THE LIVING DEAD/PASTOR'S STUDY

FROM THE PASTOR’S STUDY
Pastor Tom Sawhook
Sunday, February 28, 2010

A Study in the Book Of The Revelation

“THE LIVING DEAD”
  (The Church at Sardis)

Seven features centered around this theme

I.  THE CHIEF INSPECTOR:  LORD JESUS
    Rev. 3:1,  Rev. 1:20, Isaiah 11:2

II.  THE CHURCH:   CHURCH AT SARDIS
    Rev. 3:1, Acts 19:10   "All they which dwelt in Asia"

III.  THE CITY:  SARDIS
       Rev. 3:1
    Background:
      Founded around 12 B.C.,  captial
      Known for Aesops Fables from Sardis
      Gold and silver coins
      Center of wool production--dyeing wool
      Located 30 miles south of Thyratira
      Sardis was built on a hill, 1500 ft. above the lowest area or valley
      They became over confident and were conquered
      Came under Roman rule about 33 B.C.
      Earthquake destroyed the city
      Goddess Sybil - sexual immorality

IV.  THE CONCERN:   
      Centered around:
    1.  Deadness
                     Rev. 3:1 "and art dead"

PRINCIPLE #1
     BE CAREFUL OF RESTING IN ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE PAST, WHILE DOING NOTHING
      IN THE PRESENT.

    Ex.  Husband and wife relationships (the way it used to be)   or in sports (what I used to do)
      Hope that's not a picture of you.  Are you living in the past?

    DEADNESS WAS ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH  UNBELIEVERS:

PRINCIPLE #2
     CHURCH ATTENDANCE-----CHRIST AS SAVIOR =  LOST!! (dead)
     Lost people in churches cater to:
        1) Creeds                2)  Communion
        3) Candles                4) Choir
        5) Carnal challenges (fleshly)
        Ephesians 2:1 - "who were dead in trespasses and sin"
         Rom. 1:16
    2.  Deeds - not completed
          Rev. 3:2  "perfect before God"

PRINCIPLE #3
    REMEMBER, IT'S NOT THE QUANTITY OF YOUR WORKS, BUT RATHER THE QUALITY THAT
    COUNTS BEFORE CHRIST.

    You can do many many works, but if you start then don't complete them, it's not good.

V.  THE COMMENDATION-
      * He commands some for remaining pure.
        Rev. 3:4 "few---have not defiled their garments.."
         Garments speak of character.
         Jude 23  "garment spotted by the flesh"

PRINCIPLE #4
    DON'T LET ANYONE INTIMIDATE YOU CONCERNING YOUR PURITY!

    Young people have so many pressures in our society-----don't let anyone intimidate you!
    Rev. 3:4  "and they shall walk with me in white; for they are worthy"
    Matthew 17:2
     What if I'm not pure?  Confess your sins and start fresh.

VI.  THE COMMAND:
      Make the necesary changes
    Rev. 3:2 "Be watchful"
    Rev. 3:3  "hold fast and repent"

PRINCIPLE #5
    THE LORD IS WILLING TO RESCUE ANYONE WHO WILL COMPLY TO HIS INSTRUCTION.

    Compliance that deals with:
    1.  Reacting with spiritual alertness
         Rev. 3:2  "Be watchful"
        * Poor devotional habits
        *Church attendance
        *Poor choices of friends
        *Poor decisions
    2.  Reviving your spiritual state
       Rev. 3:2  
                       Revive it!
        *Prayer Life
        *Praise Life
        *View of the lost
        *Holiness life
    3.  Returning to the Word
       Rev. 3:3       Rev. 4:12
    The Word can:
        1) Change us
            Psalm 119:9   cleanse his way
        2) Challenge us
           Psalm 119:11     "that I might not sin against Thee"
        3) Counsel us
           Psalm 119:24   "my counselor"
        4) Cheer us
           Psalm 119:47   "I will delight myself in thy commandments"
        5) Comforts us
           Psalm 119:5  "comforted myself"
        6) Calm us
            Psalm 119:65  "great peace have they which love thy law"
    4.  Responding  to the truth
      Rev. 3:3  "hold fast"
        To give heed to, observe, to do, to carry out. 
    5.  Repentance
        Rev. 3:3   Hold fast and repent.
          What happens if they don't repent?
            "I will come on thee as a thief and thou shalt not know what hour I will come unto thee"

VII.  THE CHALLENGE  - Looking forward to the Son's promise

    Marked by:
    1.  Perfect sanctification
       Rev. 3:5  "be clothed in white rainment"
       Rev. 19: 7, 8   "arrayed in fine linen, clean and white"
    2.  Permanent Security
        Lamb's Book of ife
    3.  Pronouncement of the Son
       Rev. 3:5  "but I will confess his name"
       Matt. 10:32  "him also will I confess before the Father which is in heaven"
    Have you confessed Jesus to others??
           Each church has a promise.
                 Listening to the Spirit's exhortation.
                    Rev. 3:6   "He that hath an ear to hear.. "

May we listen and learn and not be side tracked and be the "Church of the Living Dead".
   Let's be alive for Him!!