor Brad has talked through several times about like the actual city and what was actually happening in that church and what was actually like the history of what was going on there. And we need to understand that to understand what these letters mean to us. There's this like localized DNA, like that, like we understand what it's like." [57:26] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The spirit says, I know your deeds. You have a reputation of being alive, but you're dead. He's tapping into this core insecurity, this presumption of I'm good. I've done everything I'm supposed to do. There's a presumption there that led to apathy, but the spirit isn't calling out this church for resting on a reputation of wealth. It's not resting on a reputation of status or security. What the spirit is calling out in the church of Sardis, is resting on the reputation of their works." [01:02:30] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "God commands our full obedience. We can't just be faithful with some of it and think that's enough. We can't just be faithful with some of it and think that's enough. What does that even mean? Here's the thing. Some people, nobody in this world, obviously, but some people you may know, think that, okay, if I just go to church and I just tithe, then I don't necessarily have to love my neighbor. If I just do this one piece and I do this one piece, then I get out of doing this other thing that God asked me to do." [01:03:58] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We have to be faithful in all of it. We have to be faithful. We cannot have incomplete deeds. We have to go to church, be obedient to God. We have to tithe. We have to love our neighbor. We have to tell the truth. We have to be faithful to our spouse. We have to do all the things. And if we don't do all the things, then we're not faithful in any of it. That's why James 2 says this, for whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles on just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." [01:05:31] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We should live as if we expect Christ to return at any moment. It could happen right now. John was calling this church out of a dull day-to-day apathy to heighten their awareness of what the spirit was trying to do in him. He's not necessarily saying you're actually physically asleep. What he's saying is that you're just living like you're, you're just not watchful. Like you're not living in a way that, that, that is just this like leaning into like, God's doing something right now." [01:08:14] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The promise of God, if we are faithful, if we do what we're supposed to do, if we're faithful in following Jesus, the promises is that the presence of God will be with us. I will walk with them. And here's the thing. This is both an eternal promise and it's a promise for today. You need God's presence in your life today. I need God's presence in my life today. I also want his presence in my life for eternity. The promises is that God will walk with us." [01:11:03] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The challenge for us, like the challenge for the church at Sardis, is not to rest on how good our works are, but to let God continue to do a work in us. God continue. I'm not, I'm not good with, how I am today. I'm not good with how my behavior is today. I'm not, I'm not good with, with how my life is. And, and, and I know I messed up and I know I failed and I know I screw up and I know that things are happening, but God, I want to change. I want to be more like you." [01:12:29] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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