Revelation 3:4
Verse
Context
To the Church in Sardis
3Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.4But you do have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and because they are worthy, they will walk with Me in white. 5Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels.
Sermons
Alan Martin
C.H. Spurgeon
Al Whittinghill
E.A. JohnstonRobert B. ThompsonPhil Beach Jr.
Loran HelmSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis - A few persons, names being put for those who bore them. And as the members of the Church were all enrolled, or their names entered in a book, when admitted into the Church or when baptized, names are here put for the people themselves. See Rev 3:5. Have not defiled their garments - Their souls. The Hebrews considered holiness as the garb of the soul, and evil actions as stains or spots on this garb. So in Shabbath, fol. 152, 2: "A certain king gave royal garments to his servants: those who were prudent folded them up, and laid them by in a chest; those who were foolish put them on, and performed their daily labor in them. After some time the king asked for those royal robes; the wise brought theirs white and clean, the foolish brought theirs spotted with dirt. With the former the king was well pleased; with the latter he was angry. Concerning the former he said: Let those garments be laid up in my wardrobe, and let the persons go home in peace. Of the latter he said: Let the garments be put into the hands of the fuller, and cast those who wore them into prison." This parable is spoken on these words of Ecclesiastes, Ecc 12:7 : The spirit shall return to God who gave it. They shall walk with me in white - They shall be raised to a state of eternal glory, and shall be for ever with their Lord.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The three oldest manuscripts prefix "but," or "nevertheless" (notwithstanding thy spiritual deadness), and omit "even." names--persons named in the book of life (Rev 3:5) known by name by the Lord as His own. These had the reality corresponding to their name; not a mere name among men as living, while really dead (Rev 3:1). The gracious Lord does not overlook any exceptional cases of real saints in the midst of unreal professors. not defiled their garments--namely, the garments of their Christian profession, of which baptism is the initiatory seal, whence the candidates for baptism used in the ancient Church to be arrayed in white. Compare also Eph 5:27, as to the spotlessness of the Church when she shall be presented to Christ; and Rev 19:8, as to the "fine linen, clean and white, the righteousness of the saints," in which it shall be granted to her to be arrayed; and "the wedding garment." Meanwhile she is not to sully her Christian profession with any defilement of flesh or spirit, but to "keep her garments." For no defilement shall enter the heavenly city. Not that any keep themselves here wholly free from defilement; but, as compared with hollow professors, the godly keep themselves unspotted from the world; and when they do contract it, they wash it away, so as to have their "robes white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev 7:14). The Greek is not "to stain" (Greek, "miainein"), but to "defile," or besmear (Greek, "molunein"), Sol 5:3. they shall walk with me in white--The promised reward accords with the character of those to be rewarded: keeping their garments undefiled and white through the blood of the Lamb now, they shall walk with Him in while hereafter. On "with me," compare the very same words, Luk 23:43; Joh 17:24. "Walk" implies spiritual life, for only the living walk; also liberty, for it is only the free who walk at large. The grace and dignity of flowing long garments is seen to best advantage when the person "walks": so the graces of the saint's manifested character shall appear fully when he shall serve the Lord perfectly hereafter (Rev 22:3). they are worthy--with the worthiness (not their own, but that) which Christ has put on them (Rev 7:14). Eze 16:14, "perfect through MY comeliness which I had put upon thee." Grace is glory in the bud. "The worthiness here denotes a congruity between the saint's state of grace on earth, and that of glory, which the Lord has appointed for them, about to be estimated by the law itself of grace" [VITRINGA]. Contrast Act 13:46.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis,.... The Alexandrian copy and others, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions, read, "but thou hast a few names", &c. or "a few men", as the Ethiopic version renders it; who were called by name, and were men of renown, excellent men, men famous for holding the truth of doctrine, and for powerful and practical godliness; men of great light and grace, and who were known by name to God and Christ: these are said to be but "few", not in comparison of the world, in which sense all the elect of God are but few, though a large number, considered in themselves; but in comparison of formal lifeless professors of religion, with which this church state abounds; and which, if we were not as dead as we are, might easily be observed; there may not only be hypocrites in churches, but a majority of them: yea, these few may be understood in comparison of the greater number of true believers; for in this period of the church there are but few, even of them, that are lively, zealous, and careful, and are heartily concerned for the purity of doctrine, discipline, worship, and conversation; and a few there are, blessed be God, even in this our Sardian church state. God will have a few in whom he will be glorified in the most declining times; and the Lord knows and takes notice of these few; and for their sake the church state is kept up, the Gospel and its ordinances are continued; nor is a church to be judged of by the number of its members, nor is a multitude to be followed to do evil, Which have not defiled their garments; the Ethiopic version adds, "with a woman", the woman Jezebel. They were not guilty either of corporeal or spiritual fornication, which is idolatry; they kept their outward conversation garments pure, and maintained a profession of Christ and his truths incorrupt; they did not defile it by an unbecoming walk, or by a denial of Christ and a departure from him, and by embracing false doctrines; they were neither erroneous in their principles, nor immoral in their practices; few there, are indeed of this sort. Defiled garments, in either sense, very ill become members of the reformed churches. Among the Jews (i), if a priest's garments were spotted or defiled, he might not minister; if he did, his service was rejected, And they shall walk with me in white; there is a walking in Christ by faith; and a walking before him as in his sight; and a walking worthy of him, in all well pleasing in his ways and ordinances; and here a walking with him, in a way of special and comfortable communion, both here and hereafter: and this is in white; in white raiment, meaning either in the robe of his own righteousness, compared to fine linen and white; or in the shining robes of immortality and glory; and may be expressive of that spiritual joy which such shall be partakers of, as well as of their spotless purity and innocence in the other world. White raiment was used among the Romans as a token of joy at festivals, and on birthdays, and at weddings, and such like times, For they are worthy; not of themselves, or through any works of righteousness done by them, which are neither meritorious of grace here, nor of glory hereafter; but through the grace of God, and worthiness of Christ. The Jews have a saying somewhat like this (k), "they that walk with God in their lifetime, "are worthy" to walk with him after their death; In the Apocrypha we read: "Take thy number, O Sion, and shut up those of thine that are clothed in white, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord.'' (2 Esdras 2:40). This clause is left out in the Ethiopic version, (i) T. Bab. Zebachim, fol. 35. 1. (k) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 10. 3.
Revelation 3:4
To the Church in Sardis
3Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.4But you do have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and because they are worthy, they will walk with Me in white. 5Like them, he who overcomes will be dressed in white. And I will never blot out his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Pure Heart
By Alan Martin3.6K00:00HeartPRO 4:23MAT 5:17MAT 11:9JHN 15:4ROM 1:21HEB 2:1REV 3:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding the Word of God and not letting society's ideas replace it. He refers to Romans chapter 1, where it is described how those who chose not to guard the Word of God had their thinking become futile and their hearts foolish. The speaker highlights that this happens because they did not fully receive the light they were given. The sermon also mentions Revelation chapter 3, where it is stated that those who have a pure heart and gracious speech will have the King as their friend. The speaker encourages the audience to abide in Christ and walk in the light to avoid stumbling in darkness.
One of the Master's Choice Sayings
By C.H. Spurgeon1.4K39:28PSA 73:26MAT 6:33MAT 11:28MAT 14:16JHN 6:37ROM 8:35REV 3:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as believers, we should not be burdened by excessive serving or suffering. Our surroundings should not have control over us, but rather, we should have control over them. Through Christ's love, we are called to be more than conquerors in all things. The preacher encourages the audience not to depart from Christ because of any circumstances or challenges they may face. He reminds them that many others have faced difficult circumstances and yet remained steadfast in their faith. The strength that was given to those who came before us is also available to us. The preacher addresses the concerns of the audience, assuring them that no matter where they live or what they endure, they can still remain close to Christ. He emphasizes that being busy and engaged in work is not a disadvantage, as Satan is often far from those who are occupied. Even in the most arduous of tasks, we can find rest and strength in drawing near to the Lord. The preacher also addresses the issue of wealth, acknowledging that it can often lead people away from Christ. However, he reminds the few wealthy saints that they too can remain close to Christ and that riches do not have to hinder their relationship with Him. He encourages them to not let the responsibilities and burdens of wealth distract them from their fellowship with the Lord. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith regardless of our circumstances, and the availability of God's strength and grace to help us overcome any challenges we may face.
The Blood of Jesus Christ
By Al Whittinghill1.2K1:04:14Blood Of ChristISA 61:10ZEC 9:11MAT 22:1HEB 2:3REV 1:5REV 3:4REV 12:11In this sermon, the speaker begins by talking about the joy and love that children have for lambs. He then transitions to the story of the first Passover in the Bible, where the Israelites were oppressed in Egypt. The speaker emphasizes the importance of the blood of the lamb in the Passover, as it symbolized judgment for sin. The sermon concludes with a reference to Revelation 19:6, where the hosts of heaven praise God for the marriage of the Lamb and the readiness of his wife.
Revival Stories: Jonathan Edwards
By E.A. Johnston92318:44BiographyDEU 32:35PSA 9:17MAT 25:41ROM 3:23HEB 9:27JUD 1:23REV 3:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to study the lives of great men of God who have brought revival in their time. He encourages the audience to learn from their experiences and understand how God moved among his people during those times. The preacher also highlights the urgency of seeking God's face and praying for revival in the present day. He references a sermon by Mr. Edwards of Northampton, who preached a powerful message on the wrath of God and the need for salvation. The sermon had a profound impact on the listeners, leading to cries for salvation and a deep awareness of the impending judgment of hell. The preacher concludes by urging the audience to reach out to sinners and share the message of Christ's sacrifice, while also praying for revival in America.
Condition and Place
By Robert B. Thompson6371:18:00MAT 5:20MAT 10:37LUK 20:35ROM 13:11REV 3:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of growing for adoption and the end times. He references three verses, Romans 13:11, Ephesians (twice), and 1 Peter 1:5, which all speak about the future salvation and the redemption of the body. The preacher emphasizes that salvation is not just a spiritual concept but also includes the physical redemption of our bodies. He explains that attaining this redemption requires living in the spirit, putting to death the deeds of the body, and cooperating with God's power. The sermon encourages listeners to nurture their spiritual lives and endure to the end to be saved.
Why Revival Tarries - Six Deadly Sins
By Phil Beach Jr.5681:23:40RevivalREV 3:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of hearing and following God's word. He compares the value of hearing God's word to being in a miry clay up to one's neck, rather than being in an ivory palace without understanding God's message. The preacher warns against being a friend of the world, as it is considered enmity with God. He urges the congregation to purify themselves from worldly desires in order to be candidates for a powerful outpouring of God's Spirit. The sermon concludes with a reminder to humble oneself, confess sins, and seek a fervor and love for God's Word.
Walking With God - Part 1
By Loran Helm44045:12GodGEN 2:6GEN 5:22GEN 6:9MAT 6:33LUK 13:3REV 3:4In this sermon, the preacher shares personal experiences and reflections on walking with God. He describes a journey through Oklahoma where the weather was dreary and snow was threatening, but God provided help and guidance. The preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's will and being led by the Holy Spirit. He also shares a powerful testimony of a woman who was healed after hearing the message of the kingdom of God. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to walk with God and follow Jesus.
Follow the Lamb! (Selections)
By Horatius Bonar0Following ChristSpiritual GrowthLEV 11:45PSA 52:2PRO 23:23JHN 10:27ROM 15:3GAL 5:241TI 6:102PE 1:91JN 4:1REV 3:4Horatius Bonar emphasizes the continuous journey of following Christ, urging believers to keep their focus on Jesus and His cross for spiritual health and growth. He warns against distractions from the world and the dangers of complacency in prayer and spiritual practices. Bonar encourages Christians to live a life of integrity, humility, and discernment, avoiding the pitfalls of self-indulgence and covetousness. He reminds the faithful that their lives are a book being written for eternity, and they must strive for holiness and righteousness in all aspects. Ultimately, Bonar calls for a deep, intimate relationship with God, urging believers to act in love and service, reflecting Christ's character in their daily lives.
Temptations of the City--a Lion in Olney
By John Newton0PSA 23:4EPH 4:161PE 5:8REV 3:4John Newton writes a heartfelt letter to a friend in a far foreign country, expressing concern and offering spiritual encouragement. He emphasizes the importance of true spiritual connections formed by the bonds of faith, referencing Ephesians 4:16. Newton reflects on the challenges of living in a worldly city like London but finds solace in the presence of the Lord who can make any place comfortable, drawing parallels to Acts 16. He admires those who remain spiritually strong amidst the temptations and trials of city life, likening his own struggles to a tamed lion with occasional 'surly fits' despite knowing and loving his Keeper.
Holiness Triumphant
By James Blaine Chapman0REV 3:4James Blaine Chapman preaches on the promise of receiving power through the Holy Ghost to be witnesses of Jesus, emphasizing the immediate sanctification of the heart rather than the restoration of the external world. He highlights the importance of being clean in a defiled world, living victoriously in a world of conflict, and finishing life's course with joy and triumph, all made possible by the inner grace of holiness. Chapman encourages believers to embrace holiness triumphant, which empowers them to overcome challenges, remain pure, and find joy in every season of life.
"Where Are You?"
By David Wilkerson0The Importance of PrayerSpiritual VigilanceGEN 3:9PSA 145:18JER 29:12MAT 6:6PHP 4:61TH 5:17HEB 4:16JAS 5:16REV 3:1REV 3:4David Wilkerson emphasizes the critical importance of prayer for Christians, warning that neglecting this vital connection with God can lead to spiritual death, much like the church in Sardis. He highlights that while believers may still be saved, a lack of prayer can result in a defiled and careless spiritual life. Wilkerson draws parallels between Adam's hiding from God in the Garden of Eden and modern Christians who fail to seek fellowship with their Father. He urges believers to recognize the cost of their access to God, which was paid by Jesus' sacrifice, and to return to their secret place of prayer to restore their spiritual vitality.
Christian Character - a Qualification
By John Follette0MAT 22:11MAT 25:14ACT 2:4ROM 8:292CO 3:18EPH 4:132PE 1:41JN 3:2REV 3:4REV 19:7John Follette emphasizes the importance of Christian character in qualifying us for Christian living, distinguishing between the divine nature received through salvation and the ongoing development of Christian character through discipline, trials, and spiritual growth. He highlights the goal of salvation as conformity to God's image and likeness, not just reaching heaven, and the Holy Spirit's work in shaping believers into the image of Christ. Follette stresses that Christian character is not a gift but a product of training, discipline, and spiritual living, leading to a deeper fellowship with God and qualification for the marriage feast of the Lamb.
Training Below for Service Above, Part 1
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 134:11CO 15:58COL 3:231TH 4:17REV 3:4Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the eternal life believers will have with the Lord, walking in white as worthy servants in His temple. She emphasizes that the Blessed will serve God with powers and endowments developed in harmony with higher worlds, using their unique capacities and gifts in spiritual ways. Those who dedicate their talents to God's service will transition from joyous work in this world to greater capacities and opportunities in the afterlife.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis - A few persons, names being put for those who bore them. And as the members of the Church were all enrolled, or their names entered in a book, when admitted into the Church or when baptized, names are here put for the people themselves. See Rev 3:5. Have not defiled their garments - Their souls. The Hebrews considered holiness as the garb of the soul, and evil actions as stains or spots on this garb. So in Shabbath, fol. 152, 2: "A certain king gave royal garments to his servants: those who were prudent folded them up, and laid them by in a chest; those who were foolish put them on, and performed their daily labor in them. After some time the king asked for those royal robes; the wise brought theirs white and clean, the foolish brought theirs spotted with dirt. With the former the king was well pleased; with the latter he was angry. Concerning the former he said: Let those garments be laid up in my wardrobe, and let the persons go home in peace. Of the latter he said: Let the garments be put into the hands of the fuller, and cast those who wore them into prison." This parable is spoken on these words of Ecclesiastes, Ecc 12:7 : The spirit shall return to God who gave it. They shall walk with me in white - They shall be raised to a state of eternal glory, and shall be for ever with their Lord.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The three oldest manuscripts prefix "but," or "nevertheless" (notwithstanding thy spiritual deadness), and omit "even." names--persons named in the book of life (Rev 3:5) known by name by the Lord as His own. These had the reality corresponding to their name; not a mere name among men as living, while really dead (Rev 3:1). The gracious Lord does not overlook any exceptional cases of real saints in the midst of unreal professors. not defiled their garments--namely, the garments of their Christian profession, of which baptism is the initiatory seal, whence the candidates for baptism used in the ancient Church to be arrayed in white. Compare also Eph 5:27, as to the spotlessness of the Church when she shall be presented to Christ; and Rev 19:8, as to the "fine linen, clean and white, the righteousness of the saints," in which it shall be granted to her to be arrayed; and "the wedding garment." Meanwhile she is not to sully her Christian profession with any defilement of flesh or spirit, but to "keep her garments." For no defilement shall enter the heavenly city. Not that any keep themselves here wholly free from defilement; but, as compared with hollow professors, the godly keep themselves unspotted from the world; and when they do contract it, they wash it away, so as to have their "robes white in the blood of the Lamb" (Rev 7:14). The Greek is not "to stain" (Greek, "miainein"), but to "defile," or besmear (Greek, "molunein"), Sol 5:3. they shall walk with me in white--The promised reward accords with the character of those to be rewarded: keeping their garments undefiled and white through the blood of the Lamb now, they shall walk with Him in while hereafter. On "with me," compare the very same words, Luk 23:43; Joh 17:24. "Walk" implies spiritual life, for only the living walk; also liberty, for it is only the free who walk at large. The grace and dignity of flowing long garments is seen to best advantage when the person "walks": so the graces of the saint's manifested character shall appear fully when he shall serve the Lord perfectly hereafter (Rev 22:3). they are worthy--with the worthiness (not their own, but that) which Christ has put on them (Rev 7:14). Eze 16:14, "perfect through MY comeliness which I had put upon thee." Grace is glory in the bud. "The worthiness here denotes a congruity between the saint's state of grace on earth, and that of glory, which the Lord has appointed for them, about to be estimated by the law itself of grace" [VITRINGA]. Contrast Act 13:46.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis,.... The Alexandrian copy and others, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions, read, "but thou hast a few names", &c. or "a few men", as the Ethiopic version renders it; who were called by name, and were men of renown, excellent men, men famous for holding the truth of doctrine, and for powerful and practical godliness; men of great light and grace, and who were known by name to God and Christ: these are said to be but "few", not in comparison of the world, in which sense all the elect of God are but few, though a large number, considered in themselves; but in comparison of formal lifeless professors of religion, with which this church state abounds; and which, if we were not as dead as we are, might easily be observed; there may not only be hypocrites in churches, but a majority of them: yea, these few may be understood in comparison of the greater number of true believers; for in this period of the church there are but few, even of them, that are lively, zealous, and careful, and are heartily concerned for the purity of doctrine, discipline, worship, and conversation; and a few there are, blessed be God, even in this our Sardian church state. God will have a few in whom he will be glorified in the most declining times; and the Lord knows and takes notice of these few; and for their sake the church state is kept up, the Gospel and its ordinances are continued; nor is a church to be judged of by the number of its members, nor is a multitude to be followed to do evil, Which have not defiled their garments; the Ethiopic version adds, "with a woman", the woman Jezebel. They were not guilty either of corporeal or spiritual fornication, which is idolatry; they kept their outward conversation garments pure, and maintained a profession of Christ and his truths incorrupt; they did not defile it by an unbecoming walk, or by a denial of Christ and a departure from him, and by embracing false doctrines; they were neither erroneous in their principles, nor immoral in their practices; few there, are indeed of this sort. Defiled garments, in either sense, very ill become members of the reformed churches. Among the Jews (i), if a priest's garments were spotted or defiled, he might not minister; if he did, his service was rejected, And they shall walk with me in white; there is a walking in Christ by faith; and a walking before him as in his sight; and a walking worthy of him, in all well pleasing in his ways and ordinances; and here a walking with him, in a way of special and comfortable communion, both here and hereafter: and this is in white; in white raiment, meaning either in the robe of his own righteousness, compared to fine linen and white; or in the shining robes of immortality and glory; and may be expressive of that spiritual joy which such shall be partakers of, as well as of their spotless purity and innocence in the other world. White raiment was used among the Romans as a token of joy at festivals, and on birthdays, and at weddings, and such like times, For they are worthy; not of themselves, or through any works of righteousness done by them, which are neither meritorious of grace here, nor of glory hereafter; but through the grace of God, and worthiness of Christ. The Jews have a saying somewhat like this (k), "they that walk with God in their lifetime, "are worthy" to walk with him after their death; In the Apocrypha we read: "Take thy number, O Sion, and shut up those of thine that are clothed in white, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord.'' (2 Esdras 2:40). This clause is left out in the Ethiopic version, (i) T. Bab. Zebachim, fol. 35. 1. (k) Tzeror Hammor, fol. 10. 3.