April 23: THE ORDER OF THE DAY
“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.” Revelation 3:2
“Be watchful” might be stated “Keep watching” or even “Wake up!” as suggested by the original Greek word, ginomai. Spiritually, the church in Sardis has dozed off. This admonition from Jesus is especially appropriate in light of the city’s history. Sardis was built atop a very steep hill, a supposedly impenetrable citadel. Nevertheless, the city had twice been ravaged by nighttime surprise attacks because no guard had been posted. Their failure to learn from the past made them especially vulnerable.
In church history, just as on the mail route, Sardis came on the heels of Thyatira. To emerge from the long era of darkness, when access to the word of God had been forbidden by the church, was to be a process of relearning and rebuilding upon His precepts (Isaiah 28:10) that the enemy had obscured for centuries. Reformation was—and is!—the order of the day. Thank God for His patience, which goes far beyond human patience.
Speaking in a general way, Jesus is telling this church to strengthen the things which remain. There are evidently points upon which their understanding is correct, but they are neglecting to incorporate them into their lifestyles. These valuable things—principles—are ready to die. The Bible compares living outside of the divine precepts of God to death.
And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. Romans 6:13 (other examples: Luke 15:24; Ephesians 2:1)
Jesus added, “for I have not found your works perfect before God.” This lack of completeness reveals at least two problems: one is the idea of ‘going through the motions’ for others to see, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away. (2 Timothy 3:5) They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. (Titus 1:16) The Holy Spirit’s power has been excluded.
The second problem is the stifling of spiritual growth. If a Christian is faithfully following through on this or that point, it always leads to more truth, more understanding, more godly wisdom. Spiritual growth! The direction is positive. But Jesus can see that the truths possessed by the church in Sardis—the things which remain—are shriveling away. In short, the church reflected the surrounding culture, making the purpose of the church of no effect.
I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. Luke 19:26 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2