Wake Up! Letter to the Church in Sardis and Today’s Church
This is the fifth installment of the letters to the seven churches in Revelations 2 and 3.
Exiled on the island of Patmos, Jesus instructed John to write letters to the seven early Christian churches. Jesus evaluated the congregation’s spiritual health and provided promises, corrections, and encouragement, according to their specific situations.
These lessons are still relevant and beneficial for present-day church. This also applies to individuals who belong to God (1 Cor. 6:19–20; 1 Cor. 3:16–17; Rom. 12:1; Rom. 8:9; Rom. 14:8).
This article analyzes the letter to the Church of Sardis. In the same manner as the previous articles on the letters to other the churches, I’ll provide an overview of the city. I’ll also look into the church’s spiritual condition and a deep dive into the letter written for Sardis. Next, I discuss the letter’s relevance to today’s church. Finally, I encourage us to examine ourselves and make the necessary changes for our salvation and witness.
The Seven Churches
John addressed the letters to the seven early churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey): Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. These churches experienced many challenges common to the larger Christian community.
This article focuses on the Church in Sardis. But first, let’s take a look at the group of letters.
The Letters
As dictated by Jesus, the head of the Church (Col. 1:8), John addressed the letters to the angels of each church. Greek and Hebrew translations identify “angel” as “messenger”. This reference may refer to the pastors of those churches, spiritual angels, or messengers charged with communicating on their behalf (Got Questions Ministries).
Each of these letters follow a specific format. The Lord describes himself in a way that addresses the church’s current situation. Then Jesus provides unique information concerning the church. He then challenges and/or corrects the congregation before concluding with a promise. It is considered that John used this method to confirm that he was writing under the direction of Jesus.
After providing a brief background on the Church in Sardis, I will follow the same format as the letters in the scripture. Next, I’ll explain how the letter applies to today’s church.
Church of Sardis (Revelation 3:1–6)
Background of the City
Ancient Sardis was a powerful and prosperous city filled with abundant wealth. The city’s natural defenses of the Tmolus mountains, which overlooks the Hermus River, made it a formidable force in terms of wealth and military defense.
The city sat at the crossroads of various trade routes connecting the Aegean coast to inland Anatolia. The Pactolus River provided the city with both water and gold, and Sardis was the first city to issue gold and silver coins. Sardis was also well-known for its textiles (dyeing wool) and trading. Sardis had outstanding architecture, with many temples to deities (including the huge temple of Artemis) and the Lydian royal palace, the bath-gymnasium complex.
However, it was Sardis’ sheer reliance on its natural defenses that sparked its downfall. An earthquake and a series of surprise military attacks set the city on its path to destruction. Sardis was finally destroyed beyond rebuilding in 1402 by Mongol Timur. Today, Sardis is an archaeological site near the town of Sart in Turkey.
The Letter
In this letter, Jesus identifies himself as “He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars”. Jesus was alluding to his authority and power. He is the “All-wise Head of the Church”. As he did in the previous letters, Jesus’ introduction also addresses the spiritual issues of the particular church. (Rev. 3:1; 1:4). In the case of church in Sardis, self-deception.
Rebuke
The church in Sardis was known for being “alive”. The church was beautiful, prosperous and appeared to be devoted to Christ and his teachings. In today’s terms, I can imagine that the architecture of the church was breath-taking, and the trappings of the church were likely the finest one could buy. The church was thriving with Christians who were vibrant and cultured, and the worship music was award-winning. The church was very busy in maintaining its appearance — the best of the best in christianity.
Except it wasn’t.
Perhaps somewhere in their quest to win souls for Christ, they lost sight of what really mattered. As the church grew, they may have become distracted with material wealth and status. The gospel took a back seat and they became complacent in their comfortableness. As many citizens of Saris, they became prideful in their material wealth and natural defense.
Jesus tells the church that “I know your deeds.” You may have the outward appearance of being alive, but you are spiritually dead (Rev. 3:1). They were complacent in their witness, falsely assuming that they could depend on their reputation.
How wrong they were!
Correction
Jesus told them to “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.” (Rev. 3:2 ESV).
In other words, you’re not as good as you think you are. Wake up to the enemies around you. Throughout scripture, the body of Christ is warned to stay watchful and vigilant.” On several occasions, Jesus tells his disciples to be on guard against ravenous wolves (false prophets) (Matt. 7:15). We are to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matt. 10:16).
Jesus warns the church, there’s still work to do, so wake up and repent before its too late!
Jesus continues with “Remember, then, what you received and heard. He was telling them to return to their first love, when they had a zeal for the things of God and embraced Christ’s teachings.
Jesus tells them to keep these teachings and repent. He then warns, “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.” (Rev. 3:3).
He acknowledges that a few people in Sardis have not soiled their garments (with immorality and idolatry) and “they will walk with Me in white (glory), for they are worthy.” (Rev. 3:4). They were watchful and guarded their hearts and minds. The white garments are symbolic of righteousness (Got Questions).
Promise
To those who overcome, they will walk with Jesus in white (high honor). Jesus will never blot his name out of the book of life, and he will publicly confess his name before my Father and before his angels. (Rev. 3:5).
Jesus concludes “The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev. 3:6). Pay close attention to what is being said and heed to it.
Today’s Significance
The letter to the Church in Sardis teaches us important lessons that are relevant for today’s church. It’s like a wake-up call urging us to shake off any spiritual laziness and get back on track.
One big lesson is about staying engaged in our faith, instead of sitting on the sidelines, acting like we’re in the game. When we become complacent, we tend to become unaccountable and hide (or fool ourselves) that we are still doing all we can to serve Christ. It’s dangerous because it’s during this time that our guards are down (we decrease praying and studying the Word of God), and we open opportunity to sin and be deceived.
Another key takeaway is the importance of keeping our faith alive. Our faith is a flame that needs the fuel of the Holy Spirit to keep burning bright. The letter also reminds us that it’s never too late to turn things around and get back on track.
By learning from the church in Sardis’s experience, we can keep our faith alive and thrive. Adhering to Jesus’ letter, we can be the light that he called us to be (Matt. 5:14–16).
Is This You?
As Christians, the busyness of life can keep us distracted from focusing on what’s really important: A true relationship with Jesus and spreading the gospel. I would venture to say this is a tactic that is used by the enemy in an attempt to keep us from serving our purpose in Christ.
I know that I’ve been guilty of this numerous times, and I’m thankful for God’s grace and patience as we make mistakes, and we grow in our faith journey.
With that being said, please consider the following questions to help you discover which areas to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to overcome. I’ve included scriptures for your edification:
- Do you find yourself going through the motions of your faith without genuine passion or commitment? You look like you’re doing everything right, but your heart says something different. (Prov. 16:3; Lk 14:27; Matt. 6:33; Matt. 6:21; Phil. 3:14; Ps. 37:5; Jas 1:22–24)
- Are you hiding unforgiveness, guilty pleasures, and other unrepentant sin that you have not confessed and repented? (1 John 1:9–10; Rom. 2:5; Col. 3:5; 1 Tim. 5:6; Matt. 6:14–15; Mark 11:25).
- Have you felt complacent spiritually, where you lack motivation to actively engage in your relationship with God? (Prov. 1:32; Heb. 6:12)
- Do you neglect to study the Word of God to seek the truths of your faith and its implications for your life? When was the last time you studied the bible to learn about what pleases God and as a guide to life? (Matt. 4:4; Matt. 24:35; John 1:1; 2 Tim. 2:15)
- Have you ever felt a sense of spiritual stagnation, feeling stuck in your journey of growth? (Isa. 43:18–19; Phil. 4:12–13; Ps. 51:10; 2 Cor. 5:17; Heb. 12:1–2)
- Do you rely on past experiences in your faith journey over seeking fresh encounters with God and His Word? (Phil. 2:5–6; Gal. 2:20; 1 Cor. 9:24–27; Heb. 6:11–12)
- Are you open to acknowledging areas of spiritual lethargy in your life and seeking restoration? (1 John 1:9; Prov 28;13; Matt. 3:2; James 5:16).
- Do you prioritize worldly pursuits (wealth, career, material things) over nurturing your relationship with God? (Matt. 6:19–21; Heb. 13:5; Matt. 6:33)
- Do you neglect prayer, worship, and bible study; leading to a gradual decline in your spiritual vitality? (Heb. 2:3; Matt. 6:24; Eph. 6:10–18)
- Do you feel disconnected from the community of believers, so you do not actively participate and contribute to the life of the church? (Heb. 10:25; Rom. 12:10; Prov. 27:17; Eph. 4:32)
- Are you willing to confront and address any areas of spiritual apathy in your life, seeking to reignite your passion for God and His Kingdom purposes? (2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Cor. 11: 27–31; Gal. 5:22–23; Lam. 3:40; Jas. 1:23–25)
Wealth does not guarantee happiness and complacency will lead you straight to hell. A complacent church will often speak of its “glory days” instead of planning new accomplishments and walking according to Christ. You will find this type of church saying things like, “we used to…” . You may even find this type of church rebelling against change, arguing “We’ve never done it that way before.”
Conclusion
Never assume that you’ve done enough in serving God. There is always something to do, for “the harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few” (Matt. 9:37–38). Further, Jesus instructed us to “occupy until he comes.”
When Jesus returns like a thief in the night, will you be one of these slumbering believers?” Unfortunately, these believers will forfeit their rewards at the time of Judgment.
I pray that this article helps you in your Christian walk. It’s not too late to repent and allow God to use you for his glory.
But please do not procrastinate on this. The next moment is not promised to any of us.
Please note: This article addresses the church (followers of Christ).
*If you would like to know more about Jesus and how you can have a relationship with him and become a follower of Christ, I would be honored to introduce you.
References:
Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers (n.d.). Revelations Chapter 3. ESV.org. Retrieved June 10, 2024, from https://www.esv.org/Revelation+3/
Free Text Bible Commentaries — Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/
Got Questions Ministries. (n.d.). Revelations Chapter 3. BibleRef. Retrieved May 30, 2024, from https://www.bibleref.com/Revelation/3/Revelation-chapter-3.html
Sardis | Turkey, Map, Location, & History. (1998, July 20). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sardis
The Archaeological Exploration of Sardis. (n.d.). https://sardisexpedition.org/en/essays/latw-cahill-city-of-sardis
Revelation 3:6 Commentaries: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (n.d.). https://biblehub.com/commentaries/revelation/3-6.htm
