Sardis was a wealthy city. 549 B.C. Sardis was on an important trade route, and was at one time capital of the kingdom of Lydia. Sardis was a center of paganism, and a bustling, successful metropolis. The things that were true of the city, paint a picture of the condition of the church. Sardis had a reputation for life.
Ruins show a Christian church building next to the temple.
B. Scripture warns that many will outwardly look saved until the last minute. John Wesley - came to America to preach to the Indians, but before he could get started he determined that he, himself, had not been saved. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Sardis was dead. Twice in its history, Sardis had been invaded because they did not post a guard, and allowed themselves to be caught sleeping.