Revelation 3:1-6   The next message for the church is addressed to Sardis. Jesus identifies Himself here as the One "who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars.."   We know from chapter one that the seven stars are the "angels of the seven churches" .. the pastors or leaders of God's people. 

The "seven Spirits of God" are a little harder to understand, but it appears that John is referring to 7 ( 7 being the number of completion or perfection)..  aspects of the Holy Spirit's work.   In Isaiah 11:2 we read that when "the branch".. Jesus.. comes that the "Spirit of the Lord will rest upon Him.  The spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord". Revelation 4:5 also refers to the 7 Spirits saying, " And there were 7 lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God." In Revelation 5:6 the seven Spirits of God are identified as the "seven horns and seven eyes" of the Lamb that was slain. 

The Spirit of God rests upon Jesus.. stands before the Throne of God..sees all.. and has all wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge and strength. He provides the essentials for us to know the Lord, giving us the "fear of the Lord".  He is the life-giver Who has been given to all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord. He lives in us and teaches us the truths that Jesus made known to His followers while on earth. He speaks to us.. who have "ears to hear".

The message for the church at Sardis was "Wake up.."  They had a "reputation of being alive", but were really "dead".  They were a dying church.  Their deeds were "unfinished in the sight of my God".  They were not holding fast to the Truth and were in danger of losing all they had been given.  There were some in the church that had not failed.. they "have not soiled their garments; and they will walk with Me in white for they are worthy." The church has every resource available through the sevenfold Spirit of God.. but  we must not fail to take hold of them.. to overcome.. so that we might also be "clothed in white garments.." 

Father in heaven,  may we have ears to hear.. to receive this word of warning to the church of our generation.  Bring repentance to those who have failed to hold on to the truth.. who have failed to walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit.. failing to receive the wisdom and understanding, the counsel and strength, the knowledge and the fear of the Lord.  All  has been perfectly provided to us by Your Spirit to the glory and honor of Jesus Christ the Lamb who was slain, providing forgiveness of all our sins and new life in Him. Thank You for Your great love and goodness to us. May Your Name be exalted in all the earth.. in every nation, by every tongue.. forever and ever!  May we be worthy to walk with You in the garments of white.  In the Name of Jesus our Savior we pray. Amen.