How can we strengthen what remains, as advised in Revelation 3:1? Getting Our Bearings in Sardis Revelation 3:1: “To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead.” Jesus is speaking to believers whose outward image hides an inner collapse. He will soon say, “Wake up and strengthen what remains” (v. 2). The command still rings today whenever spiritual life has cooled but is not yet extinct. Why Strengthening Matters • A fading church (or heart) misrepresents Christ. • Half-finished obedience displeases God: “I have not found your deeds complete” (v. 2). • Revival is possible; Christ would not command the impossible (Philippians 4:13). • The alternative is death—spiritual uselessness now and loss of reward later (1 Corinthians 3:15). Four Urgent Verbs from Jesus 1. Wake up – vigilance replaces complacency (Romans 13:11; Ephesians 5:14). 2. Strengthen – shore up the flickering embers (2 Timothy 1:6). 3. Remember – rehearse gospel truth already received (Colossians 2:6). 4. Keep and repent – persistent obedience plus decisive turning (James 1:22; Acts 3:19). Practical Ways to Strengthen What Remains Daily habits • Scripture intake: read, meditate, memorize (Psalm 1:2-3). • Prayer with confession and praise (Hebrews 4:16). • Personal worship: sing, speak gratitude (Psalm 103:1-5). Corporate habits • Gather faithfully—hearts grow cold in isolation (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Submit to sound preaching that confronts and comforts (2 Timothy 4:2). • Pursue accountable friendships: “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17). Service habits • Identify a neglected gift and put it to work (1 Peter 4:10-11). • Look for “good works, which God prepared beforehand” (Ephesians 2:10). • Share the gospel; nothing enlivens like frontline testimony (Philemon 6). Guarding habits • Cut off spiritual toxins: unwholesome media, corrosive relationships (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Redeem time—replace aimless scrolling with purposeful study (Ephesians 5:16). • Regular self-examination: “Test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Encouragement for the Remnant Revelation 3:4-5 promises white garments and an unblotted name to the faithful. Even a minority who strengthen what remains can bring honor to Christ and hope to others (Matthew 5:16). Living It Out Today • Start small: choose one weak area and apply one concrete action this week. • Stay conscious that Jesus “holds the seven Spirits of God” (perfect enabling power) and “the seven stars” (complete oversight). His resources match your need. • Keep going until obedience becomes the new reputation—and this time, the reputation matches reality. |
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