(22)
By Abraham Eli
This study was first taught on October 20, 2019
Topic: The Assessment of the Churches (20): The Church in Sardis (Undeserved Yet Deserving)
(use the audio to study)
Background
When we last met, we saw that the Lord told the church in Sardis that if they did not heed His counsel for them to repent, He would come upon them "<em>as a thief in the night</em>"! We noted that coming "<em>as a thief in the night</em>" is a euphemism for stealth and suddenness, and applies to the vulnerability of sleeping people when thieves strike unawares. We said that the Lord’s statement rings true for an individual who is not taking His warnings to heart, as it is also true of the rapture of the saints.<br>
In this regard, we saw warnings in Scripture telling Christians to be alert and prayerful at all times, so that they would not be caught napping at the Lord’s return. We noted, however, that those who are eagerly watching for His return may be alerted about their imminent departure from this world; but for those who are not looking out for His return, He would come upon them suddenly!<br>
From what happened in the days of Noah, and, from the parable of the Ten Virgins, we saw that unless we are alert at all times, prepared for every eventuality, and heed every warning of the Lord, we might end up, as the people in Noah's day who were caught unawares and were destroyed in the flood, and as the foolish virgins who were not prepared for the long haul, were shut out of the kingdom! We, therefore, proposed Nehemiah's wall-rebuilding strategy, which required carrying weapons in one hand, and doing the work with the other hand, and, having on their uniforms at all times. We also suggested being watchful as a security guard who is awaiting the return of his master or as the house owner who knows when the thief will strike! We also counselled that we focus on doing the Will of God at all times, spend time studying and meditating on the word of God, and praying in the Holy Spirit without ceasing.<br>
We warned that Christianity is a personal walk, even though we are a community of believers because the Bible warns that fathers will not answer for sons, and vice versa, and, the Lord spoke of two people walking in the field or grinding at the mill, and only one will be taken in either case! Therefore, let us work out our salvation individually, with fear and trembling, while helping each other along the way!
Scripture Text(s)
Revelation 3:4
We had earlier noted that there were few dedicated souls in Sardis, who, in spite of the decadence and decay in the church, maintained their devotion to God. Their dedication and devotion manifested in the keeping of their garments undefiled. And for these few, the Lord said that they would walk with Him in white because they are worthy. May the Holy Spirit help us to be found worthy at the Lord’s Coming, Amen!
The Lord's words in <strong>Revelation 3:4</strong>, indicate that these few souls in Sardis will walk with Him in white (which is indicative of eternal salvation) because they are worthy. The words 'worthy' and 'salvation' being used in the same sentence in a complementary sense, is unusual. This is because ordinarily, the person who is saved is usually unworthy or undeserving (<strong>Ephesians 2:8-9</strong>), while the person who is 'worthy' is deserving. So, how does the underserved become deserving? I thought that once a person is saved by grace that is all the is needed, as they say? I thought that it is not by works but by grace that we are saved? (<strong>Romans 6:1-7; Titus 3:5-11; 2:11-13; James 2:15-26; 1 John 3:8-18; 4:7, 20-21</strong>)
Genesis 15; Isaiah 61:10; Matthew 22:1-14; 2 Timothy 2:19-26; Mark 7:15-23; 2 Peter 3:14; 1 Peter 1:13-23; Anos 3:3; Psalm 119:9, 11; 1:1-2; Joshua 1:8; 1 Samuel 2:12ff; Romans 2:23-24; Luke 21:34-36; Acts 5:40-41; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5.
Conclusion
The few souls in Sardis who were worthy or deserving to be clothed in white and therefore qualified for eternal salvation, had not defiled their garments (the robe of righteousness, given at the initial salvation). Essentially, they valued the gift of the garment, and made every effort to keep it undefiled from the things that defile.<br>
If today's church is to walk with the Lord in white on the Last Day, they must avoid anything that defiles—within and without: impure and evil thoughts, vain babblings and foolish disputes, excesses manifesting in revelries, feastings and cares of this life (the 'good' life, acquisitions, activism, politics, etc.), murmuring and complaining (<strong>1 Corinthians 10:1-13</strong>). Today's church must endure persecution and tribulations with joy (<strong>Matthew 5:10-12</strong>), treasure the gift and the Giver of the gift, be holy in all manner of conversation, study and meditate on the word of God, be prayerful and be in the Spirit at all times, and, maintain constant fellowship with the Lord.
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