Message Takeaways - An Autopsy of a Dead Church

An Autopsy of a Dead Church
Revelation 3:1–6

In Revelation 3:1–6, Jesus performs an autopsy on the church at Sardis. Though they had a reputation for being alive, Christ declares them spiritually dead. Their past success masked present decay. Yet even in this sobering diagnosis, hope remains. Jesus offers five urgent commands—wake up, strengthen what remains, remember the gospel, keep it, and repent. A faithful remnant still stands, and Christ promises eternal security and public acknowledgment before the Father for those who persevere. The call is clear: revival begins with honest self-examination and renewed devotion to Christ.

Takeaways
Reputation is never a substitute for spiritual reality.
Revival begins when we wake up to our true condition.
The gospel must be remembered, guarded, and preached to ourselves daily.
Christ promises eternal security and public acknowledgment to those who persevere.

Living It This Week
Ask the Lord to search your heart. Is there spiritual drift? Stale routine? Compromise? Wake up and return to the gospel. Guard it. Repent where needed. Declare your devotion to Christ. Let us be a church alive with evangelistic and missionary zeal, shining as a light on the hill.

Devotional 1: Wake Up
Revelation 3:2 - 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.
Reflection Question:
Where in my life am I spiritually asleep?
Prayer Prompt:
Lord Jesus, awaken my heart. Expose areas of complacency and revive what is fading.

Devotional 2: Remember the Gospel
Revelation 3:3 - Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent.
Reflection Question:
Am I actively preaching the gospel to myself each day?
Prayer Prompt:
Father, help me cling to the cross and resurrection of Christ daily.

Devotional 3: Rejoice in Your Name Written in Heaven
Luke 10:20 - Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.
Reflection Question:
Is my joy rooted in ministry success or eternal security?
Prayer Prompt:
Jesus, anchor my joy in the promise that my name is written in heaven.

Devotional 4: Confess Christ Boldly
Matthew 10:32 - So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven.
Reflection Question:
Am I publicly acknowledging Christ without shame?
Prayer Prompt:
Give me courage, Lord, to confess You boldly in word and conduct.