The words of Jesus are tragic when referring to Sardis – “You are dead” – one scholar put it this way: “Sardis is the reverse of Smyrna. Smyrna was put to death, yet lived. Sardis, however, appeared to be alive, yet was dead.”

1. WAKE UP! This is a call away from indifference, laziness – it’s like slapping cold water on your face, or having the paddles on your chest to resuscitate you – remember, Sardis was physically defeated because they weren’t alert and on guard – Spiritually, the same was true – maybe this defines you during pandemic – you got out of good spiritual habits and now feel out of rhythm, a little indifferent, a little dead – Jesus says, “WAKE UP!”

2. STRENGTHEN WHAT REMAINS. I liken this to a campfire that is almost out and smoldering. What does it need? You need to blow on the fire and add some kindling to reignite the fire – Spiritually, you need the Holy Spirit to breathe new life into you, you need the kindling of the secret place with Jesus to reignite passion that was once there.

3. REMEMBER WHAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED AND HEARD. What had they received and heard? The GOSPEL (you received salvation), the letters from Paul, Peter, John that were circulating around the early church – basically, the doctrine on which the church was founded – It once had the reputation as a great church, one that was fully alive. Now, they needed a refresher course. Similar to Ephesus: “Remember the heights from which you’ve fallen” – For you, Retrace your steps – where and when did you lay down your intimacy? Remember when you were excited about your relationship with Jesus? Get back to that place – REDISCOVER TRUTH

4. HOLD IT FAST. Another way to say it: be obedient to what you know to be true – it’s one thing to know truth, it’s another thing to be obedient to it – much like Ephesus, it’s LOVE problem – you can obey without loving but you can’t LOVE without OBEYING

5. REPENT. Seen this word several times now in these letters – think in a new way about your sin – this does not come naturally, but by conviction of HS – Again, not condemnation which brings shame, but conviction that brings FREEDOM –