Seven Ways Not to be Your own Worst Enemy in 2020: Stop Going Through the Motions - Rev. 3: 1-6

Understanding the Church of Sardis

Introduction to the Series

• The series explores how individuals often hinder their own spiritual growth, acting as their "own worst enemy" in fulfilling God's will.

• The focus is on the seven churches mentioned in Revelation, which represent common struggles faced by Christians.

Reading from Revelation

• A reading from Revelation 3:1-6 highlights Jesus' message to the church in Sardis, emphasizing their false reputation of being alive while actually being spiritually dead.

• Key instructions include waking up, strengthening what remains, and repenting for unfinished deeds before God. The promise of white garments for the victorious is also noted.

Prayer and Community Engagement

• An update on the Alpha course indicates a good turnout and a call for prayer for participants, including those who did not attend. A specific prayer meeting is scheduled at Dolphin 316 High Street Sutton.

Key Themes from Revelation

Lord of History

• The sermon outlines three main themes: understanding Jesus as Lord of history, distinguishing between public and private faith, and recognizing the danger of complacency or "going through the motions."

Importance of Revelation's Context

• Emphasizes that Revelation should not be viewed merely as future predictions but rather as a source of comfort for a persecuted church facing suffering. This perspective counters modern interpretations focused solely on prophecy.

Historical Significance

Understanding the Lordship of Jesus in History

The Power of Jesus' Words

• Jesus is depicted as having "eyes of fire" and a "two-edged sword" coming from His mouth, symbolizing the power and sharpness of His words, which are described in Timothy as sharper than any two-edged sword.

Jesus: Lord of History

• Emphasizes that Jesus is not just a historical figure but the Lord over history, life, and creation. He intervenes in our lives regardless of our struggles.

Perspectives on History

• Discusses how different cultures perceive history—some see it as cyclical (e.g., reincarnation), while Christians view it through the lens of salvation history where God governs time.

The Nature of Salvation History

• Introduces the concept of salvation history, highlighting that God is sovereign over all events. This contrasts with feelings many have about being overwhelmed by current events.

Control Over Time and Space

• Illustrates that Jesus controls history and time, likening Him to a rider on a horse who breaks through historical cycles, reinforcing His authority over all creation.

Personal Relationship with Christ

Reducing Jesus to Convenience

• Reflects on how some people only engage with Jesus at critical moments or reduce Him to a selection of traits they find useful rather than embracing His full identity.

John the Baptist's Example

• References John the Baptist’s declaration that “He must increase; I must decrease,” emphasizing the need for more focus on Christ rather than self-centered desires.

Testimonies at Funerals

• Shares an experience from a funeral where attendees focused solely on who the deceased was in relation to Christ rather than her worldly achievements, illustrating true Christian legacy.

Obsession with God's Work

• Highlights how genuine relationships with God involve curiosity about what He is doing in others' lives instead of seeking personal gain or favors from Him.

Examining Our Relationship with God

Understanding the Public Nature of Our Relationship with God

The Challenge of Public Declaration

• The speaker reflects on how Christians often find it easier to share their relationship status on social media than to declare their relationship with God, indicating a societal embarrassment about public faith.

• A rhetorical question is posed: if arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence? This highlights the disconnect between private belief and public expression.

Storytelling in Modern Culture

• The concept of "history" is linked to God's narrative; the speaker emphasizes that we live in an age filled with unhappiness and self-doubt as people curate stories for acceptance rather than authenticity.

• Prophecy is discussed not merely as future predictions but as a public declaration of covenant relationships, emphasizing that Jesus's prophecies are about revealing our commitments publicly.

The Nature of Relationships

• Jesus addresses the reality of troubles in life while inviting believers into a deeper relationship with Him, contrasting personal struggles with the call for public acknowledgment.

• The speaker expresses concern over the eternal implications of being publicly identified with certain churches mentioned in Revelation, highlighting discomfort around public faith declarations.

Cultural Expectations vs. Divine Intentions

• Society encourages private beliefs but discourages public expressions; however, Jesus challenges this norm by openly discussing His relationship with His followers.

• Drawing parallels between marriage and faith, the speaker notes that both involve public commitment and accountability within community structures.

Covenant Relationships and Accountability

• Marriage is presented as an institution meant for communal welfare; thus, breaking marital vows has significant consequences—similar to how one’s relationship with God should be treated seriously.

• The metaphorical storm outside serves as a backdrop for discussing how Jesus has every right to evaluate and declare our relationships publicly without allowing us to keep them hidden away.

Invitation to Full Commitment

• God's invitation mirrors marriage vows—He desires total commitment from believers, urging them not to treat their relationship like casual arrangements or “friends with benefits.”

• Romans 12:1 is referenced as a call for believers to present themselves fully before God—a living sacrifice reflecting true devotion akin to marriage vows.

Understanding the Church's Role and Our Relationship with Jesus

The Nature of the Church

• The speaker emphasizes that many individuals may not feel part of a church, despite attending for years. This detachment can lead to missing out on understanding Jesus' true nature and relationship with the church.

• The church is described as "the bride" of Christ, highlighting its significance in God's plan. It is portrayed as a community where believers have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Guest vs. Host Mentality

• Attendees are encouraged to transition from being guests at church to becoming hosts, which involves actively helping others encounter God rather than just seeking personal experiences.

• Baptism is framed as a public declaration of faith, signifying commitment to follow Jesus within the community. It's not an end but a beginning of one's spiritual journey.

The Seriousness of Baptism

• The speaker warns that baptism should not be viewed as a graduation; it represents an ongoing covenant and commitment to both Jesus and his followers.

• There’s an emphasis on moving deeper into one’s identity in Christ, starting with establishing a strong relationship with Him.

Insights from Revelation: The Church in Sardis

• Reference is made to seven churches represented by lampstands in Revelation. Lampstands require light (Jesus), indicating that without Him, they cannot shine or fulfill their purpose.

• A passage about the church in Sardis reveals that despite having a good reputation, it was spiritually dead. This serves as a warning about superficial appearances versus genuine faith.

Spiritual Health and Authenticity

• Jesus calls for repentance and awakening among those who appear alive but are spiritually dead, urging them to remember their initial teachings and hold fast to their faith.

• The analogy of marriage is used to illustrate how relationships can seem fine externally while suffering internally; this reflects the state of some churches today.

Cultural Perceptions of Faith

• There's commentary on societal expectations regarding churches—doing good works while avoiding "closed-minded" beliefs. This highlights tension between cultural norms and Christian doctrine.

What Does Love Lead To?

The Role of Love in Relationships

• The speaker reflects on the idea that love is a driving force behind actions, suggesting that divine love inspires people to act positively for others.

• Emphasizes that love should be the foundation of relationships, comparing it to the early stages of marriage where love guides decisions and actions.

• Highlights that love is portrayed as the most powerful force in the universe, influencing life choices and priorities.

• Warns against complacency in relationships; even strong bonds can become routine if not nurtured with genuine feelings.

• Draws parallels between romantic relationships and spiritual connections, cautioning against merely going through motions without true emotional engagement.

The Danger of Losing Connection

• Discusses how superficial interactions can lead to emotional detachment, using a metaphor about a loveless marriage to illustrate this point.

• Expresses deep concern over performing religious duties without heartfelt devotion, equating it to insincerity in personal relationships.

• Warns Christians about becoming spiritually lethargic or "falling asleep," losing their passion for faith over time.

• Describes common scenarios where young adults drift away from their initial fervor for Jesus due to distractions like university life and social activities.

• Reflects on midlife challenges where responsibilities overshadow spiritual commitments, leading individuals to treat faith as an afterthought.

Consequences of Complacency

• Notes how family obligations can further complicate one's relationship with God, making faith feel secondary amidst life's demands.

• Shares insights from academic research indicating a significant drop-off in church attendance among middle-class Christians during midlife crises.

• Illustrates how children learn from parents' attitudes towards faith; if parents view God as a means to an end, children may adopt similar views.

• Discusses the emotional toll when individuals realize they have distanced themselves from God due to neglecting their spiritual lives over time.

• Uses a poignant example of sacrifice within personal relationships to highlight what one might give up for true love versus complacency towards faith.

Reflection on Life's Priorities

• Concludes by questioning whether individuals are truly awake and engaged in their relationship with Jesus or if they are merely existing without depth.

Understanding Our Relationship with God

The Nature of Our Connection with God

• The speaker questions whether individuals view God primarily as a provider or as a personal relationship, emphasizing the importance of recognizing who God is beyond what He can do for us.

• A distinction is made between seeing God as a "friend with benefits" versus a "covenant partner," prompting reflection on the depth of one's spiritual engagement and commitment.

• The speaker highlights that awareness of being spiritually "asleep" often stems from God's love, which prompts His Spirit to awaken us to our true state.

Waking Up Spiritually

• Jesus' strong language about those who claim to love Him but are spiritually asleep is discussed; they are likened to having soiled clothes, indicating a need for spiritual renewal and awakening.

• The discomfort felt in recognizing one's spiritual slumber is framed not as condemnation but as an invitation to wake up and reconnect with Jesus.

Accountability and Community

• The concept of judgment in Scripture is introduced, suggesting that our true relationship with Jesus will be revealed at the end of life, encouraging proactive engagement rather than waiting until then.