Revelation 3:4 “You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
We arrive at the deplorable spiritual state of the church in Sardis. The Lord attests that there are only a few in Sardis that have not defiled their garments; that is, conducted themselves carnally. Jude says of such people, “But others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh,” Jude 23.
Revelation 3b Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
This language hearkens back to Matthew’s Gospel. There our Lord informed the apostles, “Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming,” Matthew 24:42. He also specifically says to the apostles, “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect,” Matthew 24:44.
Revelation 3:3a "Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent.
Verse 3 merely continues the Lord’s dialogue from the previous verse. Sardis is cautioned to be watchful, to strengthen the things that remain, and that their current works are not perfect before God.
Revelation 3:2 “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
The Lord issues a solemn warning: the disciples are to be watchful. In other words, now that attention has been directed to the source of the church’s issues, amend them at once. Vigilance is required, and more than a little humility.
