#39 On the Nature of God: Revelations from Revelation: Sardis

It is possible for humans to talk too much, to exaggerate, or to act as if they know more or can do more than you know or can do in order to enhance their reputation. Usually, when that happens, someone will find a way to test that person’s story and point out their flaws.

The church in Sardis was like that. God knew, Revelation 3:1-5:

“‘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.”

It is the nature of God to know about the reputation of every church. Sardis had a name for being a live, active church. They had some works. Perhaps they were friendly and courteous to the surrounding community. No doubt, their activities gave them a favorable reputation. However, you can’t fool Jesus. He knows if you are really alive or dead. Jesus knew that the church at Sardis was dead spiritually. Perhaps they were just ‘keeping house for the Lord.’

Jesus said to remember what they once were and repent and return to that previous active state. If not, Jesus would be remove Sardis from the list of faithful churches despite their big reputation.

As is true in many churches, a few members were not part of the fake spirituality and were told they would be rewarded eternally.

The nature of the church at Sardis teaches us that it is the nature of God to know just how faithful we are. We can’t fool Him even though we may have a great reputation with other people in the community or churches.

It is the nature of God to be aware of churches and people with false reputations and to warn them through His Spirit-inspired word to repent.

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