Reviving the Church: Pursuing Excellence and Holiness
Summary
In my sermon today, I addressed the spiritual lethargy that can afflict a church, drawing parallels between the biblical city of Sardis and our own community. Sardis was once a thriving city, but by the time of Revelation, it had fallen into decline, mirroring the state of our own city. This decline had seeped into the church, leading to a spirit of mediocrity where the bare minimum became the standard. I emphasized that as a church, we must resist this spirit and strive for excellence in all we do, for the glory of Jesus Christ.
I reminded us that we serve a Lord who lived, died, and bled for us, and it is for His name that we must do everything with absolute excellence. Whether it's teaching Sunday school, running our businesses, or maintaining our homes, we must do it all as a light shining in the darkness. A church that embraces mediocrity is a church on the path to death. Therefore, we must be intentional in pushing back against this spirit of mediocrity.
Furthermore, I spoke about the dangers of worldliness and the loss of holiness within the church. When a church becomes indistinguishable from the world, it loses its effectiveness in reaching the community with the Gospel. We must take sin seriously and live intentionally for the glory of Jesus.
Despite the grim diagnosis of a dying church, I brought a message of hope: dead churches can be revived. Jesus, who can resurrect dead bodies, can also breathe life into dead churches. However, this resurrection power is not something we can manufacture through gimmicks; it is the work of Jesus alone. We need Jesus more than any program or event.
To experience this resurrection power, we must follow the five keys Jesus gives us in Revelation 3: wake up, strengthen what remains, remember the gospel, keep the gospel, and repent. We must choose to be a living church, full of the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, and perhaps through our example, Jesus will use us to breathe new life into our community.
In closing, I led us in prayer for the church, for individuals in need of healing, and for our community, asking for God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We concluded with a song of worship, "Revive Us Again," reflecting our desire for spiritual revival.
Key Takeaways:
- Excellence in all aspects of life is a testament to our service to Christ. When we settle for mediocrity, we not only diminish our witness but also risk the vitality of our church. We must constantly evaluate our efforts, ensuring that we are not merely surviving, but thriving for the glory of God. [01:07:00]
- Holiness is not an outdated concept but a powerful witness in a world that is often marked by moral ambiguity. Our distinctiveness as followers of Christ should not be compromised for the sake of relevance. Instead, our commitment to purity and righteousness can draw others to the transformative power of the Gospel. [01:09:56]
- The church must be forward-looking, embracing the present mission and ministry that Jesus has given us. Clinging to the past can paralyze us, preventing us from stepping into the new things God has in store. Let us celebrate our history while moving boldly into the future God is crafting for us. [59:03]
- Revival begins with a desire for it. We must be a church that longs for and seeks after God's renewing power. This desire for revival should not be passive but active, as we engage in prayer, repentance, and the pursuit of God's presence in our midst. [01:25:54]
- Each member of the church contributes to its life or death. We must individually and collectively choose to live out our faith vibrantly, contributing to the church's growth and health. Our daily choices either build up the body of Christ or contribute to its decline. Let us choose life, for the sake of our church and the world we are called to serve. [01:23:16]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Revelation 3:1-6
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the main issues Jesus identified in the church at Sardis according to Revelation 3:1-6?
2. How did the city of Sardis' decline mirror the spiritual state of its church? ([01:02:08])
3. What are the five keys Jesus gives to revive a dead church in Revelation 3? ([01:14:58])
4. What does it mean when Jesus says, "I have not found your works complete"? ([01:00:40])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus calls the church at Sardis to "wake up"? What does this imply about their current state? ([01:14:58])
2. How does the spirit of mediocrity affect a church's witness and vitality? ([01:06:07])
3. What does it mean for a church to be "stained by worldliness," and how does this impact its effectiveness in reaching the community? ([01:09:13])
4. How can remembering and keeping the gospel help a church avoid spiritual decline? ([01:18:35])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal life and church involvement. Are there areas where you have settled for mediocrity? How can you strive for excellence in these areas? ([01:07:43])
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of holiness. In what ways can you pursue holiness in your daily life, and how can this pursuit impact those around you? ([01:09:56])
3. Jesus calls the church to "strengthen what remains." What are some strengths in our church that we can build upon to foster growth and vitality? ([01:17:14])
4. How can we as a church community actively seek revival? What specific steps can we take to engage in prayer, repentance, and the pursuit of God's presence? ([01:25:54])
5. The sermon mentioned the danger of clinging to the past. How can we honor our church's history while also embracing the new things God has in store for us? ([59:03])
6. Consider the five keys to revival mentioned in Revelation 3. Which of these do you feel most challenged by, and what practical steps can you take to address this challenge? ([01:14:58])
7. How can you contribute to the church's mission of being a "living church in a dying city"? Identify one specific action you can take this week to make a positive impact in your community. ([01:03:38])
Devotional
Day 1: Pursuing Excellence for Christ
Excellence in every aspect of life reflects a deep commitment to serving Christ. Settling for mediocrity not only diminishes one's witness but also risks the vitality of the church. It's crucial to evaluate efforts continuously, ensuring that actions are not just about survival but about thriving for God's glory. This pursuit of excellence should permeate all areas, from teaching and business to personal home life, shining as a beacon of dedication and quality in a world that often celebrates the average.
"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it." (1 Corinthians 9:24)
Reflection: How can you elevate one area of your life this week to reflect a higher standard of excellence for Christ's glory?
Day 2: Holiness as a Distinct Witness
Holiness is not an archaic concept but a compelling witness in a morally ambiguous world. The distinctiveness of followers of Christ should not be compromised for relevance. Instead, a commitment to purity and righteousness can draw others to the transformative power of the Gospel, setting an example that challenges and inspires those around us.
"But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:15-16)
Reflection: What is one way you can practice holiness in your daily life that will set you apart and possibly lead others to inquire about your faith?
Day 3: Embracing God's Future for the Church
The church must be forward-looking, embracing the mission and ministry that Jesus has given. Clinging to the past can prevent stepping into the new things God has in store. Celebrating history is important, but moving boldly into the future God is crafting is essential for growth and relevance in the modern world.
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Reflection: What is one change you can support or initiate in your church that aligns with God's vision for its future?
Day 4: Longing for Revival
Revival begins with a deep desire for God's renewing power. This longing should be active, engaging in prayer, repentance, and pursuit of God's presence. A church that actively seeks revival is one that is ready to be transformed and used by God to impact the community and the world.
"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation." (Psalm 85:6-7)
Reflection: What specific action can you take today to foster a personal or communal atmosphere where revival is welcomed and sought after?
Day 5: Individual Contribution to Church Life
Each church member contributes to the church's life or death. Living out faith vibrantly, each person contributes to the church's growth and health. Daily choices either build up the body of Christ or contribute to its decline. Choosing life means actively participating in and nurturing the church community.
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to the life and health of your church community this week?
Quotes
"In my sermon today, I addressed the spiritual lethargy that can afflict a church, drawing parallels between the biblical city of Sardis and our own community. Sardis was once a thriving city, but by the time of Revelation, it had fallen into decline, mirroring the state of our own city. This decline had seeped into the church, leading to a spirit of mediocrity where the bare minimum became the standard. I emphasized that as a church, we must resist this spirit and strive for excellence in all we do, for the glory of Jesus Christ." [01:07:00]
"I reminded us that we serve a Lord who lived, died, and bled for us, and it is for His name that we must do everything with absolute excellence. Whether it's teaching Sunday school, running our businesses, or maintaining our homes, we must do it all as a light shining in the darkness. A church that embraces mediocrity is a church on the path to death. Therefore, we must be intentional in pushing back against this spirit of mediocrity." [01:07:43]
"Furthermore, I spoke about the dangers of worldliness and the loss of holiness within the church. When a church becomes indistinguishable from the world, it loses its effectiveness in reaching the community with the Gospel. We must take sin seriously and live intentionally for the glory of Jesus." [01:09:56]
"Despite the grim diagnosis of a dying church, I brought a message of hope: dead churches can be revived. Jesus, who can resurrect dead bodies, can also breathe life into dead churches. However, this resurrection power is not something we can manufacture through gimmicks; it is the work of Jesus alone. We need Jesus more than any program or event." [01:14:10]
"To experience this resurrection power, we must follow the five keys Jesus gives us in Revelation 3: wake up, strengthen what remains, remember the gospel, keep the gospel, and repent. We must choose to be a living church, full of the resurrection power of Jesus Christ, and perhaps through our example, Jesus will use us to breathe new life into our community." [01:20:17]
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