Merriam-Webster.com defines reputation primarily as an overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general.
The second definition of reputation is recognition by other people of some characteristic or ability.
Third, a place in public esteem or regard: good name.
There’s even a bit of history on the link above sharing that this term received high favor in the 14th century. Its Latin verb root, reputare, means “to take into consideration” or “to think over.”
Our study today discusses the reputation of the Church in Sardis at the time John wrote Revelation.
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Five
A Study of Revelation 3:1-6 | A Little Historical Information
Geographically, Sardis had an impressive location, being surrounded by cliffs thirty miles southeast of Thyatira.
Unfortunately, the city fell to invaders twice when they failed to keep a vigilant watch, assuming the cliffs protected them enough.
Keep these details in mind as we study the passage.
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Five
A Study of Revelation 3:1-6 | The Passage
To the Church in Sardis
3 “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.[i]
Review Revelation 1:4 and 1:20, noting what is revealed regarding the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.
Why is Christ introducing himself to the church in Sardis in this manner?
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. [ii]
What does Christ say they need to do? Why?
Where is hope found in this verse for the Church in Sardis?
3 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. [iii]
Using Revelation 1:4-8, explain what the Church in Sardis needs to remember.
How can they keep it?
Why must they repent?
Where is hope found in this verse for the Church in Sardis?
4 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.[iv]
What does this reveal about Christ?
5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. [v]
List the promises to those who remember, keep, and repent.
6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ [vi]
For the fifth time in Revelation 2-3, Christ repeats this sentence. And it will be repeated two more times before we finish chapter three.
Why does Christ keep repeating this sentence?
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Five
A Study of Revelation 3:1-6 | Application
To the Church in Sardis
3 “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.[vii]
Write about how you have or haven’t experienced this type of situation in your own life.
How would others describe your reputation? Are they accurate? Why or why not?
Look back at your review of Revelation 1:4 and 1:20 above. How does knowing this about Christ help you?
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. [viii]
Where do you struggle to stay alert and strong in your relationship with God?
What evidence is there in your life that you have an active faith instead of a dead one?
3 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. [ix]
Why is this warning important for us when we are not keeping vigilant in our faith journey?
Do you find it harsh or wise? Why?
4 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.[x]
Describe where this is true in your life.
Do you trust this promise? Why or why not?
5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. [xi]
Are you eager for these rewards? Why or why not?
What can you do this week for God to show your eagerness?
6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ [xii]
How are you learning to listen to the Spirit through this study?
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Five
A Study of Revelation 3:1-6 | A Prayer Response
We praise the Lord Jesus Christ who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. Thank you for this reminder through your review of the Church in Sardis to remain vigilant in how we serve you. The phrase “resting on our laurels” comes to mind as a common statement when someone started out strong with brilliant success but then became complacent, trusting in their past notoriety instead of continuing to work with inspired excellence.
Enable us to complete the work you have for us during our sojourn on this earth so that we bring honor and glory not to ourselves, but to you.
Show us the areas in our lives where we need to “wake up” and be more watchful and to repent of anything in which you disapprove.
Set our hearts and minds on the joy of serving you and confessing you as our Lord and Savior.
Speak clearly to us through the Spirit and open our ears to hear and our hearts to obey.
Amen.
Warmly,
Barbara Lynn
Leave a prayer of your own in the comments below or share something on social media.
Quick links to other posts in this series on Revelation:
What God Chose to Reveal | Revelation 1:1-8
Seeing Through John’s Vision | Revelation 1:9-20
Responding to Christ’s Review Part One | Revelation 2:1-7
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Two | Revelation 2:8-11
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Three | Revelation 2:12-17
Responding to Christ’s Review Part Four | Revelation 2:18-29
[i] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:1.
[ii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:2.
[iii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:3.
[iv] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:4.
[v] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:4–5.
[vi] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:6.
[vii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:1.
[viii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:2.
[ix] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:3.
[x] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:4.
[xi] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:4–5.
[xii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:6.