Revelation Chapter 3

Revelation 3:1-6

Reviving a dead church requires recognizing and addressing its spiritual condition. In Revelation 3:1-6, Jesus rebukes the church of Sardis, comparing it to the city itself, which had a reputation for wealth and power, but had lost both. The church had a reputation for being alive, but in reality, it was dead. A dead church may have a large membership and be actively engaged in programs, but lacks spiritual life and substance.

Jesus admonishes the church to wake up and strengthen what remains before it dies completely. He points out that their works are not complete in the sight of God. The church in Sardis had become outwardly prosperous and busy with religious activities, but it lacked true spiritual life and power. Most of the members had become influenced by the surrounding world of pagan religion and Judaism, compromising their faith.

Several factors may have contributed to the decline and death of the church in Sardis. Firstly, complacency and overconfidence made them unwatchful against spiritual attacks. Churches need to be alert and guard against false teaching and worldly influences. Secondly, the lack of complete devotion and thanks to God resulted in empty works that lacked substance. The church's works may have been impressive to men, but they didn't measure up in God's sight. Lastly, the church had become influenced by the surrounding culture, leading to a gradual drift away from true devotion to Christ.

Reviving a dead church starts with recognizing its spiritual condition and repenting from complacency and compromise. The faithful remnant within the church, those who have not soiled their garments, serve as an example. These believers lived a faithful biblical lifestyle, confessing their sins and trusting in Christ for cleansing. Churches must encourage and promote a vibrant faith rooted in God's Word.

Jesus offers three promises to those who overcome: walking with Him in white garments, having their names preserved in the book of life, and being confessed before the Father and His angels. White garments symbolize purity, righteousness, and forgiveness through the blood of Christ. Believers who remain faithful will have their names securely written in the book of life, signifying eternal salvation. Lastly, Jesus promises to confess their names before the Father, demonstrating their significance and belonging to Him.

To revive a dead church, believers must pursue sincere and genuine faith, avoiding nominal Christianity. They should hold fast to God's Word, live out their faith with a repentant heart, and stand firm against compromise and worldly influences. Churches need to foster a culture of discipleship, vibrant worship, and active engagement in the community. By emphasizing the importance of genuine faith, believers can experience the blessings of walking with Christ and the assurance of eternal salvation.

In conclusion, reviving a dead church requires acknowledging its spiritual condition, repenting from complacency and compromise, and pursuing genuine faith rooted in God's Word. Churches must guard against false teaching and worldly influences, encouraging a vibrant relationship with Christ. By staying faithful and obedient, believers can experience the promises Jesus offers to those who overcome.

Revelation 3:7-13

In this passage from Revelation 3:7-13, Jesus speaks to the church in Philadelphia, reminding them of their calling to spread the gospel. He presents himself as the holy and true one, with the key of David, symbolizing his control over access to God's kingdom. Jesus emphasizes that salvation comes only through him, as he is the door to eternal life. He encourages the church in Philadelphia to faithfully preach his gospel and promises them an open door for their ministry.

The open door represents both the opportunity for salvation and the opportunity to share the gospel with others. Jesus assures the believers in Philadelphia that no one can shut the door of heaven, even though they may face opposition and persecution. He promises that their witness to him will be successful in their missionary city. This promise is not limited to the church in Philadelphia but extends to all believers.

Jesus further promises the faithful believers that they will have unshakable spiritual stability. He refers to them as pillars in the temple of God, emphasizing their permanence and strength in the eternal church. He also promises to write on them the name of God, the name of the city of God (the new Jerusalem), and his own new name. This signifies their authentic citizenship and assures them of their right to enjoy the blessings of eternal life.

While Jesus offers an open door of opportunity, there is also a warning about the urgency of coming to him in faith. The door will eventually be shut, and it is vital to respond to his invitation now. As believers, we are encouraged to hold fast to our faith and not let anyone seize our crown. We may face difficulties and opposition, but with Christ's strength, we can go the distance and receive the crown of righteousness.

Ultimately, this passage highlights the incredible opportunity of salvation and the responsibility to share the gospel. Jesus holds the key to God's kingdom and grants access to all who believe. He assures us that the door is open and invites us to enter into eternal life with him. As we faithfully serve him and proclaim his gospel, we can trust in his authority and rely on his power to bring success to our ministry.

Revelation 3:14-22

The passage from Revelation 3:14-22 focuses on the message Jesus sends to the church in Laodicea. While some interpretations view the seven messages to the churches as a historical outline of the church's progression, there is no evidence in the text to support this. The church in Laodicea is often overlooked, with many associating themselves instead with the praiseworthy church of Philadelphia. However, the Laodicean church bears more resemblance to the state of the evangelical church in the West today.

Laodicea was a wealthy city known for its material affluence. The church there had become apathetic and lacked zeal for Christ and the gospel. Similarly, the evangelical church in the West today is often focused on self-improvement and personal experiences, with little interest in Christ. This was exemplified at a Christian convention where the interviewer was surprised to find a book about Jesus among all the others she had interviewed authors about. John Stott describes the church in Laodicea as a representation of the prevalent "sentimental, skin-deep religiosity" found in today's society.

The main problem with the Laodicean church was not persecution, sin, or false teaching, but their spiritual apathy. They gathered for worship, but their hearts were not fully engaged. Their faith lacked fervor and wholeheartedness, leading to little work or witness. Their lukewarmness and lack of commitment disgusted Jesus, prompting him to declare that he would spit them out of his mouth.

One factor that contributed to their lukewarmness was their false estimation of themselves based on their material blessings. They considered their wealth and prosperity as indicators of true success, failing to realize their spiritual poverty and need for Christ. This syndrome, known as "Affluenza," is prevalent in contemporary America, where people trust in money and worldly pursuits rather than seeking a wholehearted commitment to Christ.

Jesus's response to the lukewarmness of the Laodicean church is a call to repentance and renewed zeal for him. He urges them to open the door of their hearts to him and his Word. The poverty of the church lies in neglecting the Word of God and failing to put Christ first and seek his pleasure in all areas of life.

Alongside this call to repentance, Jesus offers the promise of personal communion and fellowship with him. He desires to come in and eat with his people, offering enriched spiritual blessings and deeper discipleship. This offer of communion should not be limited to the sacrament of the Lord's Supper but encompasses all aspects of a church that has opened itself to the living Christ through his Word.

Jesus addresses each church with a specific message, but his ultimate purpose is to offer salvation. He warns the Laodiceans that their lukewarmness may indicate that many members are not truly saved. He reminds them that he can provide true riches, white robes, and eyes to see. His desire is to dwell within his church and in the hearts of individual believers.

The message to the Laodicean church emphasizes the worthiness and glory of Jesus. He is described as the Amen, the faithful and true witness, and the beginning of God's creation. This highlights his solid and truthful nature, his authority to speak into our lives, and his power to renew the church and restore lives through salvation.

In conclusion, the message to the church in Laodicea calls for repentance and renewed zeal for Christ. Jesus warns against lukewarmness and offers the promise of enriched communion with him. He desires to save his people, provide them with true riches, and dwell within their lives. Ultimately, the call is for all believers to conquer in faith and inherit the high communion and glory that Christ offers.