Have you ever felt like your spiritual life is on autopilot? You go through the motions, but something feels off. You’re not alone. Many of us struggle with keeping our faith vibrant and alive. In a recent sermon, we explored the message to the Church of Sardis from Revelation 3, and it offers some powerful insights for us today.
The Wake-Up Call
Imagine being part of a church that looks alive on the outside but is spiritually dead on the inside. That’s the situation the Church of Sardis found itself in. Jesus’ message to them was clear: “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1). This is a wake-up call for all of us. We might think we’re doing well, but are we truly alive in our faith?
What Does It Mean to Be Spiritually Dead?
Being spiritually dead doesn’t mean you’ve lost your salvation. It means you’re not living out your faith in a way that reflects the life and power of Jesus. Here are some signs you might be spiritually dead:
Lack of Engagement with Scripture: Are you reading your Bible daily? If not, you’re missing out on the life-giving words of God.
Prayer Life is Stagnant: Are you pausing to listen to the Holy Spirit during your prayer times? Prayer is a two-way conversation.
No Surrender: Are you holding back parts of your life from God? Full surrender is essential for a vibrant faith.
Not Sharing Your Faith: Are you looking for opportunities to talk to people about Jesus? Sharing your faith keeps it alive.
Steps to Revive Your Spiritual Life
Wake Up and Strengthen What Remains: Jesus tells the Church of Sardis to “wake up and strengthen what little remains” (Revelation 3:2). Start by identifying the areas of your faith that are still alive and build on them.
Return to Your First Love: Remember the passion you had when you first believed. Go back to those basics—reading your Bible, praying, and sharing your faith.
Repent and Turn to Jesus: Repentance isn’t just about feeling sorry for your sins. It’s about turning away from them and turning back to Jesus. He’s ready to revive your spirit.
Be Led by the Holy Spirit: The difference between a dead church and a living one is the work and leading of the Holy Spirit. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you anew and guide you in every part of your life.
Living Out the Great Commandment and Commission
Jesus gave us clear instructions on how to live out our faith:
Love God and Love People: The Great Commandment (Mark 12:29-31) calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Make Disciples: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) instructs us to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything Jesus has commanded.
Conclusion
The point is clear: Jesus wants your whole heart. He wants you to be fully alive in your faith, not just going through the motions. So, what will you do this week to give your heart fully to Him? Will you wake up, repent, and let the Holy Spirit lead you?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the wake-up call. Help us to recognize the areas in our lives where we are spiritually dead and give us the courage to repent and turn back to You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and guide us to live out our faith in a way that reflects Your love and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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