Revelation 3:4 You have a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. I. THE COMMENDATION AND THE HONOUR WHICH OUR LORD BESTOWED UPON THE FEW EXEMPLARY CHARACTERS IN THE CHURCH AT SARDIS. 1. Garment is put for a holy life answerable to a profession of discipleship to Jesus Christ. There were a few disciples in the church at Sardis who were clothed with the garment of humility: "as the elect of God, holy and beloved," they had "put on bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness," and "long-suffering," and had been enabled "to adorn the doctrine of God," their "Saviour," by a holy and uniform consistency of conduct. 2. When we consider the power, the subtlety, the enmity, and the vigilance of Satan; and the innumerable sources of seduction by which the people of God are constantly surrounded; and the many sinful propensities that lodge within their own hearts, we are surprised that any of them pass through life without defiling their garments. Nothing could be more unaccountable, did we not know the cause of their preservation. They "are kept by the power of God," or it would be impossible they could stand secure from falling, even for a moment! II. THE DISTINGUISHED HONOUR WHICH OUR LORD PROMISED TO CONFER UPON THOSE CHRISTIANS IN SARDIS WHO HAD NOT DEFILED THEIR GARMENTS. 3. Our Lord gives encouragement to His faithful disciples, by assuring them of His final testimony of approbation. "I will confess His name before my father, and before His angels." (J. Hyatt.) Parallel Verses KJV: Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. |
    |