The Seven Churches of Asia (5)
The Church at Sardis
FILING
INFORMATION:
2001004
Subject:
Seven Churches of Asia
Preached Originally: 01/14/01 – Rapid
City, SD
Introduction:
A.
Located 30 mi. South of Thyatira on the East - West crossroads of the
Ludian empire.
1.
One of the oldest and most
important cities in Asia. Built on
northern slope of Mt. whose acropolis occupied a spur of mountain, about 1500
feet high, with sheer walls on 3 sides.
2.
Easily defendable & virtually impregnable, but fell twice because there
was no watchman on the wall.
a)
549 BC the Persians took the city.
b)
218 BC Antiochus III took the city. He invaded the city like
a "thief in the night."
B.
Sardis was also a wealthy city: was a city of commerce
1.
fertile farm land; also
produced textiles and jewelry.
2.
Gold was mined here, and money was first minted here.
C.
City located on earthquake fault. In 17 A.D. was devastated by an
earthquake.
1.
Rebuilt by Tiberius, but
never regained its former economic significance.
D.
During this time the mystery cults of the ancient East had wealthy
devotees here-- some claimed power to restore life to the dead. There was a temple of Cybele located
here. Her worship resembled that
of Diana of the Ephesians.
E.
Christianity grew here and Sardis became a center of Christianity in
Asia Minor.
F.
Let's notice the spiritual conditions of the church in this city
I. A Description of Jesus:
A.
Hath the seven Spirits of God
1.
Number 7 signifies completeness, it is used often in the book of Rev.
2.
Jesus possessed Spirit without measure Jhn.3:34
B.
Hath seven stars
1.
Seven stars are seven angels Rev.1:20
2.
These messengers under authority of Christ
II. What was wrong with the congregation:
A.
Possibly of
some significance that Christ criticizes before he commends - only one time out
of seven that this is done.
B.
Had a name that alive - but were dead
1.
Had a good appearance
2.
Enjoyed
reputation of being alive - we can think we are alive when we are dead.
3.
But they were dead. There
are many reasons
a)
Not having proper food
b)
Not having proper exercise
c)
Not having proper care
C.
Works not perfect or complete before God
1.
Must abound in work of the Lord - 1Cor.15:58
2.
Scripture furnish completely to every good work - 2Tim.3:16,17
III. What was Right with this Congregation:
A.
Few names - not defiled their garments
1.
"Few" - true in most places
2.
"Few" find the narrow way Matt.7:13,14
3.
"Few" meant only 8 in Noah's time
B.
They are worthy (suitable)
1.
Could not be said of all
2.
Few had remained faithful and were thus suitable to walk with Christ.
IV. Admonitions given to the Congregation:
- Be watchful Mk.13:35
- Need to always be
ready
- Know not the hour
Christ is coming Matt.24:42
- Strengthen the things
which remain
- Sometimes we convert
people and forget them or we go out trying to make new converts and
forget about the people who are already Christians
- We have a
responsibility to the weak Rom.15:1-2
- Remember therefore
how thou has received and heard
- Remember your past
state
- Think of the zeal
you once had
- Hold fast 1Cor.15:58
- Repent
- Unless willing to
repent - perish Lk.13:3
- All commanded to
repent Acts 17:30
V. A Warning Given:
- If you don't watch
- Come as a thief in
the night
- When we least expect
it
- All things will not
continue as they were
- 2Pet.3:3,4; 10-12
Conclusion:
- Promised a reward to
those who had not defiled their garments
- Walk with me in
white
- They are worthy
(suitable)
- He that overcometh
- Clothed in white
raiment
- Not blot out his
name
- Confess his name
Matt.10:32,33
- He that hath an ear let him
hear: Hear what? What the Spirit says unto the
churches (we have ears to hear)
- Admonition - be
watchful, strengthen
- Recognize what is
right and wrong in the congregation
- Hear who is speaking
- has the Spirit of God without measure - messengers under his authority.
E.
I N V I T A T I O N