However, it is also instructive to think of the parable as describing not so much the church versus the world, but two kinds of members in congregations such as the one at Sardis. When interpreting that parable, we usually think of the church as being in the narrow way and the world being in the broad way. Two Gates, Two Roads The Sardis congregation was an example of the two gates and two roads parable (Matthew 7:13-14). Unfortunately this wasn't the case with Sardis. Occasionally however, you find a congregation where a solid majority are faithful and energetic.
#The seven spirits of god and the seven stars free#
The few work hard in the gospel and in supporting the church, whilst others just use the church as a free service to satisfy their wants and wishes. Likewise, we don't know when Christ is coming (Luke 12:39-40, 1Thessalonians 5:2-4, 2Peter 3:10-11).Ī few people In most congregations there seems to be a "faithful few" who hold to the truth while others are letting it go. Like a thief A thief does not announce his coming. repent Have you ever been given something which meant a lot to the giver, but after a while you forgot about it, and it got lost? One day you come across it and the memory is awakened? Some people at Sardis had done that with the gospel. Therefore he obeys and worships the heavenly Father as all men should. It also reflects the human nature of Christ whereby Jesus Christ the Son of God is also "a son of man" (Revelation 1:13). This is not a denial that Jesus himself is God, but an acknowledgment that he is subject to his Father. Earlier, John speaks of the Father of Jesus as "His God and Father" (Revelation 1:6 cf Romans 15:6). My God Here Jesus calls his Father "My God". The marks of the true church are like that.ĭeeds not completed Have you ever given someone a task to do, and they did not get it done properly? They left parts of the task undone, and did other parts in a sloppy fashion? Did that person still expect credit for the work? That's how some people serve God. If we recognise it is endangered, and value it, we can build up the population of that animal. This is like an endangered species of animal. However that remaining presence will not be valued, and will become weaker and weaker. It is a slow process, and for a long time there will still be a presence of good things. Things that remain Digression and apostasy never happen all of a sudden. A congregation that appeals to us, a "feel good" church, may not be a true and living congregation at all. We need to look for the marks of the true church -those characteristics by which Jesus identifies a congregation as belonging to him. What people say is "a great church" may not be so at all. However it was dead according to the Lord. Superficially, the church seemed alive and active, and had a reputation for being so. It needed to "strengthen the things that remain" (verse 2). It is appropriate in addressing the Sardis church, that Christ represent himself as "He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars." One of the purposes of Revelation is to strengthen the link that is weak. Jesus rebukes most of the seven churches for being weak links, unfaithful to the gospel. to the churches and through them to the world.The expression "the seven Spirits of God" (Revelation 5:6) is parallel to the expression "the God of the spirits of the prophets" (Revelation 22:6). The seven Spirits of God are mentioned in Revelation 1:4, Revelation 4:5, Revelation 5:6.Īs we previously discussed, each Spirit is a representation of the Holy Spirit's personal work through prophets in one of the seven churches, delivering to them the God-breathed testimony or gospel of Jesus. You will recall that the seven stars represent the "angels of the seven churches" (Revelation 1:20). We have previously discussed the seven spirits and the seven stars. Jesus calls himself "He who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.". Rather, I will acknowledge their names before my Father and his angels' ” (Revelation 3:4-5). 5Those who overcome shall be dressed in white, and I will not blot out their names from the book of life. They shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. ¶“ 4Even in Sardis, a few can be named who have not soiled their robes. You will not be expecting me, at the hour I come upon you” (Revelation 3:3). If you won't watch, then I will come upon you like a thief. ¶“ 3So remember what you received and heard. I have not found your works perfect in the sight of my God” (Revelation 3:1-2). 2Be on watch, and make strong what you still have, which is ready to die. ¶“ 1To the messenger of the congregation in Sardis, write: the one who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars is saying, 'I know your works, how you have a good name for being alive, but you are dead.
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