The Seven Churches
Sardis, part 2
In our previous lesson, we began to address the church of Sardis and examined a few applications of Jesus “coming as a thief.” We will go deeper on those points and focus on Revelation 3:3-6.
Note: Read 1 Thessalonians 5:2. Jesus’ coming as a thief is connected to the phrase “the day of the Lord.” Let’s look at this phrase in Zephaniah 1 and see what else it represents.
1. Read Zephaniah 1:7. What happens on “the day of the Lord?”
2. Why will Jesus punish people in that day? Zephaniah 1:8
3. What will Jesus do to determine who will receive punishment? Zephaniah 1:12
Note: Based on Zephaniah 1, Jesus’ coming as a thief or “the day of the Lord” is the time when Jesus will come to our names in the judgment to pronounce verdicts upon us – holy or unholy, righteous or unrighteous. Once this is done, God will pour out His wrath on the guilty sinners (the 7 last plagues; see Zephaniah 1:14-15; Revelation 15:1; 16:1-2). This scene of ‘searching’ and judgment is clearly represented in the parable of the marriage supper in Matthew 22.
4. Compare Zephaniah 1:7-8, 12 with Matthew 22:11, 12. Why did Jesus (the king) come in to the place where the guests were?
Note: Matthew 22:11 says the king came in to “see” the guests. What does the word “see” mean? Greek’s Strong Concordance defines it as “to look closely at and to perceive.” We can conclude that to “see” also means to examine and investigate.
5. What was the end result of the man not having on the wedding garment? Matthew 22:13
The Great Controversy 490: Solemn are the scenes connected with the closing work of the atonement. Momentous are the interests involved therein. The judgment is now passing in the sanctuary above. For many years this work has been in progress. Soon— none know how soon—it will pass to the cases of the living. In the awful presence of God our lives are to come up in review. At this time above all others it behooves every soul to heed the Saviour’s admonition: “Watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.” Mark 13:33. “If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.” Revelation 3:3. {GC 490.1}
The Great Controversy 490: When the work of the investigative judgment closes, the destiny of all will have been decided for life or death. Probation is ended a short time before the appearing of the Lord in the clouds of heaven. Christ in the Revelation, looking forward to that time, declares: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:11, 12.” {GC 490.2}
Note: In the previous quotations, Sister White references Mark 13. This passage of scripture is intimately connected with the message to the church of Sardis and Jesus’ admonition for us to watch lest we are found unready when He pronounces a verdict upon our names. Let us read Mark 13:32-37.
5. What time period is Mark 13:32-37 referring to?
Testimonies for the Church Vol. 2, 190: Jesus has left us word: “Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the Master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” We are waiting and watching for the return of the Master, who is to bring the morning, lest coming suddenly He find us sleeping. What time is here referred to? Not to the revelation of Christ in the clouds of heaven to find a people asleep. No; but to His return from His ministration in the most holy place of the heavenly sanctuary, when He lays off His priestly attire and clothes Himself with garments of vengeance, and when the mandate goes forth: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still. {2T 190.1}
Testimonies for the Church Vol. 2, 191: When Jesus ceases to plead for man, the cases of all are forever decided. This is the time of reckoning with His servants. To those who have neglected the preparation of purity and holiness, which fits them to be waiting ones to welcome their Lord, the sun sets in gloom and darkness, and rises not again. Probation closes; Christ’s intercessions cease in heaven. This time finally comes suddenly upon all, and those who have neglected to purify their souls by obeying the truth are found sleeping. They became weary of waiting and watching; they became indifferent in regard to the coming of their Master. They longed not for His appearing, and thought there was no need of such continued, persevering watching. They had been disappointed in their expectations and might be again. They concluded that there was time enough yet to arouse. They would be sure not to lose the opportunity of securing an earthly treasure. It would be safe to get all of this world they could. And in securing this object, they lost all anxiety and interest in the appearing of the Master. They became indifferent and careless, as though His coming were yet in the distance. But while their interest was buried up in their worldly gains, the work closed in the heavenly sanctuary, and they were unprepared. {2T 191.1}
6. Both Revelation 3:3 and Mark 13:35 have variations of the phrase, “he cometh.” Let’s trace this phrase through the closing scenes of Jesus’ life on earth and see how it applies to us today. What happened in the evening when Jesus came to the upper room? Mark 14:17, 18; John 13:27-30
7. What happened when Jesus came to the disciples around midnight? Mark 14:34, 37-38
8. As a result of failing to watch and pray, what did Peter do when the cock crowed? Mark 14:66-72
9. What crisis began when Jesus came to the disciples the third time? Mark 14:41-42; 15:11-13
Note: The crucifixion of Jesus typifies the Mark of the Beast crisis when all who are living will have to choose to honor God’s seventh-day Sabbath or Sunday just as the Jews chose between Jesus or Barabbas. Once everyone makes their final decision, there will be a general close of probation. However, the lesson being taught in Mark 13 is that we must be found ready and without sin prior to the Mark of the Beast crisis because we do not know when our probation will close. Judas’ probation closed prior to him physically betraying Jesus because he had grieved the Holy Spirit of God. Peter denied Jesus because he failed to watch and pray, and the majority of the Jews chose Barabbas over Jesus. Many people who now profess to believe the truth will ultimately receive the Mark of the Beast because they refuse to repent of their sins and fail to watch and pray.
The Great Controversy 491: …Silently, unnoticed as the midnight thief, will come the decisive hour which marks the fixing of every man’s destiny, the final withdrawal of mercy’s offer to guilty men. {GC 491.1}
The Great Controversy 491: Watch ye therefore: … lest coming suddenly He find you sleeping.” Mark 13:35, 36. Perilous is the condition of those who, growing weary of their watch, turn to the attractions of the world. While the man of business is absorbed in the pursuit of gain, while the pleasure lover is seeking indulgence, while the daughter of fashion is arranging her adornments —it may be in that hour the Judge of all the earth will pronounce the sentence: “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” Daniel 5:27. {GC 491.2}
10. Read Revelation 3:4. Just like there were a few who did not defile their garments, what is the name of the group who will also not defile their garments and stand faithful to God in these last days? Revelation 12:17; Romans 9:27
11. What is the experience of the remnant? Revelation 3:4, 5
a) Revelation 3:4; Zechariah 3:1-4
b) Revelation 3:5; Revelation 16:15
c) Revelation 3:5; Matthew 10:32-33
Sons and Daughters of God 368: When, as overcomers, we shall be “clothed in white raiment,” the Lord will acknowledge our faithfulness as verily as in the days of the early Christian church He acknowledged the “few names even in Sardis,” who had “not defiled their garments;” and we shall walk with Him in white, for through His atoning sacrifice we shall be accounted worthy…. {SD 368.2}
Sons and Daughters of God 368: In view of these encouraging promises, how earnestly should we strive to perfect a character that will enable us to stand before the Son of God! Only those who are clothed in the garments of His righteousness will be able to endure the glory of His presence when He shall appear with “power and great glory.” {SD 368.3}
Sons and Daughters of God 368: It means much to be an overcomer. The besetments of the enemy and all his evil agencies must be firmly resisted. Every moment we must be on guard. Not for one instant are we to lose sight of Christ, and of His power to save in the hour of trial. Our hand must be placed in His, that we may be upheld by the power of His might. {SD 368.4}
Sons and Daughters of God 368: If you are to sit at Christ’s table, and feast on the provisions He has furnished at the marriage supper of the Lamb, you must have a special garment, called the wedding garment, which is the white robe of Christ’s righteousness. Every one who has on this robe is entitled to enter the city of God; and if Jesus had not been very desirous you should have a place in the mansions He has gone to prepare for those who love Him, He would not, at so great an expense to Himself, have made all these arrangements that you might be happy and sit at His table and enjoy the home He has gone to prepare for His redeemed family. {SD 368.5}