Revelation 3:2-3 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found your works perfect before God.… I. THE WEAK THINGS OF THE SOUL THAT NEED TO BE STRENGTHENED. 1. The graces of the soul. 2. The activities of the soul. Work is the best medicine for a weak soul. 3. The best talents of the soul. Grace, energy, thought, generosity, love, and enterprise — these gifts need culture, or they will perish. II. THE METHOD BY WHICH THE WEAK THINGS OF THE SOUL SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED. 1. They are to be strengthened by quiet meditation. 2. They are to be strengthened by earnest prayer. 3. They are to be strengthened by the influences of the Holy Spirit. III. THE REASON WHY THE WEAK THINGS OF THE SOUL SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY STRENGTHENED. The weak things of the soul, being ready to die, are in imminent danger, and require immediate attention. This death should be avoided, because it is the extinction, not of the body, but of the invaluable energies of the soul; of its faith and love. Men cannot afford to let these things die; they have nothing to substitute in their place. Lessons: 1. That the soul of man has vitalities which require to be nourished by appropriate food and care. 2. That ii this attention is withheld they will perish. 3. That heaven is anxious for the quickening of the energies of the soul. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. |