Self-delusion is one of the saddest states in which we can find ourselves. It is a product of ignorance that we allow such inconsistencies while we convince ourselves that we are consistent. This was the reality in Sardis. The church thought they were alive, but they were dead. They thought they were awake, but they were asleep. They thought they were pure, but they were stained. We must take the church of Sardis as a warning that we too can fall into the trap of self-delusion. We are all capable of convincing ourselves that we are spiritual, strong, and right with God when reality says that we are worldly, weak, and far from Him. The solution to the problem is three-fold. We must wake up to the reality that we aren’t where we should be or need to be. This takes humility and a willingness to accept rebuke from those who know us best. Next, we must remember the truths that we had forgotten as we fell into self-delusion. The gospel we received and heard is what must guide us going forward. Finally, we must repent. The only way to restoration is to turn from our sin and cling to Jesus. I find encouragement in this mainly negative letter to a dysfunctional church, for Christ’s patience and mercy display themselves throughout. The warning of judgment is there, but so is the opportunity for repentance. Isn’t it comforting to know that even when we’re deluding ourselves, God is patient in calling us back to Himself and holding up a garment of white for us to exchange for our rags? What a wonderful Savior; what a merciful God! –Pastor Rory
Sunday at Liberty
10AM: Pastor Rory–Remnant & Virtue–Revelation 3:1-6 (sermon notes)
11:45AM: Potluck
12:30PM: Members’ Meeting and Deacon Elections
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