Awakening the Spirit: From Complacency to Renewal

Devotional

Day 1: Wake Up and Strengthen What Remains

The call to the church in Sardis is a wake-up call for all believers: it is possible to have a reputation for being alive while actually being spiritually dead. Activity and programs are not substitutes for the presence and power of God. The Lord urges us to wake up, to strengthen what remains before it dies, and to remember what we have received and heard. Complacency and spiritual slumber can leave us vulnerable to the enemy and rob us of the fullness of life God intends. Today is the day to rekindle your passion, to return to prayer, and to invite the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into your walk with Christ. [01:50]

Revelation 3:1-6 (ESV)
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 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. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life that has grown complacent or “asleep”? What practical step can you take today to “wake up” and strengthen what remains?

Day 2: The Sevenfold Ministry of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is not just a vague presence but brings the fullness of God’s wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and reverence into the life of every believer. He teaches, guides, empowers, and brings clarity where there is confusion. The Spirit’s ministry is complete and perfect, equipping us for every challenge and leading us into deeper relationship with God. When you face situations beyond your understanding or strength, remember that the Holy Spirit is present to help, teach, and empower you in all things—spiritual and practical. [04:08]

Isaiah 11:2 (ESV)
“And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.”

Reflection: Where do you need the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, counsel, or power in your life right now? Will you pause and ask Him specifically for help in that area today?

Day 3: Beware of Having a Form of Godliness Without Power

It is possible to look spiritual on the outside—having a reputation, programs, and even religious language—while lacking the true power of God. The warning is clear: do not settle for appearances or memories of past spiritual vitality. God desires a living, active faith that is marked by His presence and power, not just religious activity. Examine your life for areas where you may be “going through the motions” and ask God to restore His power and reality in your walk. [12:52]

2 Timothy 3:5 (ESV)
“Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”

Reflection: Is there any area where you are relying on reputation or routine rather than the living power of God? How can you invite God’s power into that area today?

Day 4: Remember and Return to the Gospel

The heart of spiritual renewal is returning to the simple, powerful truth of the gospel: Jesus Christ crucified, risen, and reigning. The church in Sardis is called to remember what they received and heard—the gospel—and to obey it. The gospel is not just the entry point to faith but the ongoing source of life, hope, and transformation. Let the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection be central in your heart, your prayers, and your conversations, and let it shape every part of your life. [27:36]

1 Corinthians 2:2 (ESV)
“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally center your thoughts, prayers, or conversations on the gospel of Jesus Christ today?

Day 5: Overcome and Remain Faithful to the End

God always preserves a faithful remnant, even in the midst of spiritual decline. Those who overcome—who remain faithful, unpolluted by the world, and steadfast in Christ—are promised white garments, their names in the Book of Life, and eternal fellowship with Jesus. The call is to persevere, to endure hardship, and to keep your heart pure, knowing that your faithfulness is seen and will be rewarded. Let the hope of eternity and the assurance of your name in the Book of Life motivate you to stand firm and influence others for Christ. [36:39]

Revelation 12:11 (ESV)
“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”

Reflection: What is one way you can stand firm in your faith or be an influence for Christ in your circle today, even if it is difficult or unpopular?

Sermon Summary

In Revelation 3:1-6, Jesus addresses the church in Sardis—a church with a reputation for being alive, but in reality, spiritually dead. Sardis was once a city of prominence, known for its industry and activity, but over time it faded into obscurity. The church mirrored this decline: outwardly busy, but inwardly lifeless. There was no heresy or doctrinal error, but the vitality of the Spirit was missing. Jesus’ words are not a commendation, but a wake-up call: “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die.” The call is urgent, not just for Sardis, but for all who find themselves coasting on past spiritual victories or living off yesterday’s faith.

The Holy Spirit’s ministry is central to spiritual life. Isaiah 11:2 describes the sevenfold ministry of the Spirit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, the fear of the Lord, and the Lord’s presence. These are not just theological concepts, but practical realities for every believer. The Spirit teaches, empowers, and guides, even in the everyday challenges of life. Without the Spirit’s active presence, all our religious activity is empty.

Leadership bears a unique responsibility. Spiritual renewal must begin at the top; pastors and leaders cannot lead others where they themselves have not gone. The church in Sardis had a reputation, but reputation is not reality. Many Christians and churches live in the memory of past moves of God, but God calls us to seek Him afresh today. Complacency is dangerous—just as Sardis’ fortress fell when the guards slept, so too can spiritual lives and churches fall when we become spiritually drowsy.

Jesus’ command is to remember, obey, and repent. Return to the gospel, to the basics of faith, to the power of prayer and the Word. There is a remnant—those who have not compromised, who remain pure and faithful. God always preserves a remnant, even in the midst of spiritual decline. The promise is for those who overcome: they will be clothed in white, their names secure in the Book of Life, acknowledged before the Father and the angels.

The urgency is real. We do not know how much time we have—either before Christ’s return or before our own lives end. The call is to live ready, to stay awake, to be filled with the Spirit, and to be about the work of the gospel. Let us not be a dead church, but a people alive in Christ, listening for His voice, and faithful to the end.

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Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual Activity Without Spiritual Life Is Emptiness It is possible to have a reputation for being alive—busy with programs, ministries, and outward forms—while lacking the true power and presence of God. The danger is in mistaking activity for vitality, and in living off the memory of past spiritual experiences rather than seeking fresh encounters with God today. We must continually invite the Holy Spirit to breathe life into all we do, lest we become a church with a name but no substance. [10:37]
2. The Holy Spirit’s Sevenfold Ministry Is Essential for Every Believer Isaiah 11:2 outlines the Spirit’s work: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, the fear of the Lord, and the Lord’s presence. These are not abstract qualities, but daily realities that empower us to live, discern, and serve. The Spirit teaches us not only spiritual truths but also practical wisdom for life’s challenges, if we will listen and depend on Him. [04:38]
3. Complacency and Spiritual Sleep Are Subtle but Deadly Dangers Sardis’ history teaches that defeat comes not from external assault, but from internal neglect. When we become complacent—putting off prayer, repentance, or obedience—we open ourselves to spiritual defeat. The call is to “wake up,” to recognize the urgency of the times, and to guard our hearts and communities with vigilance and prayer. [14:20]
4. True Renewal Begins with Remembering, Repenting, and Returning to the Gospel Jesus’ remedy for spiritual death is simple but profound: remember what you have received, obey it, and repent. The gospel is not just the entry point to faith, but the ongoing source of life and power. We must continually return to the cross, to the Word, and to the basics of faith, allowing God to renew us from the inside out. [27:36]
5. God Preserves a Remnant and Calls Us to Persevere in Purity and Faithfulness Even in the midst of spiritual decline, God sees and honors those who remain faithful and unpolluted by the world. The promise is for those who overcome: white garments, security in the Book of Life, and public acknowledgment before the Father. Our calling is to persevere, to influence rather than be influenced, and to keep ourselves from being stained by the world. [33:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Introduction to Sardis: The Dead Church
[01:10] - Reading Revelation 3:1-6
[02:50] - Background on Sardis: City and Church
[03:47] - Jesus and the Seven Spirits
[04:38] - The Sevenfold Ministry of the Holy Spirit
[06:41] - The Spirit’s Practical Help in Life
[08:17] - Leadership’s Role in Spiritual Renewal
[10:37] - Reputation vs. Reality: Living in the Past
[14:01] - The Danger of Spiritual Sleep
[16:30] - The Urgency of Waking Up
[18:52] - Understanding the Times: Prophecy and Readiness
[21:17] - The Vital Importance of Prayer
[22:51] - Activity Without Power: The Modern Church’s Challenge
[27:36] - Remember, Obey, and Repent: Returning to the Gospel
[33:03] - The Remnant: Purity and Perseverance
[36:10] - Overcoming and the Book of Life
[42:43] - Hearing the Spirit: Prayer and Listening
[44:45] - Final Challenge: Don’t Be a Dead Church
[45:06] - Closing and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Revelation 3:1-6 (ESV) — > “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 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. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Observation Questions

What does Jesus say about the reputation of the church in Sardis compared to their true spiritual condition? ([01:10])
According to the passage, what specific instructions does Jesus give to the church in Sardis? ([01:50])
What is promised to those in Sardis who have “not soiled their garments”? ([02:17])
In the sermon, what was Sardis the city known for, and how does that relate to the church’s spiritual state? ([02:50])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think a church can have a reputation for being alive, but actually be spiritually dead? What might that look like today? ([10:37])
The sermon mentions that Sardis had no major doctrinal errors, but was still called dead. What does this suggest about the difference between correct beliefs and spiritual vitality? ([01:10])
Jesus tells the church to “remember, obey, and repent.” Why is remembering what we have received and heard so important for spiritual renewal? ([27:36])
The sermon talks about a “remnant” who have not compromised. What does it mean to be part of the remnant, and why is this significant? ([33:03])

Application Questions

The church in Sardis was busy and had a good reputation, but was spiritually empty. Are there areas in your life or in our church where we might be mistaking activity for true spiritual life? How can we tell the difference? ([10:37])
The Holy Spirit’s ministry is described as wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord, and God’s presence (Isaiah 11:2). Which of these do you most need to experience right now? What is one step you can take to invite the Spirit’s work in that area? ([04:38])
The sermon warns about complacency and spiritual sleep. Is there a place in your life where you have become spiritually drowsy or put off obedience? What would it look like to “wake up” in that area? ([14:20])
Jesus calls us to remember, obey, and repent. Is there something you need to return to—like prayer, reading the Word, or sharing the gospel—that you have neglected? What is one practical way you can start this week? ([27:36])
The promise to those who overcome is to be clothed in white and have their names secure in the Book of Life. How does this promise encourage you to persevere in purity and faithfulness, even when others around you may not? ([33:03])
The sermon says spiritual renewal must begin with leadership, but also with each of us personally. Who is someone you can encourage or pray for this week to help them “wake up” spiritually? ([08:47])
We don’t know how much time we have. Is there a conversation, act of service, or step of faith you’ve been putting off? What would it look like to do it now, rather than waiting? ([31:46])

Sermon Clips

``If God is going to do something miraculous in the life or the body of a church, it's got to start with the leadership. It has to start with the pastor. A pastor cannot lead you into a deep prayer life if he does not have one. A pastor cannot lead you into a deep love of scripture if he doesn't deeply love scripture. He can't lead you into a deep relationship with Jesus Christ if he doesn't possess one. You cannot do this job in theory. You have to be in front of it to be able to lead somebody. And if you haven't been there, you can't do it. [00:09:06] (36 seconds) #LeadershipMustLeadByExample

They have a form of godliness, but they deny the power of God. Stay away from people like that. Says, I know you have a reputation for being alive, but you're dead. You have the form, but you don't have the function anymore. He says, wake up. [00:13:20] (23 seconds) #FormWithoutPowerIsDead

How many times have we been asleep when the enemy showed up? How many times have we been asleep? We've been complacent. Oh, I'll pray that thing tomorrow. I'll read that thing tomorrow. I'll call that person tomorrow. I'll deal with that sin tomorrow. I'm just not going to deal with it now. We become complacent and the enemy attacks us and, and we are run over before we know what happens. [00:14:36] (26 seconds) #ComplacencyInvitesDefeat

It is time to wake up the church. We have been asleep for the last 20 something years. We have got to wake up. There's little pockets of things that are happening. This entire nation needs to wake up from coast to coast, from border to border, and we got to return back to our biblical roots. [00:16:26] (23 seconds) #NationwideSpiritualAwakening

The importance of prayer cannot be understated at this time. It cannot be understated. It is vital to your life that you develop your prayer life. It's vital to your church. It's vital to your family. It's vital to every relationship that you have that you learn to pray for everybody that is around you. [00:21:13] (28 seconds) #PrayerIsVital

We have all of this activity and all of these programs, but we are so devoid of the power of God. I mean, I'm not being funny. I'm not being funny when I say this and I ask this question. I'm not being sarcastic at all, but when is the last time you heard of anybody in America being raised from the dead because somebody prayed for them? When is the last time that you saw somebody in church delivered from something that was demonic in their life? When is the Last time in the church that we laid hands on somebody and anointed them with oil and there was a spontaneous healing right at that moment. [00:23:26] (40 seconds) #WhereIsThePower

Wake up. Understand? Wake up and strengthen what remains and is about to die. I have not found your deeds to be complete in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard. Obey it and repent. What had they received and heard? What had they received and heard? Yes. The gospel. The gospel. They heard it. They heard the gospel. They heard it. They understood it. They had a vibrant church at one time. They were doing things. The Lord says, you have a reputation of being alive. At one time, you were alive. You had it. Go back to it. You got off track, you got distracted. I need you to go back and remember what you heard, what you had received, and obey it. [00:27:03] (74 seconds) #ReturnToTheGospel

One of the biggest lies the enemy tells us is we got more time than we think we actually do. That's one of the biggest lies that we'll ever. I got more time. I got more time. We don't know. We don't know what tragedy is going to be around the corner. We don't know what day the Lord's coming back. That's why we have to be ready. That's why we have to be ready. [00:31:36] (30 seconds) #TimeIsUncertain

If there's any book that you want to be in. It's the Book of Life. You want to have your name recorded in the Book of Life. How do we do that? We say yes to Jesus Christ. We accept his offer of salvation, and our name is recorded in that book. [00:40:16] (21 seconds) #NameInTheBookOfLife

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