Revelation 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Revelation 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

The assembly in Sardis receives a warning about complacency. Christ knows their works and states, 'You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead' (v. 1).

Key verse

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3:20 (WEB)

Outline

Revelation 3:1–6 Warning to Sardis About Complacency
Revelation 3:7–13 Encouragement and Promise to Philadelphia
Revelation 3:14–22 Condemnation and Call to Laodicea

Discussion questions

In v1, what does Christ say about the reputation of the assembly in Sardis?
What promise does Christ make to those who overcome in v5?
In v16, what does the imagery of being 'lukewarm' suggest about the assembly in Laodicea?
In vv. 9-10, how does the reference to 'the synagogue of Satan' impact the message to Philadelphia?
When have you felt spiritually 'lukewarm' as described in v16?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Revelation 3: Revelation 2, 1 Corinthians 8, Revelation 1.

Before next time: read Revelation 4.