Gateway Visalia

Introduction:

Revelation 3:1-6
1 “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this:

To the church of Sardis from Jesus.

‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

Appearances can be deceiving.

There is no need for persecution in a dead church.

2 Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. 3 So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. 4 But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.

Wake up. (v.2)

Be Intentional. (v.2)

What refreshes me spiritually, and how do I strengthen that?

Reflect on God’s goodness. (v.3)

5 He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’

Two books will be read on judgment day. (Revelation 20:11-15)

One day we will hear the words, “They belong to me.”

Dear Church
Revelation 3:1-6 Pastor Lance Ainsworth
August 29th & September 1st
Wake up!

Prayer Requests:

Group Discussion: Where is your favorite place to pray??

Read Aloud: Revelation 3:1-6

1. v.1 “I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” The church of Sardis had a good reputation but was dead. Sardis is not struggling with poverty, persecution, or false doctrine. When we do not face struggles, are we tempted to be complacent? How do we overcome spiritual complacency?

2. v.2-3 “2 Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. 3 So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent.” How can we be intentional about strengthening our walk with God? How and when do you connect with God? What role does reflecting on God’s goodness play in being spiritually alive? When is the last time you have shared your testimony with somebody?

3. v.3 “Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.” Jesus says I will change leadership in Sardis if you do not repent. Do you think God needs us to accomplish His will on this earth? Do you believe God wants us to participate in accomplishing His will on this earth? Where is God asking you to be a lampstand right now?

4. v.5-6 “5 He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Read also Revelation 20:11-15. What do you think about judgment day? What will it feel like to hear Jesus confess you before God?