Sardis: A church that was about image over substance REVELATION 3:1-6 NET “To the angel of the church in Sardis write the following: “This is the solemn pronouncement of the one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a reputation that you are alive, but in reality you are dead. 2 Wake up then, and strengthen what remains that was about to die, because I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3 Therefore, remember what you received and heard, and obey it, and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will never know at what hour I will come against you. 4 But you have a few individuals in Sardis who have not stained their clothes, and they will walk with me dressed in white, because they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be dressed like them in white clothing, and I will never erase his name from the book of life, but will declare his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ BE more interested in the content of your character than your reputation. Character is WHO you are; reputation is what people THINK you are. What does God say to do? Wake up/Be watchful - v.2 It’s not how you start but how you finish; Your work is unfinished in God’s sight - v.2 Remember what you received and heard - v.3 Repent and obey - v.3 Rewards of doing it God’s way: Walk with God - v.4 Clothed in His character - v.5 Name in Book of Life - v.5 Jesus speaks on your behalf before God the Father and angels! - v.5 WALK WITH GOD AND FINISH WELL WHAT WE LEARN FROM THE CHURCHES: Ephesus Be Loving Smyrna Be Enduring Pergamum Be Unwavering Thyatira Be Faithful Sardis Be Alert & Finish Strong Philadelphia Be Steady and Persevere Laodicea Be Passionate 1. Ephesus: The Loveless Church. 2. Smyrna: The Suffering Church. 3. Pergamum: The Compromising Church. 4. Thyatira: The Adulterous Church. 5. Sardis: The Dead Church. 6. Philadelphia: The Faithful Church. 7. Laodicea: The Lukewarm Church.