Topical Studies
What the Bible says about
Sardis Attitude
(From Forerunner Commentary)
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2 Peter 1:10
Each passing day reinforces the fact that we live in dangerous times. Surely, the return of Jesus Christ cannot be many years away! When we consider this along with the greatness of our God-given opportunity, we should be urgently motivated to ensure our calling and election. The very magnitude of the issues involved emphasizes that we must do something now because of who we are—the called—and each person receives only one calling to salvation. Taking action secures two things. First, it ensures we will not stumble from neglect, forgetfulness, or laziness (verse 9). We live in the age of Laodiceanism. One can easily become lured into and then entrapped in this destructive attitude that produces spiritual blindness. Second, it ensures that a way will be opened to us into God's Kingdom (verse 11). In the letter to the Sardis church, Jesus clarifies who will be in God's Kingdom: 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. 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. (Revelation 3:4-5) Our part in salvation is small compared to God's, but vital. Those who are worthy and those who are clothed in white are the same: They are the ones who overcome! It is that simple.
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Elements of Motivation (Part Five): Who We Are
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Revelation 2:7
The sense is that these messages for each church—for all Christians. This means that the attitudes and conduct described dominate the group accused or complimented by Christ, but they also exist in the other groups as well. Otherwise, the advice to whoever hears would not apply. In other words, the Ephesian attitude might also be in Smyrna, Pergamos, Laodicea, Philadelphia, etc., but it dominated the church in Ephesus. The attitude that dominated in Smyrna would also describe, though with less accuracy, one or more of the other groups. The same would be true of Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. All the messages apply to all of the churches. All the messages apply to each of us as individuals, and it is a matter of "if the shoes fits, wear it." That is God's approach here. We are to live by every word of God. It is only under this principle that we can apply these messages.
John W. Ritenbaugh
What Is the Work of God Now? (Part Four)
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Revelation 3:3
A characteristic of the dead, physically or spiritually, is that they are unaware. Perhaps those of Sardis are not aware of what is really happening in the church and world. Maybe they think Christ "is delaying His coming" and have relaxed spiritually. Perhaps they actually fear spiritual growth because of the demands it will put upon them. Whatever the reason, they are standing still and not growing, slowly losing what real life they had. In this sad spiritual state, end-time events could catch them by surprise like a thief in the night.
Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The Seven Churches (Part Seven): Sardis
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Revelation 3:4
A few names in Sardis are still alive spiritually, working faithfully. One might judge himself of another group entirely if he judges himself alive, but God says some are living among the dead. Are any of us willing to call himself or herself dead? We all judge ourselves as part of any group but Sardis! Yet God says Sardis exists, maybe not “alive and well,” but existing nonetheless. Therefore, we all need to examine ourselves (II Corinthians 13:5). Would God judge our works as lively, our faith as living? Or are we slowly losing what we originally received and heard? Perhaps we need to reinvigorate our prayer, study, efforts to overcome our carnal nature, and the serving of our brethren—to show some life!
Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The Seven Churches (Part Seven): Sardis
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