Revelation 3: 1, 2
Six centuries before John delivered Jesus’ message to the Sardis church, the city of Sardis was one of the riches cities in Asia. In fact, it’s said that the use of money originated there and it is where silver and gold were first made into coins. However, by the time Revelation was written; the city, while still enjoying some prosperity, was actually dying and living off its past glory.
The Sardis church had taken on the same persona of the city. It too had a great reputation because of its money and the works it did, but it was a spiritually dying church. Jesus told them as much when He appeared in the message as holding the key to their problem: the Holy Spirit. Listening to the Holy Spirit would be their hope for revival.
For this church, there isn’t a commendation; only a rebuke. Jesus is unhappy and speaks against its lifelessness. The church was living off its reputation for being alive and active with works, but it was a sham; nothing more than possessing a form of godliness without its power.
Jesus’ wake-up call to the church was that their works were devoid of God’s righteousness. In its lethargy, its present works were merely by rote. Therefore, it didn’t deserve its aura of being proud and self-confident. It was no longer connected to the Vine of life. It was dead.
However, all was not lost. There remained a hope of resurrection: the remaining few who were faithful and hadn’t absorbed the church’s prevailing attitude. Jesus made it clear that If they were protected and strengthened, the church stood a chance. Otherwise, they too would soon die.
Historically and symbolically, the condition of the Sardis church can also be applied to the 16th and 17th century church. During this time-frame, the fervent, energetic Reform movement came somewhat to an end. In its place – especially toward the end of this period – secular, philosophical rationalism entered the church. Many theological arguments and controversies ensued. As a result, though appearing to be alive, the church devolved into a spiritual lethargy. Having fallen out of love with the gospel and its saving grace, it became formal and spiritually lifeless.