“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Revelation 3:1

Jesus clearly identifies himself again by the One who is holding the 7 Spirits of God (Holy Spirit)  and 7 Stars (Angels/Messangers)

The 7 Spirits of God is the Holy Spirit. Remember 7 is the symbolic of completion. If you reference Isaiah 11, it describes the 7 characteristics of the Holy Spirit

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2

This Church/Assembly appears to have a Sin problem, as Jesus says they are appear to be alive but are actually spiritually dead. When you live in sin you are the walking dead. It appears because of their sin, Jesus is withholding the Holy Spirit and Angels from the Church

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, Ephesians 2:1

 

 

‘Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God. So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. Revelation 3:2-3

Jesus is giving this Church a “Wake Up” call literally! He is telling them if they don’t Repent and change their ways. Jesus reminds them that his return will be like a “Thief in the Night” nobody will know his day or hour of Return

‘But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. ‘He who overcomes will thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and 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 3:4-6

What a beautiful reminder by Christ, that even though we are sinners, he still died for us! Even though the people of Sardis continually make mistakes, they are saved! Not because of what they have done but because of what Jesus has already done for us!

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, who is true, who has the key of David, who opens and no one will shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says this: ‘I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name. Revelation 3:7-8

Notice Jesus acknowledges this Church has “Little Power” Yet Christ wont allow this Church to be over Powered! Meaning Jesus is holding this Church in his hands, when we are weak Christ makes us strong!

The Christians of Philadelphia suffered a lot of persecution as they had little money or power, but Jesus never let them go!

Therefore, I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10

Behold, I will cause those of the synagogue of Satan, who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie– I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and make them know that I have loved you. Revelation 3:9

Philadelphia apparently had a group of Orthodox Jews , who not only rejected Jesus as the Messiah, but persecuted the Christians. Jesus said he will make the Christians known through him. Meaning we are Children of God through Christ and not our Heritage

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. ‘I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown. Revelation 3:10-11

Interesting words here by Jesus, I will keep you from the hour of testing upon the whole word (The Tribulation) Notice Jesus says he will keep some from the hour of testing, could this be the pre-trib Rapture?

Again Jesus tells us He is coming Soon! Don’t allow yourself to be corrupted by the world!

 

‘He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he will not go out from it anymore; and I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God, and My new name. ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ Revelation 3:12-13

Think about what a Pillar is, a permanent structure, Jesus is saying we will never be removed from Gods presence! Here Jesus reveals the New Heavens and Earth and New Jerusalem talked about more in Revelation 21. And again Jesus mentions we will receive a New Name! One can only wonder the awesome plans our Lord and God has instore for his people!

The nations will see your righteousness, And all kings your glory; And you will be called by a new name Which the mouth of the LORD will designate. Isaiah 62:2

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. ‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Revelation 3:14-16

The Church of Laodicea is more commonly known as the “Lukewarm Christians”. This Church represents mostly the Church Age we are living in today. Notice this is the last of the Churches also, which should give you a sign!

The City of Laodicea was very wealthy, and this Church really represents the False Prosperity Gospel we see today blinding millions who believe they are actually Christians but never Repented. As Jesus said these people are not really saved at all and he spit them out!

‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Revelation 3:17-18

Jesus confirming this Church is full of rich people from a worldly perspective, however spiritually they are poor and dead. They rely on the physical materials of this world instead of God.

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17

‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Revelation 3:19

Even from their rebellion, Jesus loves them! But they must Repent and become Zealous for God. Meaning they must strive to have a relationship with Christ instead of this world. They must dedicate themselves to Christ instead of worldly things.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. ‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelation 3:20-22

Jesus is knocking on the door of anyone who is willing to listen and open their heart to him!  Notice Jesus says we can sit at the throne of God with him in Victory!

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. John 14:23