Have you ever read what Jesus said to the seven churches in the book of Revelation? Many had some redeeming characteristics, but He rebuked and warned most of them to turn, follow, and obey Him in righteousness. Such is the rebuke Jesus gave to the church of Sardis. Examine yourself to see if He is talking to you as well.
Do you go to church, read the Bible, post scriptures, or could you win a Bible Trivia Championship if given a chance? Do you have excellent Biblical knowledge but lack the essential gift of the Spirit, love? Do you continually argue biblical doctrine and vehemently discuss biblical matters with whatever opponent you find? But have you forgotten to focus on what Jesus has commanded you to do first?
Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Listen to what Jesus said to the church of Sardis and take the position that He might be talking to you. Then, judge yourself in righteousness and truth.
“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of Him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being [alive], but you are [dead]. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have [not] found your works complete in the sight of my God.
Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 3:1-6
Have you been in the church or been religious so long that you believe you have everything right? It is a common strategy of the devil to cause a man to feel he has done nothing wrong. He thinks, “I have arrived, I have a great reputation as a highly religious man, and I stand in agreement with many similar peers. So how could I be wrong?” Take warning many who are like this are condemned in the eyes of God because they are merely religious men and not reborn in His Spirit
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult. Whoever speaks the truth gives honest evidence, but a false witness utters deceit. Proverbs 12:15-17
Consider this, do you depend on the word of men and doctrines instead of the Spirit of the Lord? Do not rely solely on those who have written books or commentaries, those who have taught in Bible colleges, or great Biblical Professors. Not every author, preacher, or teacher that sees themselves as biblically correct is sent by God to speak. Though they may be good or have some truth in what they have written, they are not necessarily guided by the Lord. Many of them are incorrect in their interpretation of Scripture.
But shouldn’t you instead seek out the instruction and interpretation of the Father, the Son Jesus Christ, and the truth given by the Holy Spirit? Please don’t rely on religion, tradition, and the opinion of men who put more weight and importance on what others think of them. Instead, listen to what God Himself is saying.
I am the LORD, and there is no other besides me; there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me, that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things. Isaiah 45:5-7
Many of this age falsely believe their doctrine and beliefs are correct because they have a congregation or entire denomination of people around them that agree. They couldn’t possibly believe anything false just because they agreed with what a great man stated. But just because a million people agree with a lie doesn’t make it the truth.
God says that an entire church believes they have everything right, “alive,” as He calls it. But they are dead and need to wake up to the truth. So come into agreement with God and walk in the Spirit of the Lord to follow Jesus doing good instead of evil. Do as He commands and instructs, not the thousands of different voices you hear. Listen to the Lord, repent that your sins may be blotted out and made clean, and walk with Him in righteousness. Then He will look upon you and reward you for doing the hard work of rebuking yourself for your sins and striving for real change.
The Soul Sower 