An exposition of Revelation 3:1-6. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, July 13, 2008.
Intro:
I’ve always been a bit unnerved by things that go bump in the night. I’m one of those people who…well I’m … I’m a coward! If I hear something at night – I’m under the covers if not under the bed. I remember, when I was a kid, I watched those late night horror movies with my brothers. Watched is not exactly right – I listened to them from behind the recliner. Frankenstein, Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Flying Monkeys from the Wizard of Oz – they terrified me. I’m older now, more mature. I can handle most of them – but those flying monkeys still give me the willies!
But what really frightens me is the “living dead.” Not the ones in the bad Hollywood B movies, the ones in the church pew. I’m sorry to say that we, in the church, have our share of folks who have all the right answers, who look so good on the surface and yet have no life – spiritually. In doctrine they are as straight as an arrow. As for their public morality they are spotless. But there is no life, no vitality. Their faith is a static, cold, lifeless body of facts instead of a living, vibrant relationship with the living God. What is the response of our Lord to those within the church who lack spiritual vitality? What is his word to the lifeless believer? That is the focus of our Lord’s letter to the first century church at Sardis. His words are recorded for us in Revelation chapter 3.
Thesis: The Sovereign Lord of the church calls every believer to a living, vibrant faith.
- Orthodoxy is no substitute for a living faith. (3:1)
- Renewed vitality demands specific action. (3:2-3)
- A living, vibrant faith is assured a glorious reward. (3:4-6)