“WAKE UP!”
Key Verse: 3:2
“Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.”
This book of Revelations is the revelation from Jesus Christ. It is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. (1:2) In Ch1, John testified that Jesus is God Almighty, the Alpha and the Omega. As our good shepherd, loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. He has also made us to be kingdom and priests to serve God. We have learned Jesus’ messages to four of the seven churches so far. In his messages, Jesus introduced himself differently to each of the four churches. Jesus is the God Almighty, who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven lampstands, who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again; who has the sharp, double-edged sword, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze.
Though each church faced the unique spiritual challenges, the solution they all needed was found in the gospel of Jesus. Jesus had counseled each church, saying “Consider how far you have fallen!” “Be faithful” “Repent” “Hold on to what you have until I come.” In His words, we can find the will of God for the churches to be victorious by putting it into practice. His words are also for the churches of all time and us. It is His final words for God’s people at the end of times. We will study Jesus’ messages to two other churches in Sardis and Philadelphia. May the words of God convict our hearts to capture God’s will for us and to put it into practice in obedience. So, we may become victorious and receive His rewards.
First, Wake up (1-6).
Look at verse 1. “To the angel of the Church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.”
This is the word of God to the church in Sardis. Sardis was once one of the most important cities in the ancient time. Until 549 BC, it had been the capital of the kingdom of Lydia, one of the richest kingdoms of the ancient world. Throughout its history the people had enjoyed great prosperity and wealth, largely due to its abundant natural resources such as gold. It was also an important trade center. The city was a great fortress city built above tall rock cliffs. So, it had a reputation for being impregnable; no army could conquer the city. However, this city had been conquered twice because its guards failed to be vigilant. In 17 A.D, the city was destroyed by a severe earthquake. Roman Emperor Tiberius supported to rebuild the city with generous support and not collecting taxes. In honor of him, people dedicate a building to him. This sparked the rise of emperor worship. Though the city never fully recovered, its people became boastful and complacent, relying on their past glories, accomplishments and wealth.
Then, how did Jesus introduce himself? “Who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.” The “seven spirits of God” refers to the Holy Spirit, who knows and sees everything (Isa 11:2). The seven stars are the messengers of the churches. Why did Jesus introduce himself in this way? Let’s see what Jesus say about the church. Then, we can find the reason why. Jesus said to them, “I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead” To the eyes of people, they seem vibrant and active due to numerous social gathering for sports, coffee, movie, and hobbies. They must have had enough money, talent and human resources to carry out great church projects and events. Just like other cities, it was full of idol worship and sexual immorality. But, strangely here is No mention of persecutions. Rather, it had a reputation of being alive. Visitors must have said, “Wow, this is an amazing church with a lot of fun, and exiting gatherings.” Often the activity of fellowship can be mistaken as an indication of life. But Works or activities are not reliable indicator of spiritual life.
See what Jesus said. Jesus said “You are dead.” No matter how alive they may have seemed, to the eyes of God, there were spiritual dead. Here dead means corrupted and defiled. It means lifeless and Spiritless. To this spiritless and lifeless church, Jesus identifies himself as the one who holds the seven spirits of God. The seven spirit of God is the Holy Spirit who is the very source of life that flows out of the hearts of those believing in Jesus. It is also the life-giving spirit, the spirit of power and wisdom. This Holy Spirit determines what is alive and what is dead. Sardis, who were dead, is badly needed the Spirit of God. Jesus, who holds the Holy Spirit, is fully able to revive this church if they listen to him.
In Acts 2, the disciples became so powerless like dead out of fear and espair after Jesus’ death on a cross. However, when the Holy Spirit came upon them at Pentecost, they were completely changed. The Holy Spirit revived them to be powerful witness of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Being filled with the Spirit, each of them became courageous to challenge the religious leaders with the truth of the gospel that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Savior.
This church was probably less than 40 years old. How could it have died so quickly? Most likely its leaders – elders and teachers, compromised with sinful cultures of the world. Then, sin killed the church. The church was still full of activity. However, their gatherings were spiritless and lifeless. They might study the Bible without sincere repentance; in their worship service, they might habitually confessed Creeds and prayers. They might just sit on the chair without hearts and minds.
When is a church considered dead? When is a heart considered as dead? When it no longer beats! When its heart no longer beasts with love and devotion to Christ, who set them free, the church is dead. When its heart is no longer awake to the word of God; When we fall into sleep, listening messages; when we feel borne, studying the word of God; our meeting and our church is dead. When our hearts beats with desires to success or to enjoy the pleasures of the world; When our heart respond to the glittering thing of the world; It seems like we are alive, but we are dead spiritually. They fall into sleep when they should have been fighting the good fight of faith. When they should have been caring for one lost soul -When they should have been praying for their children and sheep, they fall into sleep. We should realize that we have spiritual problems just like the church in Sardis.
What would Jesus say about us? Alive or dead? There are some signs that help us to check if we are alive or dead. First sign is No effort. If we were dead spiritually, we would not make any effort to come close to God or to grow in faith; we would not struggle to practice the word of God; we would not struggle to pray, nor write a testimony at all; We would not have interest in spiritual matters or activities even. Second sign is No compassion. If we were dead spiritually, we would have No grief over
the loss of a human soul; we would not feel any burden though our sheep miss worship or bible study; we would not know why we should reach out students; we would not understand why we should pray and encourage others sheep to come to Bible study; we would be happy for their success in their study. Third sign is No learning. There is so much to learn from God. Out of pride, we would think we already know much of the bible. Since we do not learn from Jesus, we would not grow at all. If we were dead spiritually, we would remain as a sheep, Bible students forever. Fourth sign is No repentance. Sin becomes normal. We would engage in habitual sin without remorse or repentance. We sin without hesitation, regret or shame. As a result of spiritual death, they become the cultural Christians, compromising with ungodly culture of the world. Their lifestyle was not much different from worldly people around them. They posed no
challenge to the corrupt culture. Rather, they were popular with people. That is why there is no mention about persecution.
Who can help this church which is about die? It is Jesus who hold the seven spirits of God. Look at verse 2-3b, “Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.” Firstly Jesus command them to wake up from their spiritual slumbers or complacent. “Wake up!” was Jesus’ word of life to this church and to us. In John 11 when Jesus came to the house of Lazarus, he was already dead and had been in the tomb for four days. Still, Jesus went to his tomb to wake him up. Jesus called him in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” Then, the dead man came out, walking around in his grave clothes. Likewise, “Wake up!” is Jesus’ word of life to wake up and bring dead churches back to life.
Jesus also command “strength what remains.” This means to take care of the godly remnant who are still alive. They may not look great, or be talented, but they are faithful and committed. The life of God dwells in such faithful people. They should be nurtured until they become strong enough to stand on their own feet. 6 years ago, our Dream team was just teenagers in High school and middle school. They could be ignored. However, we started IBS and GLEF to empower them with the word of God. Now, each of them has grown up to be world mission co-workers, and servant of God’s word as messengers, presenters, testimony sharers. They have participated in WIBS every Wednesday faithful –sharing testimony, presenting lectures, even delivering message – for 3 years faithfully! Without faith or Spirit of God, no one could make such commitment and devotion. Is that what it means to alive?
The second divine command is in verse 3. “Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard. Hold it fast, and repent.” What should we do? We should remember the gospel we have received. We should remember we have been saved by this gospel of Jesus. The gospel is the power of God for the salvation of people. While we were sinners, Jesus died for us on a cross. By his blood, all our sins have been washed away. By his blood, we are forgiven and receive the grace of salvation from sin and death. Remember the gospel; Remember what Jesus has done for us. When we constantly remember what Jesus has done for us, we can live in freedom from the power of sin; we can remain true to His name.
Not just remember, but also hold it fast and repent. To hold it fast means to keep it in our minds and hearts by meditating on it or memorizing it, writing it down, and sharing it with others. When we do this sincerely, by the help of the Holy Spirit, we grow strong enough to fight against our sinful nature and corrupt culture and live a truly
godly life. We will be full of the spirit of God.
What if we do not wake up? If we do so, disaster will overtake us. Jesus said, “I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you” (3b). Jesus’ judgment will come upon us sudden and unexpected. We would be left behind.
In verses 4-5, Jesus made promises to those who had not soiled their clothes. Jesus did not overlook a few people who had kept their faith and lived godly lives. Since the majority of people loved to compromise with sinful culture, they might be ignored or despised or unnoticed in the church because they did not defile themselves with unclean
cultures. However, Jesus will notice them and acknowledge their name before the Father and his angels. Their names would never be blotted out of the book of life.
What brings life to a lifeless church? Many activities, events, and even numbers do not necessarily signify vitality. The word of Jesus is the word of life that brings spiritual revival. When even a few people struggle to obey one of God through IBS, Writing a sincere repentant testimony and teaching it, it surely bring spiritual revival in the church. UBF ministry has brought spiritual revival among the campuses through
1:1 Bible Study and disciple making ministry. When UBF has studied the Bible intensely, UBF comes to have “5 loaves and 2 fish”-spirit, “manger” spirit, Disciple-making spirit, world-mission spirit. Intensive Bible Study leads us to be filled with Spirit and life. GLEF is also to empower the next generation with the Holy Spirit through the words of God. Let us pray for Revelation Bible Study. The word of God may give us the spirit of God, so that each of us may be filled with the Spirit and bring spiritual revival in our church, campuses and nations.
It seems that the church at Sardis listened. It lived on through the second century, with Melito as its bishop. He preached a pure gospel message and lived by it. He became a respected defender of the early church who was often quoted by other church fathers. Any church or person who listens to Jesus’ words “Wake up!”, “Remember”, and “Repent” will be brought from death to life.
Second, hold on to what you have (7-13).
“Philadelphia,” which means “brotherly love,” was situated about 28 miles southeast of Sardis, along several important trade routes. It was on the main access way to the greatest trade route to Asia and beyond. So, the city was known as a gateway to the high tableland of Anatolia. Romans strategically used the city to expand the Greek culture, philosophy and language into Asia. So, people worshipped gods of Greek like Zeus, Hestia, and Bacchus. They also worship Roman emperors. Like Smyrna, it had a large Jewish population and a synagogue. But, the earthquake that devastated Sardis in A.D. 17 almost demolished this city, too.
Look at verse 7. Jesus identifies himself as “he who is holy and true.” The one who is holy and true means that Jesus is the true Messiah. This was an important message to the church in Philadelphia since the church suffered much from Satan’s persecution. Throughout their struggle with evil, they lost their strength and became weak. However, they were not defeated. In the times of weakness, all kinds of doubts and temptations come to torment them. In such time, it is easy to let weakness turn to defeat, and to let faith turn to fear. Jesus reminded them that He is the one who holy and True; He is true Messiah, the sovereign. Jesus also calls himself “he who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” It means that Jesus alone can open the door to God’s house, that is, his kingdom. So, Jesus is the way and the truth and the life, so that No one comes to the Father except through him. (Jn 14:6) So, they have nothing to fear for Jesus, the true God, is the way, the truth and the life.
Then, what did Jesus say to the church in Philadelphia. Look at verse 8a. “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.” They knew what “open door” means. God gave them the opportunity to preach the gospel and witness for Christ.(Ac14:27, 1 Co16:9) Jesus knew that they were not strong people with
remarkable abilities to do the work of God. They were man and woman of little strength. But they did not complain about their lack of strength or lack of ability. Rather they served the gospel of life with all the strength they had. With the little strength they had, they went out campus to reach out. With the little strength they had, they might taught the bible, spread the gospel, prayed, trained and disciplined believers.
They have kept Jesus teaching. There was great pressure on them to deny Jesus’ name. But they did not. They were willing to suffer in order to remain true to Jesus. They kept Jesus’ command and endured patiently. Then, seeing their genuine faith, Jesus promised spiritual victory over their persecutors, unbelieving Jews, who had been the instruments of Satan (9).
Obedience to Jesus’ command is not a matter of ability or inability; nor a matter of strength or of weakness. It is a matter of faith and heart. Why? It is because Jesus will be our strength and power. That is the secret to be victorious even in our weaknesses. Paul testified in 2 Cor12:10 “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” How could we be victorious? By Faith, not by strength nor ability, we overcome all things. When we have faith in Jesus who is holy and true, Jesus empowered us with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit made their witness so powerful that their persecutors would come and bow down before them acknowledging that Christ loved them.
We are human beings. We are by nature weak and helpless. We are so unable to lift a finger to do the work of God. But with faith in God, we can keep his word and command. By faith, we can endures patiently. By faith, we can bring the gospel of
life to all people. Let us have faith in God. By faith we can move the mountain of campus mission. By faith we can victorious.
Then, What does Jesus promise the Philadelphia believers? Look at verse 10-12. First, he said, “I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.” This is a promise of protection in the time of severe trial. It is a promise to bring them to the kingdom of God. Having faith to God, they actually suffered while they were on the earth. However, Jesus blesses them with eternal life, joy, peace in the kingdom of God. Jesus does not take away sufferings or trials, but strengthens his people to endure them so that they can be refined in faith and bear witness to him. We will suffer a little while on the earth because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus, but we will be blessed eternally in the kingdom of God. For those who are in suffering, Jesus says “I am coming soon” (11). Jesus repeats this phrase five times in Revelation (2:16; 3:11; 22:7, 12,20). Jesus wants us to
live in the awareness that he is coming soon. This encourages us to hold on to the gospel and to walk by the Spirit. The phrase “so that no one will take your crown” encourages us that we have already received eternal life and we just need to hold on to what we have.
In verse 12, Jesus pours out his richest blessings. He will make them a pillar in the temple of his God. The temple is the place of God’s dwelling. it is the place of eternal security. While on the earth, they were weak and powerless, but on the kingdom of God, Jesus blessed, acknowledged them to be pillar in God’s temple. Jesus also writes on them three names: “the name of my God,” “the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem,” which is the church, and “my new name.” This means that they will belong forever to God, to Christ, and to his church. They have a new identity as God’s holy children and citizenship in a secure, glorious, and eternal city.
In this passage, we have heard Jesus’ word of us. Jesus concluded, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (13). Let’s listen to Jesus. “Wake up!” He calls us to wake up from our slumber. Let us strengthen next generation with IBS and GLEF. Let’s hold on to the gospel, live by the Spirit and preach the good news to the people of our time.