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{SEVEN CHURCHES} #6

 {SEVEN LETTERS} 

Reviving a Dead Church_ 

Revelation 3:1-6 

 
The church at Sardis had the reputation of being alive – vibrant, Spirit-filled, open to God’s work, obedient to God’s Word. But as Jesus looked at this church, he saw a deeper reality. The church was not wicked or immoral, but dead, unresponsive to Christ. 

 
[Read Revelation 3:1-6] 

 

In verse 1, what was Jesus’ evaluation of this church and how did he arrive at that evaluation? 

 

Do you think that you would have arrived at the same conclusion if you had been part of the church in Sardis? 
Why? 

 

[Activity] Jesus gives five commands to the people in this dead church (verses 2-3). 
List the commands and explain what obeying each command might involve... 

1]  

 

2] 

 

3] 

 

4] 

 

5] 

 

Which of these commands do you think Jesus would speak to your church, and why? 
Which command would Jesus speak to you personally? 

 

In verse 3, is the visitation Jesus promises, if the church does not wake up, a good thing or a not-so good thing? 

 

Some scholars believe that the problem at Sardis was the church’s unwillingness to break away from traditional Judaism. Since Jews were not required to declare publicly that Caesar is Lord, most of these Christians were reluctant to declare their belief that Jesus was Lord in front of their Jewish friends and families.  
Following Jesus as the promised Messiah meant having your name blotted from the synagogue membership roll and being removed from the protections that Judaism provided. In verse 5, what is Jesus’ promise to those who faithfully follow him? 

 

What is implied about those who refuse to acknowledge Jesus publicly? 

 

In what situations today might a Christian be reluctant to declare loyalty to Jesus rather than seek the approval of those around them? 

 

In what area or situation is Jesus calling you to new boldness in declaring and demonstrating your allegiance to him? 

 
What are the risks? 

 

What are the rewards?

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