Sardis

Dead formality generally characterized this assembly. Respectability in man’s eye there might be, for they had
a name to live;
but, spiritually speaking, they were
dead {Rev. 3:1}.
Lamentable condition! With an orthodox confession and outward decency, there was a Christless, lifeless religion. This is very solemn, because some of the Lord’s own people were, doubtless, involved in it. The Lord, therefore, is presented to them as the One who has all fullness of spiritual power, and gifts for edification,
having the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars {Rev. 3:1}.
He also exhorts them to
repent;
and seeks to restore, by enjoining them to remember how they have received and heard, and thus to
hold fast {Rev. 3:3};
for the way is cleansed only by taking heed thereto, according to God’s word. They were exhorted also to be watchful, and to strengthen the things which remain, which are ready to die; and were reminded that like a dying branch brings no fruit to perfection, so their works, which were often begun well, were not ripened by patiently abiding in Christ.
It is well to notice that there were some exceptions to the general condition.
Thou hast a few names, even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments {Rev. 3:4}.
This is cheering. It also shows us that whatever be the general state of the Church on earth, the Lord is ever ready to strengthen and lead on any who trust Him for it; and perhaps the more so because truth has so failed in the hands of those professing its care. Such are to expect special honor and blessing from the Lord —
They shall walk with me in white; for They are worthy {Rev. 3:4}.
Surely this is very encouraging. The Lord threatening to overtake the unrepenting — coming as a thief — does not refer to the Lord’s personal return from heaven, but to His dealing with them. Living as they were in the spirit of the world, they would be treated like the world, and as of it, by the Lord’s coming
as a thief {Rev. 3:3}.
Notwithstanding the failure, the overcomer is taught to expect the bridal dress —
white raiment {see Rev. 3:4},
to find his name in the book of life, and to be publicly owned by
Christ.