Join us as we study through Revelation verse by verse. Our Bible study guides contain discussion questions, verse by verse commentary, and applications which can help you or your small group get the most out of this book as you grow in understanding and obedience.
Revelation 3:1-6 Bible Study Guide With Questions – Letter To Church Of Sardis
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Outline
I. Greeting (1a)
II. Criticism (1b)
III. Counsel (2-3)
IV. Commendation (4)
V. Promise and Reward (5)
VI. Hear (6)
I. Greeting (1a)
Discussion Questions
- What does the description of Jesus as having seven spirits and seven stars mean?
- Who are what are these spirits? These stars?
- Why does Jesus give this specific description of Himself to this specific church?
Cross-References
Revelation 1:20 – As for the mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands, the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Revelation 2:1 – To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands.
Revelation 5:6 – And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. The angel of the church in Sardis – The leader or messenger of the church.
2. Him who has the seven spirits and the seven stars –
The seven spirits are mentioned four times in the book of Revelation (1:4, 3:1, 4:5, 5:6). Each of the other three instances refers to these as “the seven spirits of God.” The Greek word for spirit here is “pneuma,” which can mean “wind,” “spirit,” or “breath.” The most normal use is when “Holy” is attached to it and it means “Holy Spirit.”
There are various interpretations of what the seven spirits of God refer to.
A. It could refer to the Holy Spirit Himself. Seven is used in the Bible over 800 times. Many of these references are in Revelation. The number seven is often used to denote completeness or perfection. So it could be a way of referring to the Holy Spirit as complete and perfect. We know that there is only one Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:4). If this is a reference to the Holy Spirit, it shows that Jesus and the Holy Spirit are united in ministry. And we see this that each letter is concluded with the phrase “let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
B. Some see this as a reference to what they call the seven-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit as seen in Isaiah 11:2.
Isaiah 11:2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
The seven-fold ministry would include:
- Spirit of the Lord
- Spirit of wisdom
- Spirit of understanding
- Spirit of counsel
- Spirit of power
- Spirit of knowledge
- Spirit of fear
This would be an obscure reference if this is the case. Also, if you look at Isaiah 11:2 carefully it would seem that the Spirit of the Lord is mentioned as having 6 ministries, not 7.
C. It may be a reference to seven spiritual beings (angels) that are not described in detail here or elsewhere.
The first or third option seem the most likely, but we cannot be dogmatic. There are some aspects of Revelation we will not fully understand on this side of heaven.
The seven stars – These stars are defined in Revelation 1:20 as being the “angels of the seven churches.” The word for angel is “messenger.” So the seven stars are the seven messengers, or leaders of these churches. It is a reminder that Jesus holds the leaders of the church in His hand, supporting, sustaining, and strengthening them.
3. Jesus’ description of Himself shows the specific need of the church in Sardis – The problem with the church in Sardis is that it was largely dead. Thus it was important for them to know that Jesus would send the Holy Spirit to revive and regenerate them (Titus 3:5), if they were willing. And if they would rely on Jesus, He would help and strengthen them. Many churches are dead because blind tradition or rules are followed instead of a dependence on the Jesus. A church without the Holy Spirit is not a church at all. The church of Sardis needed a spiritual revival.
Jesus’ description as having the seven spirits of God and the seven stars was a clear reminder that He could bring about that revival. If they would wake up and turn to Him, He could give them spiritual life.
Application: The solution to a dead, robotic Christianity is Jesus. He sends the life giving Spirit. There is no other place to get spiritual life. Nothing else brings revival. Programs and music don’t bring revival. Jesus does. If you are in need of spiritual revival, come to Jesus.
II. Criticism (1b)
Discussion Questions
- Why was it important for the church of Sardis to hear that Jesus knows their works?
- What criticism does Jesus give this church?
- What does it mean that they are dead? How can a church be dead?
- What would cause a church to die?
- Could there be some individual believers within a church body that is mostly dead?
- Did this church look dead?
- What warning should we ourselves take from this?
- How can we ensure that we are alive spiritually?
Cross-References
Psalm 115:17 – The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence.
Romans 5:12 – Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.
1 Corinthians 15:22 – For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
Romans 12:1 – I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
John 11:25-26 – Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
Verse by Verse Commentary
1. I know your works – Once again, we see this phrase repeated. Jesus says the same phrase to every church. It is a double edged sword. It means He is well aware of and appreciates the good, but He also knows the bad. We can keep no secrets from Him.
Application: Whatever you are doing, remind yourself that He knows. That awareness itself will help keep you on the right track.
2. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead – For most churches, Jesus started off with a commendation and then moved to criticism. But here Jesus starts off with the problem of this church. And it is a big one. They are dead spiritually. To be dead, clearly means to be without Christ.