As we continue in our "Ears to Hear" series we consider Revelation 3:1-6 and Jesus' words to the church in Sardis.
This church is one of just two churches for whom Jesus has no words of affirmation. Jesus knows the deeds of the Sardis church. They are well regarded, with a solid name and reputation for being alive– but they are dead.
Their works are incomplete and unfinished. There is a disparity between appearance and reality; a disparity between what people see when they look at the church, and what God sees. There was a lack of inward integrity. The church was inauthentic. Jesus calls them to wake up from their lethargy, to remember and hold fast what they have seen and heard, and repent.
