Revelation 3:1 “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. 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. Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you.
Sardis was rebuked with “you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” We see a similar warning as Isaiah 29:13-14; And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men, therefore, behold, I will again do wonderful things with this people, with wonder upon wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the discernment of their discerning men shall be hidden.” Sardis Christians were called dead. It is like they were being told you have a very nice and beautiful casket but what is inside is nothing but dead bones of what used to be alive. They were physically alive and spiritually dead. Paul said this to the Christians in Corinth “But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready” The problem was for these Christians in Sardis and Corinth and, as well, each of us today, they died spiritually inside and were not even aware or conscience of the fact they were dying. How does a person get to this state in their lives? They stop living to humbly serve, honor, glorify, follow, need, trust, rely on, and obey God. The word of God has become void in their lives. They have shut their ears to hear the Holy Spirit speak truth into their lives. We do well to examine ourselves and hear these words of Jesus Christ. The activity and ability to hear and act on the Holy Spirit leading dies when neglect and complacency of God’s Word are present in our lives. This very well may be the final warning for some. Take heed and repent. Turn back to Christ and walk worthy of Him.