Listen to last week’s sermon on The Church of Sardis from Revelation 3:1-6

Pastor Eric’s sermon this past Sunday continued the sermon series on the seven letters to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation. On this Thanksgiving weekend, he expressed gratitude for these letters, emphasizing that they were given by Jesus after His earthly ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension. Written around 95 AD, these letters provide a unique perspective—Jesus’ own evaluation of the early church, 60 years after His ascension. Pastor Eric reminded us that if Jesus had so much to say to the first-century church, He surely has much to say to the church today. These letters are not just historical documents; they are living feedback for believers in every generation.

Recap: The First Four Churches

Before diving into the message to The Church of Sardis, Pastor Eric briefly recapped the previous churches:

1. Ephesus: Commended for many things but rebuked for losing their first love.
2. Smyrna: Suffered for Christ and was encouraged to remain faithful, even unto death.
3. Pergamos: Had good qualities but tolerated false teachings.
4. Thyatira: Did many great things but allowed immorality and idolatry to persist.

The Church of Sardis: A Wake-Up Call from Revelation 3:1-6

Sardis, a City of Wealth and Security

Sardis was once a wealthy, successful city, famous for being the first to mint gold and silver coins. Its citadel and massive walls symbolized security and strength. The city’s location on an acropolis made it nearly impregnable, and its lower city was surrounded by thick walls. Yet, as Pastor Eric pointed out, even the strongest fortress can fall if the watchmen are not vigilant.

Reputation vs. Reality

Jesus introduces Himself as the One who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. He immediately addresses The Church of Sardis with sobering words:

“I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” (Revelation 3:1)

Unlike His messages to other churches, Jesus offers no compliments here. Sardis had a reputation for being alive—perhaps due to its wealth, programs, music, technology, or organization. Outwardly, everything looked vibrant and successful. People spoke highly of the church; it was considered a model congregation. But Jesus saw through the façade. The reputation was faulty. The church projected an image of life, but in reality, it was spiritually dead. There was no heartbeat, no movement of the Holy Spirit, no true vitality.

What Does a Dead Church Look Like According to Jesus?

Pastor Eric challenged us to reflect: What does a dead church look like in Jesus’ eyes? He suggested that to answer this, we must consider what a living Christian looks like:

Does it bother you that loved ones are lost?
The living Christian prays and shares the gospel; the dead Christian is indifferent.

Are you concerned about influences on your children?
The living Christian cares; the dead Christian is unconcerned.

Do you prioritize prayer and God’s Word?
The living Christian hungers for God; the dead Christian is apathetic.

Do you rely on the Holy Spirit?
The living Christian seeks the Spirit’s help; the dead Christian relies on self.

A living church is marked by dependence on the Holy Spirit, a passion for transformation over tradition, a desire for souls to be saved, and fruitfulness for the Lord.

The Danger of Projected and Perceived Images

Pastor Eric explained based on John Bevere’s book “Extraordinary”, the difference between: 

1. Projected Image: What we show others—often filtered and exaggerated.
2. Perceived Image: What others think of us—also prone to error.
3. Actual Image: The unfiltered truth—what God sees.

The Church of Sardis projected life, others perceived life, but the actual image was death. Pastor Eric warned against living for flattery or false assurance, urging us to seek God’s opinion above all.

Jesus’ Call: Wake Up!

Jesus commands the church:

“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.” (Revelation 3:2-3)

The Greek word for “wake up” means to keep watch, be alert, stay awake. Jesus warns that if they do not wake up, He will come like a thief—suddenly and unexpectedly.

The Historical Lesson

Pastor Eric recounted how Sardis, despite its strong walls, was conquered twice due to the watchmen’s complacency. The city fell because those assigned to keep watch were overconfident and inattentive. This history made Jesus’ warning especially poignant for the believers in Sardis.

The Call to Vigilance

The lesson is clear: No matter how strong our defenses, if we are not spiritually vigilant, we are vulnerable. Pastor Eric quoted Proverbs 24:33-34:

“A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.”

He urged us to heed Jesus’ call to stay awake, alert, and prepared—not to lower our guard just because things seem peaceful.

The Promise to the Faithful

Despite the overall rebuke, Jesus acknowledges a faithful remnant:

“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.” (Revelation 3:4)

These are the ones who remained vigilant, did not compromise, and are promised eternal fellowship with Christ.

Watch sermon here: