Revelation 3:1

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write,

• ·        This church was known for its lively devotion to Jesus that was well established about forty years earlier (52-55 AD) in the great Ephesians revival that swept through all Asia (Acts 19-20).  They were deeply touched in this revival and became well known of it. However, over time they became spiritually dead. They lived on their past reputation established decades in the revival.

Exodus 17:14  Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this for a memorial in the book and recount it in the hearing of Joshua….

Deuteronomy 6:9  You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

“These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars:  “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.

• ·         Jesus has the seven Spirits of God – to release the diverse ministries of the Spirit to them

• ·         Jesus will hold His people in His hands to make them bright like a star. To hold the seven stars means for Him to be deeply involved in the life and heart of the leadership. Jesus wants to make our heart bright like a star in His hand.

1 Samuel 8:8   According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day – with which they have forsaken Me and served other gods – so they are doing to you also.

Psalm 33:15  He fashions their hearts individually, He considers all their works.

Revelation 2:29

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

• ·        It is a proverbial expression, implying that the highest attention should be given to what was spoken  (Barnes)

• ·   Anything serious, and of great importance, was delivered; and which required attention, and was not easily understood:  (Gills)

Isaiah 48:16  “Come near to Me, hear this:  I have not spoken in secret from the beginning; from the time that it was, I was there.  And now the Lord GOD and His Spirit have sent Me.”

Zechariah 7:12  “Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the LORD of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets.  Thus great wrath came from the LORD of hosts.