Sardis

Rev. 3:1-6

The capital city of Lydia in the province of Asia, in western Asia Minor (Modern Turkey).  Sardis was situated on the east bank of the Pactolus River about 50 miles east of Smyrna; it occupied a rocky spur of Mount Tmolus and a valley at the foot of this  Mountain.  In ancient times Sardis was well fortified and easily defended.  It became the capital of the acncient Lydian empire, then passed successively to the Persians, the Greeks, and the romans during their respective dominance of the ancient world.

During its days as a Roman city, Sardis became an important Christian center.  However, the church at Sardis was evidently affected by the complacency of the  city and its reliance on past glory:  “You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” Rev. 3:1.  Sardis, the dead church, was like “whitewashed tombs which…appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones” Matt. 23:27.  Its thriving, healthy appearance masked an inner decay.

The most impressive building of ancient Sardis must have been its magnificent Temple of Artemis, built in the fourth century B.C. The temple was 327 feet long and 163 feet wide and had 78 Ionic columns each 58 feet high.  Some of these columns remain standing until this day.

·         A Name that livest, and are dead (A profession)

Jesus admonition for this church was “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain. (The little, one may half left, i.e. spiritually).  Strengthen that which is ready to die, (.i.e decay, before mortification set in):  This church works were not perfect before God.  They were not complete in holiness before God, they were on the road of backsliding.  Remember (Let me call you memory to attention), how thou has received and heard).  How you started off.  The experience you once had with God, the faith the love, joy and zeal, when you didn’t won’t to do anything wrong. 

Hold fast, (Get firm, settled, rooted, don’t so easily let go, hang on for dear life).  Repent (turn from that dead backsliding condition). 

There are a few names who have not defile their garments (garments of holiness, righteousness and praise).  Walk with me in white, (Purity and Holiness).  For they are worthy.  Only the pure in heart are worthy to walk with Jesus.

He that overcometh (Get the victory), the same (this privilege is extended to all), shall be clothed in white raiment (Purity and Holiness).  In order to walk with Jesus, some things must be overcome first.

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