Continue with Is Your Name In The Book Of Life?

The elders in Sardis need to remember the joy they first had when they learned the truth and the blessings they then received. But now they are dead as to spiritual activity. Their congregational lamp is flickering because of lack of works of faith. Years before, the apostle Peter wrote to the congregations in Asia (likely including Sardis) to build appreciation for the glorious good news that Christians had accepted and that had been declared " with holy spirit sent forth from heaven"- as represented by the seven spirits of John's vision. Peter also reminded those Asian Christians that they belonged to 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that they should declare abroad the excellencies of the one that called them out of darkness into his wonderful light.' (1Peter 1:12, 25; 2:9) Meditating on such spiritual truths will help the congregation in Sardis to repent and "strenghten the things remaining."- Compare 2Peter 3:9.

At the moment, their appreciation and love of the truth are like a fire that has almost died out. Just a few embers continue to glow. Jesus encourages them to fan the spark, stir up the fire, repent of the sins into which their negligence has led them, and become spiritually alive congregation once again. (Compare 2Timothy 1:6, 7.) Otherwise, when Jesus comes unexpectedly-"as a thief"- to execute judgment, the congregation in Sardis will b unprepared.- Matthew 24:43, 44.

Next time: Coming "As A Thief"