Awake Complete Completed Death Deeds Die Doings Establish Free Fulfilled God's Imperfection Judged Measure Perfect Perfected Perished Point Ready Remains Rest Rouse Sight Strengthen Strong Throw Wake Watch Watchful Watching Well-nigh Works Yours
3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are {c} ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
(c) Other things, whose state is such, that they are now going, and unless they are confirmed, will perish without delay.
3:2 Be watchful. Be on the watch. Awake!
Strengthen the things which remain. What graces and Christian life remain, cherish and strengthen before they disappear entirely.
I have not found thy works perfect before God. Complete, filled up to the standard God requires.
3:2 The things which remain - In thy soul; knowledge of the truth, good desires, and convictions. Which were ready to die - Wherever pride, indolence, or levity revives, all the fruits of the Spirit are ready to die.
3:1-6. The Lord Jesus is He that hath the Holy Spirit with all his powers, graces, and operations. Hypocrisy, and lamentable decay in religion, are sins charged upon Sardis, by One who knew that church well, and all her works. Outward things appeared well to men, but there was only the form of godliness, not the power; a name to live, not a principle of life. There was great deadness in their souls, and in their services; numbers were wholly hypocrites, others were in a disordered and lifeless state. Our Lord called upon them to be watchful against their enemies, and to be active and earnest in their duties; and to endeavour, in dependence on the grace of the Holy Spirit, to revive and strengthen the faith and spiritual affections of those yet alive to God, though in a declining state. Whenever we are off our watch, we lose ground. Thy works are hollow and empty; prayers are not filled up with holy desires, alms-deeds not filled up with true charity, sabbaths not filled up with suitable devotion of soul to God. There are not inward affections suitable to outward acts and expressions; when the spirit is wanting, the form cannot long remain. In seeking a revival in our own souls, or the souls of others, it is needful to compare what we profess with the manner in which we go on, that we may be humbled and quickened to hold fast that which remains. Christ enforces his counsel with a dreadful threatening if it should be despised. Yet our blessed Lord does not leave this sinful people without some encouragement. He makes honourable mention of the faithful remnant in Sardis, he makes a gracious promise to them. He that overcometh shall be clothed in white raiment; the purity of grace shall be rewarded with the perfect purity of glory. Christ has his book of life, a register of all who shall inherit eternal life; the book of remembrance of all who live to God, and keep up the life and power of godliness in evil times. Christ will bring forward this book of life, and show the names of the faithful, before God, and all the angels, at the great day.
Awake Completed Deeds Die Doings Establish Found Free God's Imperfection Judged Measure Perfect Perfected Perished Point Ready Rest Rouse Strengthen Strong Throw Wake Watch Watchful Well-Nigh Works
Awake Completed Deeds Die Doings Establish Found Free God's Imperfection Judged Measure Perfect Perfected Perished Point Ready Rest Rouse Strengthen Strong Throw Wake Watch Watchful Well-Nigh Works
