OVERCOMING DEAD RELIGION

It is possible for churches and individuals today to be spiritually dead without realizing it. The result is dead religion. There are three ways to overcome dead religion.

First, to overcome dead religion, we must: Stop pretending. (vv. 1-2)

Jesus very bluntly addressed the problem in the church of Sardis.

Jesus mentioned their good reputation – “…you have a name that you are alive…” (v.1) They had a reputation for being alive.

Jesus mentioned their poor reflection – “…but you are dead…” (v.1) They were, in fact, dead spiritually. Why was this church considered dead? Jesus said, “I know your works,” (v.1) but He had “not found [their] works perfect [complete] before God.” (v.2) Their works did not demonstrate real faith. (See James 2:17-20) Their faith was not reflected in their works.

Pretending is not enough. Saying something is true doesn’t make it true. If your faith is real, it will change who you are and the way you live. What does the way you live say about your faith? Is it real?

Second, to overcome dead religion, we must: Be watchful. (vv. 2-3)

Jesus instructed the church at Sardis to be watchful in several ways:

Strengthen what remains. Even that was about to die, and needed to be strengthened quickly.

Remember what you have received and heard. They had once heard and received the Gospel. They needed to remember that.

Hold fast. Not only did they need to remember, but also to do it and hold to it.

Repent. They needed to turn away from their wickedness.

Avoid Christ’s wrath. Jesus told them the consequences for failing to watch. They needed to act quickly to avoid it.

Jesus is saying to those who are spiritually dead, “Look out!” You need to repent and surrender you life to Jesus before it’s too late.

Third, to overcome dead religion, we must: Encourage the faithful. (vv. 4-6)

Jesus took time to encourage the faithful in Sardis.

The faithful are still there. There were a few, even in Sardis. God has His faithful remnant.

The faithful will walk with Christ in white. The white garments represent the righteousness of the saints. (See Rev. 19:8, 14) Once again, real faith produces good works.

The faithful are worthy. They are worthy, because Jesus declares them worthy.

The faithful are written in the Book of Life. Their names will never be blotted out.

Christ will confess their names in heaven. Jesus will confess the faithful before God and the angels.

There are many bad guys, and bad situations in this world, but I have good news – in the end, Jesus wins! Whoever is on His side will share in His victory! Are you on His side?

To learn more about how to follow Jesus, click here.

To find a good church where you can grow in your faith, click here.

This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 6-7-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.