November 3, 2024

The Church In Sardis – Revelation 3:1-6

Ice Breaker

1. Read Revelation 3:1-6. What is the difference between character and reputation? Which do you think is worse—wrongfully having a bad reputation, or wrongfully having a good reputation? Why? Discuss as a group.

Loving God Unreservedly

2. Imagine yourself as a member of the church at Sardis. What would you say to your fellow-church members after hearing the Lord’s letter read?
3. Read (Rev. 1:16), the seven stars described Christ’s concern for his churches. This church was known for good works, which were praiseworthy by men. The good works were formal, external and not with the life-giving Holy Spirit. Why is it important that our works be not simply technical, a human endeavor, but spiritual and guided by God’s Spirit?
4. The seven spirits indicated the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Is. 11:2; Zechariah 4:1-6; Rev. 1:4). How does the Holy Spirit help the church from becoming lethargic?

Loving People Sacrificially

5. What was wrong with the church at Sardis? (vs. 2)
6. What warnings were given to the church at Sardis? (vs. 2)
7. What were the consequences promised to those who refused to wake up? (vs. 3)
8. Genuine faith is evident in behavior that shows the new life that is within. In (vv. 2-3) the church of Sardis was instructed (5 imperatives) to awaken, strengthen, remember, keep what it had received, and repent. Discuss what is significant about spiritual alertness? Why does God desire his people to be active and not passive?
9. What advice would you give to a young Christian who asked, “How can I keep from sinning?”

Making Disciples Purposefully

10. At CEFC, our mission statement: We exist to glorify God by loving him unreservedly, loving people sacrificially, and making disciples purposefully. Making disciples purposefully implies being strategic, intentional, and having a plan. Take time to pray for a person that God may bring into your life to be discipled. Commit the name to your group for prayer. Provide an update at a later meeting.
11. The final two verses (vv. 5-6) described overcomers and an imperative to listen. How do these two verses encourage us in our witness of the gospel? Jesus’ gift of life (salvation; Jn. 3:16) and response to his call (gospel) by the unbeliever? (Jn. 16:8, 13-15) How can we join God’s mission?

Dig Deeper (Optional/Personal Study)

12. Research: Revelation 3:2-3, the five imperatives of the text. What is the common focus of all five imperatives? Note, not all the church was dead (3:1), there remained a remnant of those who were fervent in their faith (3:4). Why is it important for the church to be vigilant for Christ’s glorious return (Mk. 13:35-37; Matt. 24:42; 25:13; Lk. 12:36-38; 1 Thess. 5:6). How does it inform our ecclesiology and eschatology?