Revelation 3:1 - 6

1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

6 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’

John is told to write to the one responsible for delivering the message to the congregation at Sardis that Christ who has the seven Spirits of God (Seven is enumerated for us even though there is only one Holy Spirit, seven is used because it was a special number among the Jews, Egyptians, Arabians, Persians, etc., it was sacred, a good omen, and also meant, whole or complete.) The seven stars represent the angels who are responsible for delivering the messages to the seven churches.

Even though the church existed in name, reputation, and existence, in reality it was in a dead condition. It is a spiritual condition because if it were dead physically then there would be no opportunity to make changes to correct the conditions of the congregation. There is still possibility of returning the condition of their congregation of one of being alive and accepted by Christ.

They are told to be alert and work to build up the areas of their group which is dying to the condition which is required.

They were told to remember what they had been taught, what they had accepted, they had the gospel and ought to know how mere profession of being a believer is not acceptable. (faith without works is dead – James 2) They needed to use and develop the talents given to them. (Matthew 25:16) This an example of a wrong which is the result of a act of omission instead of the act of committing a sin. They are told to repent, or to start doing the works necessary to be acceptable to God. A Christian is expected to produce fruit. (Matthew 3:10)

Not working to do good makes it easy to slide into an evil condition of committing sin.

They are told not to wait to correct this condition because Christ may come when unexpected to assess the situation for a final time. The day of judgment is not set, it can happen any time.

There are some members of this congregation who are faithful and fruitful, they need to remain such and overcome the conditions which may tempt them to be like their fellow members who are not doing the good that they should. If they are resistant to the wrong and continue to be productive and faithful they will be rewarded with life eternal, wearing a white robe and having their name in the book of Life. They will be announced to God the Father and His angels as faithful beings who belong within the gates of heaven.

Remember these messages apply to us as well in today's world. We have to guard against being ineffectual and unfruitful.