A lot of commentators like to research the city in which an ekklesia gathered and tie the Lord’s commendations and condemnations to the characteristics of that city. Perhaps there is some validity to that. In the case of Sardis, it was a well-fortified city. As a result, the defenders became complacent, trusting their impenetrable walls. This complacency became their downfall in at least one instance, subjecting them to a devastating surprise attack.
In the Lord’s warning to this ekklesia, he tells them to, “Wake Up!” There are no mentions made about persecution of these believers, so it is probably safe to say that they were not looked down on by the rest of the city. This favorable reputation may have led to the majority becoming comfortable in their lack of devotion to Jesus.
I believe the vast majority of churches, religious institutions, and ekklesias in the western world are like the ekklesia at Sardis. And that is because they are not persecuted. Tolerance by the world system breeds mediocrity in the Body of Christ.
In the Lord’s warning to this ekklesia, he tells them to, “Wake Up!” There are no mentions made about persecution of these believers, so it is probably safe to say that they were not looked down on by the rest of the city. This favorable reputation may have led to the majority becoming comfortable in their lack of devotion to Jesus.
I believe the vast majority of churches, religious institutions, and ekklesias in the western world are like the ekklesia at Sardis. And that is because they are not persecuted. Tolerance by the world system breeds mediocrity in the Body of Christ.
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