“The words of Him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. ‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God.”
Revelation 3:1-2 (ESV)
These are the words of Him to the church at Sardis. No doctrinal statement can be made here to soften the weight of His Word.
The purpose of ministry is to present Him as He IS.
We dare not add to His Word nor diminish it.
“I know your works…”
God declares to every location of His Church, “I know your works.” His Word to His Church was predicated on His estimation of their works. We should not be surprised by this thought.
“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead,
so also faith apart from works is dead.”
James 2:26 (ESV)
John, in his letter to the believers of his day, declared:
“Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
1 John 3:2-3 (NKJV)
The validity of our hope in Him is revealed by actively cooperating with His Spirit to “purify” ourselves AS HE IS PURE. There is a wonder and joy in the hearts of those who feel the press of the Spirit of God to walk and live in that growing purity.
What is the reward of becoming pure?
“Blessed are the pure in heart:
for they shall see God.”
Matthew 5:8
If our faith is alive and filled with the hope of seeing Him, we are pressed to pursue His purity and His Holiness.
“Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God…”
Hebrews 12:14-15 (NKJV)
Faith is the power by which we are energized to grow in purity and holiness. It is this faith from which we work out “our own salvation” with fear and trembling BECAUSE it is God who is working in us to grow in purity and holiness!
The “working out” of His desire for our lives is the evidence of a faith that is alive.
Many may have a reputation of being alive, but the power and the workings of faith have subsided into apathy and neglect.
“And the one overcoming,
and the one keeping My works until the end,
“I will give to him authority over the nations…”
Revelation 2:26
Jesus prophesied that cold hearts and faithlessness would characterize the day of His return.
“Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh,
shall he find faith on the earth?”
Luke 18:8
Faith is the power of God that moves men and women to accomplish His Will. A life unmoved is a life devoid of faith.
“…for I have not found your works
Complete (fulfilled in the Greek) in the sight of my God…”
Faith has been given to each of us with a purpose. Paul declared with great joy:
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness.”
2 Timothy 4:7
Why was a crown of righteousness reserved for him in heavenly places? Because he had finished his course. He was faithful to the call God gave him. God’s call to each of us is unique. Each of us is called to live faithfully and diligently unto Him and to know our purpose and call.
“Wherefore the rather, brethren,
give diligence to make your calling and election sure…”
2 Peter 1:10
It takes diligence for the believer to make their calling and election sure. God’s call must be coupled with our faith, by which we become faithful servants unto Him.
These are the Words of Him
to His Church at Sardis
“Take care of giving up your first zeal; beware of cooling in the least degree. Ye were hot and earnest once; be hot and earnest still, and let the fire which once burnt within you still animate you. Be ye still men of might and vigour, men who serve their God with diligence and zeal.”
– Charles Spurgeon
Related Article: Diligence and The Kingdom of God
Brian Troxel
Brian, my heart burned as I read this post, it rings so true to the teacher, the counselor within. He has led you so many times to prick my heart, and often to confirm His own conviction to me for my own life in Him. I love you brother with His love that rises up in me. And lest someone reading this misunderstand His love. It has no physical attributes other than His recognition of us, for He knows us and the depth of our knowledge, our commitment and our pursuit of Him. He observes our attention when He speaks. His love overflows us when we recognize that we are nothing without Him. And your wisdom to us is His wisdom to me: Amen