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 MEANS PRESCRIBED FOR THE RESTORATION OF THOSE BACKSLIDERS WHICH WERE FOUND IN THE CHURCH AT SARDIS. Our Lord exhorted them to compare the past with the present state of their religious experience, in which they would perceive a distressing contrast. Such an exercise has a tendency to check arrogance. 1. Remember how you received the Lord Jesus Christ, when He was first revealed to your faith as a suitable and all-sufficient Saviour. 2. Remember how you heard the Gospel of Christ. II. Our Lord exhorteth the Church at Sardis to "HOLD FAST." 1. The doctrines of the gospel. 2. The profession of their faith. 3. Their hope. III. Our Lord called upon the Church at Sardis to "REPENT." True repentance includes hope of being restored to the enjoyment of spiritual prosperity. IV. The exhortation of our Lord to the Church at Sardis, is urged by an AWAKENING THREATENING: "If therefore thou shalt not watch," etc. Promise and threatening unite to rouse backsliders. (J. Hyatt.) 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. |
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