FEB 16 SUNDAY SERMON: WHAT CAN KILL A CHURCH"

INTRODUCTION

1. In Re 3:1, the church at Sardis was described as a "dead" church...

Revelation 3:1 is a verse from the Book of Revelation, the last book of the New Testament in
the Bible. The Book of Revelation, often attributed to the Apostle John, contains prophetic
visions and messages addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).

Revelation 3:1 is part of the message to the church in Sardis, one of the seven churches. The
verse reads:

"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the
seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being
alive, but you are dead." (NIV)

Explanation of Revelation [Link]

 The angel of the church in Sardis: In this context, "the angel" likely refers to the
spiritual leader or messenger of the church in Sardis.
 "These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven
stars": This phrase is a reference to Jesus Christ. The "seven spirits of God" is often
interpreted as representing the fullness of the Holy Spirit, while the "seven stars"
represent the seven angels or messengers of the churches (as mentioned earlier in
Revelation 1:20).
 "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead": This is
a rebuke to the church in Sardis. Despite appearing outwardly alive or active (perhaps in
terms of reputation or external activities), the church is spiritually dead. This suggests
that their faith and actions lacked true spiritual vitality.

In summary, Revelation 3:1 is a message from Christ to the church in Sardis, warning them
about their spiritual condition. They may have had a good reputation, but they were not truly
living in faith, and their deeds did not reflect a genuine relationship with God. It is a call for
spiritual awakening and renewal.

The wealthy city of Sardis was actually in two locations. The older section
of the city was on a mountain, and, when its population outgrew the spot,
a newer section was built in the valley below.

3:1 The “seven spirits of God” is another name for the Holy Spirit. The
seven stars are the messengers, or leaders, of the churches (see 2:1).
 3:1 The problem in the Sardis church was not heresy, but spiritual death.
In spite of its reputation for being active, Sardis was infested with sin. Its
deeds were evil, and its clothes soiled. The Spirit has no words of
commendation for this church that looked so good on the outside but was
so corrupt on the inside.
Even though Christ called Sardis a dead church, he also affirmed the
handful of people who were faithful believers. Christ loves to defeat
death. If you find yourself in a dead church, make sure you preserve your
own faithfulness. Ask God to intervene. Ask God to help you find other
believers, and pray together for an awakening of your church.

2. This reveals that churches can die - and they often do...
a. Where are the congregations we read of in the New Testament?
b. At some point in their history, they died
3. There are at least two ways a church may die...
a. It may cease to exist
b. It may die inwardly, even while it still lives outwardly
4. What can kill a church?
a. Are we aware of the different weapons Satan can use to destroy us?
b. Are there things that threaten our very existence even now?

[In this lesson, "What Can Kill A Church", we will examine four things that can jeopardize any
congregation of God's people. The first is perhaps a rather obvious one...]

I. PERSECUTION
A. SATAN HAS OFTEN RESORTED TO PHYSICAL PERSECUTION...
1. E.g., against the church at Smyrna - Re 2:9,10

9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the
slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of
Satan.

10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put
some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days.
Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s
crown.

Persecution comes from Satan, not from God. Satan, the devil, will cause
believers to be thrown into prison and even killed. But believers need not fear
death, because it will only result in their receiving the crown of life. Satan may
harm their earthly bodies, but he can do them no spiritual harm. The
“synagogue of Satan” means that these Jews were serving Satan’s purposes, not
 God’s, when they gathered to worship. “Ten days” means that although
persecution would be intense, it would be relatively short. It would have a
definite beginning and end, and God would remain in complete control.

2:9–11 Pain is part of life, but it is never easy to suffer, no matter what the
cause. Jesus commended the church at Smyrna for its faith in suffering. He then
encouraged the believers that they need not fear the future if they remained
faithful. If you are experiencing difficult times, don’t let them turn you away
from God. Instead let them draw you toward greater faithfulness. Trust God and
remember your heavenly reward (see also 22:12–14).

2:10 Smyrna was famous for its athletic games. A crown was the victory wreath,
the trophy for the champion at the games. If we have been faithful, we will
receive the prize of victory—eternal life (James 1:12). The message to the
Smyrna church was to remain faithful during their suffering because God is in
control and his promises are reliable. Jesus never says that by being faithful to
him we will avoid troubles, suffering, and persecution. Rather, we must be
faithful to him in our sufferings. Only then will our faith prove to be genuine. We
remain faithful by keeping our eyes on Christ and on what he promises us now
and in the future (see Philippians 3:13, 14; 2 Timothy 4:8).

Revelation 2:9-10 is part of the message to the church in Smyrna, one of the seven churches
addressed in the Book of Revelation. These verses contain a message of encouragement and
warning to the believers in Smyrna, a church that was facing persecution. Here's the passage:

Revelation 2:9-10 (NIV):

9 "I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who
say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in
prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of
death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown."

Explanation:

 Verse 9:
o "I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!": This is a message of
comfort to the Christians in Smyrna, who were enduring suffering and poverty. While
they might have lacked material wealth, they were spiritually rich in Christ, and their
perseverance in faith was valued by God.
o "I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue
of Satan": This likely refers to Jewish individuals who were persecuting the Christians in
Smyrna, falsely claiming to be God's people but opposing the gospel. The "synagogue of
Satan" is a strong condemnation of those who were working against the truth of Christ.

 Verse 10:
 o "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer": Jesus warns the Smyrnian Christians
that more persecution and suffering are coming, but He encourages them to not be
afraid.
o "The devil will put some of you in prison to test you": Some believers would be
imprisoned as part of the trials they were about to face. The persecution was not just
from human enemies but also orchestrated by the devil as a test of their faith.
o "You will suffer persecution for ten days": This phrase is symbolic of a period of intense
suffering. The "ten days" is likely not literal but represents a fixed, limited period of time
during which they would face trials.
o "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown":
Jesus calls on the believers to remain faithful, even if it means dying for their faith. Those
who endure faithfully will receive the "victor’s crown," symbolizing eternal life and
reward for their faithfulness.

Summary:

Revelation 2:9-10 is a message of encouragement and endurance for the church in Smyrna, a
community facing intense persecution. While they were suffering and poor in worldly terms,
Jesus reassures them that they are spiritually rich. He warns of further trials but urges them to
remain faithful, even in the face of death, promising them eternal life as a reward for their
perseverance. These verses highlight the importance of faithfulness in times of suffering and the
promise of ultimate victory in Christ.

2. Indeed, he did so against many churches in the first century - 1Pe 5:8-9
-- We should not be surprised if he does so today - 1Pe 4:12

B. PEOPLE RESPOND TO PERSECUTION DIFFERENTLY...

1. Some are silenced by it - cf. Jn 12:42-43
2. Others rejoice in it - Ac 5:41-42; Ro 5:1-5; Jm 1:2-3
C. HOW WE REACT WILL DETERMINE OUR FUTURE AS A CHURCH...
1. A church that is silenced by persecution will soon die
2. A church that rejoices in persecution will not go unnoticed by the Lord
- Mt 5:11-12
a. As the Lord took note of the church in Pergamos - Re 2:13

Revelation 2:13 is part of the message to the church in Pergamum (also called Pergamos), one
of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. In this verse, Jesus acknowledges the
faithfulness of the believers in Pergamum, but He also highlights the challenges they face in a
city where idolatry and false teachings are prevalent. Here's the verse:

Revelation 2:13 (NIV):

13 "I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You
did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was
put to death in your city—where Satan lives."
Explanation:

 "I know where you live—where Satan has his throne": This refers to the fact that
Pergamum was a city known for its strong pagan influences, idol worship, and the
presence of temples dedicated to various gods, including Zeus. It was a place where
people worshipped idols, and its religious atmosphere was often hostile to Christianity.
The phrase "where Satan has his throne" indicates that the city was a stronghold of evil,
where idolatry and persecution of Christians were rampant.
 "Yet you remain true to my name": Despite the oppressive and hostile environment,
the Christians in Pergamum had stayed faithful to Jesus Christ. They had not abandoned
their faith or compromised with the surrounding pagan culture.
 "You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful
witness": Antipas is believed to have been a Christian martyr in Pergamum. He is
described here as "my faithful witness," meaning he was a strong testimony to the faith,
even unto death. The believers in Pergamum were encouraged for holding firm in their
faith, even when facing such persecution.
 "Who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives": Antipas's martyrdom
occurred in Pergamum, which was a city notorious for its hostility to Christianity. The
repetition of the phrase "where Satan lives" reinforces the idea that the city was
spiritually corrupt and hostile to the gospel.

Summary:

Revelation 2:13 acknowledges the faithfulness of the Christians in Pergamum, who remained
true to Christ despite living in a city filled with idolatry, persecution, and evil. Jesus commends
them for not renouncing their faith, even when faced with the martyrdom of one of their own,
Antipas. The verse highlights the courage of the believers in a spiritually hostile environment
and serves as an encouragement for faithfulness in the face of opposition.

b. As the Lord took note of those in Philadelphia - Re 3:8

Revelation 3:8 is part of the message to the church in Philadelphia, one of the seven churches
addressed in the Book of Revelation. This verse contains a word of encouragement and
affirmation from Jesus to the believers in Philadelphia, a city known for its strong faith despite
challenges. Here's the verse:

Revelation 3:8 (NIV):

8 "I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know
that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name."

Explanation:

 "I know your deeds": Jesus begins by acknowledging the actions and faithfulness of the
believers in Philadelphia. He recognizes their efforts and devotion, even in the face of
difficulties.
 "See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut": The "open door"
is a symbol of opportunity, blessing, and access. It suggests that Jesus has opened a way
 for the believers in Philadelphia to continue spreading the gospel and fulfilling their
mission, and no one can hinder or close this door. This could be seen as both an
opportunity for evangelism and spiritual growth, or perhaps protection from the
challenges they face.
 "I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not
denied my name": Jesus acknowledges that, despite their "little strength" (which could
refer to their physical or material limitations), the church in Philadelphia has remained
faithful to His teachings and has not abandoned their faith. They have held fast to His
word and have not denied His name, even when they may have been weak or under
pressure.

Summary:

Revelation 3:8 is a message of encouragement and affirmation for the church in Philadelphia.
Jesus commends them for their faithfulness despite their limited resources or strength. He opens
an "open door" for them, representing opportunities and blessings that cannot be blocked, and
reassures them that their commitment to His word and their unwavering faith will lead to
continued favor and success. This verse emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful, even
when facing hardships, and the assurance that God will provide opportunities and protection.

[But persecution is not the only weapon in Satan's arsenal; when a congregation
resists persecution, he will often seek to kill it through another means...]

II. FALSE TEACHING

A. SATAN HAS USED THIS TACTIC TO THREATEN MANY CHURCHES...

1. It threatened the church at Ephesus, but they had overcome - Re 2:2,6

Revelation 2:2 is part of the message to the church in Ephesus, one of the seven churches
addressed in the Book of Revelation. In this verse, Jesus commends the church for its
perseverance and its efforts to uphold the truth, especially in the face of false teachings. Here is
the verse:

Revelation 2:2 (NIV):

2 "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate
wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found
them false."

Explanation:

 "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance": Jesus begins by
acknowledging the efforts of the believers in Ephesus. He commends them for their hard
work, dedication, and perseverance in their faith. The church in Ephesus had been
diligent in maintaining good deeds and staying committed to the Christian faith despite
challenges.
 "I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people": This indicates that the church did
not tolerate immoral behavior, sin, or falsehoods. They were committed to purity and
righteousness, keeping their community free from corruption and evil influences.
  "That you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found
them false": Jesus praises the church for its discernment and vigilance in protecting the
truth of the gospel. They had tested those who claimed to be apostles—individuals who
were presenting themselves as authoritative Christian leaders—but were actually false.
The church in Ephesus had identified these false teachers and rejected them.

Summary:

Revelation 2:2 is a message of praise from Jesus to the church in Ephesus for their diligence,
hard work, and commitment to the truth. They had endured hardships and stood firm in their
faith, rejecting false teachings and preserving the integrity of the gospel. This verse highlights
the importance of vigilance against false doctrine and remaining faithful to the teachings of
Christ.

Revelation 2:6 is part of the message to the church in Ephesus, and it follows Jesus’
commendation of their hard work, perseverance, and discernment against false teachings. This
verse presents a specific aspect of the church's actions that Jesus approves of, particularly their
hatred of certain evil practices. Here is the verse:

Revelation 2:6 (NIV):

6 "But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate."

Explanation:

 "But you have this in your favor": This introduces a positive aspect of the church in
Ephesus. After Jesus acknowledged their deeds, hard work, and perseverance in the
previous verses, He highlights another quality for which they are commended.
 "You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans": The Nicolaitans were a group or sect that
promoted immoral practices and possibly the compromise of Christian teachings. Their
exact beliefs are not fully clear, but they were likely known for encouraging idolatry,
sexual immorality, and a blending of Christian faith with pagan practices. Jesus
commends the Ephesian church for rejecting these practices and not allowing them to
infiltrate the Christian community.
 "Which I also hate": Jesus expresses that He shares in the church’s rejection of the
Nicolaitans’ practices. This underscores the importance of purity and faithfulness to the
gospel. The strong language of "hate" signifies how deeply opposed Jesus is to any
teachings or behaviors that distort His message and promote sin.

Summary:

Revelation 2:6 commends the church in Ephesus for their rejection of the Nicolaitans' immoral
practices, which Jesus also condemns. This verse highlights the importance of staying faithful to
the truth of the gospel and opposing false teachings or actions that corrupt the Christian faith. It
reflects the church's commitment to maintaining purity and integrity in their beliefs and
practices.
 2. It threatened the church at Pergamos, who while handling persecution
faithfully, they were floundering with error in their midst - Re 2:13-15

Revelation 2:13 is part of the message to the church in Pergamum, one of the seven churches
addressed in the Book of Revelation. In this verse, Jesus acknowledges the faithfulness of the
believers in Pergamum, despite the challenges they face in a city that is hostile to their faith.
Here's the verse:

Revelation 2:13 (NIV):

13 "I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You
did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was
put to death in your city—where Satan lives."

Explanation:

 "I know where you live—where Satan has his throne": This phrase indicates that
Pergamum was a city heavily influenced by idolatry, pagan worship, and false teachings.
It was a center for various temples and cults, including one dedicated to the Roman
emperor, making it a spiritually hostile environment for Christians. The reference to
"Satan's throne" suggests that the city was a stronghold of evil and opposition to the
Christian faith.
 "Yet you remain true to my name": Despite living in such a spiritually challenging
environment, the believers in Pergamum have remained faithful to Jesus' name and have
not compromised their faith.
 "You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful
witness": Antipas was likely a martyr in Pergamum, someone who remained faithful to
Christ even unto death. Jesus commends the Pergamum church for not renouncing their
faith, even when they saw one of their own, Antipas, put to death for his testimony.
 "Who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives": This reiterates the hostile
nature of Pergamum, where the church faced severe persecution. Antipas's martyrdom is
highlighted as an example of the pressure the Christians endured in that city.

Summary:

Revelation 2:13 is a message from Jesus to the church in Pergamum, praising their faithfulness
in a city that was spiritually hostile. Despite living in a place where idolatry and persecution
were strong ("where Satan has his throne"), they remained true to Christ and did not renounce
their faith, even in the face of the martyrdom of Antipas. The verse emphasizes the church's
perseverance and steadfastness in holding onto their faith in difficult circumstances.

You said:
what is revelation 2:13-15?

ChatGPT said:

Revelation 2:13-15 is part of the message to the church in Pergamum in the Book of
Revelation. In these verses, Jesus not only commends the church for its faithfulness but also
issues a rebuke, addressing certain teachings and practices that were problematic within the
church. Here's the passage:
Revelation 2:13-15 (NIV):

13 "I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You
did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was
put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the
teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food
sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.
15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans."

Explanation:

 Verse 13: As discussed previously, Jesus commends the church in Pergamum for
remaining faithful despite living in a city where idolatry and pagan worship were
prevalent ("where Satan has his throne"). He also acknowledges their faithfulness even in
the face of persecution, mentioning the martyrdom of Antipas as a testimony to their
resilience.
 Verse 14: Jesus now shifts to a rebuke. Although the church has remained faithful in
some ways, there are members of the congregation who are adopting the "teaching of
Balaam." This refers to a teaching that encourages idolatry and immorality, just as
Balaam in the Old Testament enticed the Israelites to sin (see Numbers 25:1-3). The
Israelites were led to partake in idol worship and sexual immorality, which led to God's
judgment. The comparison suggests that some within the church were engaging in similar
practices, such as eating food sacrificed to idols and engaging in immoral behavior.
 Verse 15: Jesus also mentions the Nicolaitans, a group whose teachings were similar to
those of Balaam. The Nicolaitans were likely promoting a compromise with pagan
practices, including idolatry and immorality. This group is mentioned earlier in
Revelation 2:6, where Jesus commends the Ephesian church for hating their practices. In
Pergamum, however, some people were still adhering to these false teachings.

Summary:

In Revelation 2:13-15, Jesus begins by praising the church in Pergamum for their faithfulness in
a difficult and hostile environment, where even persecution and martyrdom (such as the death of
Antipas) did not cause them to renounce their faith. However, He also rebukes them for allowing
false teachings to take root among them. Specifically, some in the church were following the
teaching of Balaam, which encouraged idolatry and immorality, and others were adhering to the
Nicolaitans, whose doctrines were similarly corrupt. Jesus calls the church to address these
issues and to turn away from these compromising teachings.

-- Both Paul and Peter warned of the danger of error - Ac 20:29-30; 2Pe 2:1-2

Acts 20:29-30 is part of a speech given by the Apostle Paul to the leaders (elders) of the church
in Ephesus. This speech occurs during his final meeting with them as he prepares to leave, and it
contains a warning about future challenges for the church. Here is the passage:

Acts 20:29-30 (NIV):

29 "I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock.
30 Even from your own number, men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away
disciples after them."

Explanation:

 Verse 29: Paul warns the Ephesian elders that after his departure, "savage wolves" will
infiltrate the church. The term "savage wolves" is a metaphor for false teachers or people
who would come into the church and cause harm. These individuals would not care for
the spiritual well-being of the believers but would rather exploit them for their own gain.
"They will not spare the flock" means they will bring damage to the church, leading
people astray.
 Verse 30: Paul goes further to say that even some of the church leaders themselves might
become the source of false teaching. "Men will arise and distort the truth" means that
individuals, possibly from within the church itself, would distort or corrupt the gospel
message, leading others away from the true faith. These false teachers would try to gather
followers (disciples) for themselves, leading them away from the path of truth.

Summary:

In Acts 20:29-30, Paul warns the Ephesian elders about the danger of false teachers who will
arise both from outside the church ("savage wolves") and even from within their own ranks.
These individuals will distort the truth of the gospel and try to lead believers astray. This passage
emphasizes the need for vigilance in guarding the church against false teachings and the
importance of staying faithful to the truth of the gospel.

B. TWO THINGS ARE NECESSARY IN GUARDING AGAINST ERROR...

1. We must not turn away from sound doctrine - 2Ti 4:3-4
a. Sound doctrine involves preaching the word, which includes both
negative ("rebuke") and positive ("exhort") elements - 2Ti 4:1-2
b. We must beware of "pop" preaching which simply entertains rather
than instructs
2. We must not support those who teach contrary to the doctrine of Christ
- 2Jn 9-11

[When a church stands strong against persecution and false doctrine, that is certainly a
good sign; but that does not mean Satan cannot yet kill it. Many "sound" churches have
been destroyed by one of two more tools used by Satan. The first of these is...]

III. WORLDLINESS

A. WORLDLINESS INCLUDES IMMORALITY AND MATERIALISM...

1. Immorality is the lust of the flesh
2. Materialism involves the lust of the eyes
-- Both are included in "the love of the world"- 1Jn 2:15-17

B. SATAN USES WORLDLINESS TO DESTROY CHURCHES...

 1. E.g., the church at Thyatira was threatened by the influence of Jezebel
- Re 2:20-23
2. Immorality has made havoc of many churches today
3. Materialism has drawn many Christians away from their service to the
Lord
-- Churches are hindered when their members are rendered fruitless by
worldliness - cf. Lk 8:14

C. TO WARD OFF WORLDLINESS...

1. We must have "the love of the Father" - 1Jn 2:15-17; cf. Jm 4:4
2. We must not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing
of our minds - Ro 12:1-2
3. We must "watch and pray" - cf. Lk 21:34-36

[A church that is "sound" on certain issues can still be a dead or dying church if
worldliness is allowed to infect its members. A similar spiritual malady that Satan can use
to destroy churches is...]

IV. INDIFFERENCE

A. A SUBTLE, YET EFFECTIVE WEAPON USED BY SATAN...

1. It jeopardized the standing of the church at Ephesus, who had left their
"first love" - Re 2:4
2. It characterized the church at Laodicea, making it almost repulsive to
Christ - Re 3:15-17
-- We do not have to oppose the church to kill it, just be slothful and indifferent! -
cf. Pr 18:9; Mt 12:30

B. SYMPTOMS OF INDIFFERENCE...
1. Irregular attendance of services
2. Lack of participation in the services (worship, Bible classes)
3. Consistently arriving late to services
4. Waning efforts to win souls to Christ
5. No personal and private devotions (Bible study and prayers)
C. FERVENT SERVICE IS THE ONLY ANTIDOTE TO INDIFFERENCE...
1. We must not grow weary in doing good - Ga 6:9
2. We must be diligent, and not become sluggish - He 6:11-12
3. We must hold fast the hope we confess by encouraging one another - He
10:24-25

CONCLUSION

1. While there might be more ways to kill a church, these four are certainly effective:
a. Persecution
 b. False teaching
c. Worldliness
d. Indifference
2. What about this congregation? Is Satan making any progress in killing us?
a. We might be free from physical persecution, and be known as a "sound" church
b. But is worldliness and indifference taking its toll?
3. To be forewarned is to be forearmed...
a. We need to be honest with ourselves - are we vulnerable in some areas?
b. Don't let the Great Deceiver succeed in deceiving us!

May we each do our part in bolstering our defenses against the one who seeks to destroy us!
As Paul wrote:
"lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." (2Co 2:11)
Note: The main idea and several thoughts from this lesson were taken from a lesson by Gary
Henry. The URL for his web site containing many excellent articles and sermon outlines
is: [Link]