Does your church seem alive and vigorous in its faith?  Be thankful if it does because there are many churches that are struggling.  There are many churches that appear to be faithful, but their faith might only be skin-deep.

In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, John is given messages from Jesus to bring to seven churches in different cities: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.  One of these – Sardis – fit the description above of a church where faith was only an appearance.  Jesus’ words to Sardis begins in Revelation 3:1-2:

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.  ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.”

The church in Sardis looked good – it had “the reputation of being alive,” but in the sight of God who sees the internal and true reality, the church was “dead.”  Many churches today are like Sardis: they appear Christian but haven’t really embraced Christ.

However, there is still hope, because in verse 2 it says the work is not complete, and verse 4 says there remain some truly faithful in Sardis: “Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.”  Many people are in situations like this today: spiritually alive but in “dead” churches.

What message is given to those faithful few?  “Wake up, and strengthen what remains.” 

There are two parts to this instruction, the first being don’t give up.  Stay alert!  Some might be tempted to give up; to either to stop trying, or to leave and find another church.  Finding another church might be a good option in some cases, but for those who choose to stay, giving up on the church is not an option according to this message.  “Wake up.”

The second part is to “strengthen what remains.”  There is work to be done in any church, even where little genuine faith remains.  Hebrews 10:24-25 advises us: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Therefore, if you feel your church is dead, remain faithful and “strengthen what remains.”  Don’t give up but encourage others to “love and good works.”  By word and by example.  But if your church is spiritually alive, also remain faithful and strengthen what you have.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” – Revelation 3:6