Letter 5- Background to Sardis
-The city is in two places (yes, just a little weird!) half on top of a mountain and the other half at the bottom in the valley.
v1- So, the problem in Sardis wasn't that they worship false idols, or are sexually immoral, but that they are spiritually dead. Their deeds were also evil. They were looking so good on the outside, but were lacking on the inside.
Application: You might go round saying you're a Christian, but on the inside, are you dying spiritually? Also, if you find yourself in a 'dead church', make sure you personally say strong in your faith and ask God to help your church wake up.
v2- If you are spiritually dead, we are to hold onto what faith we have left and strengthen it to what we had before so we can satisfy God.
v3- The church in Sardis is being told to go back to what they first heard and believed.
Application: No matter how much we learn when we read our bibles, we should never forget the basics of the gospel.
They were also being told to "wake up". Their satisfaction with their wealth and comfort had made them fall asleep. They weren't growing in their faith or spreading the good news because they were asleep.
v4- Although, some people of the church were doing well and would be rewarded :)
v5- "All those who are victorious" will be introduced into heaven, to God, as belonging to Christ. Wouldn't that be awesome!!
Letter 6- Background to Philadelphia
- Has a greek culture and language
- Had an earthquake in 17 AD
v7- The "Key of David" is held by Christ and represents his authority to open and close the door into his kingdom.
v8- This church is doing good, even though they have little strength, they still obeyed God and didn't deny him and they were being commended for it.
AND....there's no BUT! :D
v9- God is rewarding them by getting the liars that it isn't them that God loves, but the believers in the church in Philadelphia.
v10- Whenever Christians suffer, Christ promises protection over them.
v11- We all have a 'God given knack' for something. I have one for sport and teaching. God doesn't expect us all to do and act the same, that's why we all have different abilities. He's telling us to persevere in using them for him.
Application: Use what you have for Christ and God will commend you.
:)
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