Wake up, and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my God.
Parallel Translations
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Wake up, and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my God.
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Be awake and strength the thynges which remayne that are redy to dye. For I have not founde thy workes perfaycte before god.
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Be awake, and strengthen the things which remaine, that are readie to die: for I haue not found thy workes perfite before God.
Cross-references (28)
Passages linked to Revelation 3:2 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- Revelation 16:15 “Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his clothes, so that he doesn’t walk naked, and they see his shame.”
- 2 Timothy 4:1-4 I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom: preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all patience and teaching. For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts, and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn away to fables.
- 1 Peter 4:7 But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.
- 1 Peter 5:8 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
- Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make the feeble knees firm.
- Acts 20:28-31 Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Lord and God which he purchased with his own blood. For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Men will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn’t cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.
- Mark 13:33-37 Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don’t know when the time is. “It is like a man, traveling to another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to each one his work, and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch. Watch therefore, for you don’t know when the lord of the house is coming, whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning; lest coming suddenly he might find you sleeping. What I tell you, I tell all: Watch.”
- 2 Chronicles 25:2 He did that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes, but not with a perfect heart.
- Matthew 25:13 Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
- Luke 22:31-32 The Lord said, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have all of you, that he might sift you as wheat, but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers.”
- Deuteronomy 3:28 But commission Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him; for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which you shall see.”
- Matthew 24:42-51 Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don’t expect, the Son of Man will come. “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes. Most certainly I tell you that he will set him over all that he has. But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ‘My lord is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with the drunkards, the lord of that servant will come in a day when he doesn’t expect it, and in an hour when he doesn’t know it, and will cut him in pieces, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. That is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.
- Acts 18:23 Having spent some time there, he departed, and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples.
- 1 Kings 11:4 When Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods; and his heart was not perfect with Yahweh his God, as the heart of David his father was.
- 1 Kings 15:3 He walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him; and his heart was not perfect with Yahweh his God, as the heart of David his father.
- Ezekiel 34:16 “I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong. I will feed them in justice.” ’
- Daniel 5:27 TEKEL: you are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting.
- Job 4:4-5 Your words have supported him who was falling, You have made firm the feeble knees. But now it has come to you, and you faint. It touches you, and you are troubled.
- Isaiah 56:10 His watchmen are blind. They are all without knowledge. They are all mute dogs. They can’t bark— dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber.
- Isaiah 57:12 I will declare your righteousness; and as for your works, they will not benefit you.
- Isaiah 62:6-7 I have set watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem. They will never be silent day nor night. You who call on Yahweh, take no rest, and give him no rest, until he establishes, and until he makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
- Ezekiel 34:8-10 “As I live,” says the Lord Yahweh, “surely because my sheep became a prey, and my sheep became food to all the animals of the field, because there was no shepherd. My shepherds didn’t search for my sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves, and didn’t feed my sheep.” Therefore, you shepherds, hear Yahweh’s word: The Lord Yahweh says: “Behold, I am against the shepherds. I will require my sheep at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the sheep. The shepherds won’t feed themselves any more. I will deliver my sheep from their mouth, that they may not be food for them.”
- Matthew 23:5 But they do all their works to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments,
- Matthew 23:28-38 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and decorate the tombs of the righteous, and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we wouldn’t have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ Therefore you testify to yourselves that you are children of those who killed the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna? Therefore behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city; that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar. Most certainly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation. “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is left to you desolate.
- Revelation 2:4 But I have this against you, that you left your first love.
- Job 16:5 but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you.
- Zechariah 11:16 For, behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit those who are cut off, neither will seek those who are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but he will eat the meat of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces.
- Matthew 6:2-4 Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don’t sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from men. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does, so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this verse (18 sources)
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Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain Other things, whose state is such, that they are…
Other things, whose state is such, that they are now going, and unless they be confirmed, will perish forthwith.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain,…
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Ver. 2. Be watchful] Rouse up thyself, and wrestle with God, shake thee out of sin’s lethargy, as Samson went out and shook him when the Philistines were upon him.
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That are ready to die] Because tainted with the infection of hypocrisy, that pernicious mangood.
Perfect before God] Gr. full, without halting or halving. Omnis Sarmatarum virtus extra ipsos. (Tacitus.) All the hypocrite’s goodness runs outward; it is shored up by popularity, or other base respects.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain Be watchful, against sin, and unto thy duty, to…
Be watchful, against sin, and unto thy duty, to perform it in a better manner than formerly.
And strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die; improve those gifts and good habits which are left thee as yet, but are faint and ready to die, if thou dost not look after the improvement and strengthening of them.
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For I have not found thy works perfect before God; for I have not found thy works before God (whether thy works in thy ministry, or in thy conversation) such as they ought to be; thou mightest have done me more service, and thou mightest have done what thou hast done with more uprightness and sincerity.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain Be watchful,.... Which may respect both ministers and members:…
Be watchful,.... Which may respect both ministers and members: the ministers of the Gospel, whose business is to watch over themselves, their conversation and doctrine, and watch every opportunity to preach it, and the success of their ministry; and that they do not grow careless, or be drawn aside through frowns or flatteries; and over others, as shepherds do, to know the state of their flock; as watchmen of cities to give the time of night, and notice of approaching danger; and to see that the laws of Christ's house are put in execution: and this may also respect the members of these churches, who ought to be watchful, and constant attenders on the word and ordinances, and in the duty of prayer; and should watch over themselves, their hearts, thoughts, affections, words, and actions, and against sin, Satan, the world, and false teachers: or "be awake"; which shows that both ministers and churches are asleep, or much inclined to it; which is the present case of both in this period of time:
and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die; not good works; though these may be said to be ready to die when men grow weary of them, are lifeless in the performance of them, and want zeal for them; and may be said to be strengthened when men do their first works: nor the graces of the Spirit; for the whole work of grace remains, and though it is imperfect, yet no part is, or can be taken away from it; yea, there is an increase of it, though it may not be discerned; the work of grace cannot die, or be ready to die; there may be a decline as to the exercise of it, and a want of liveliness in it; and things may be ready to die in appearance, and in the apprehension of believers, but not in reality; and besides it is God's work, and not man's, to strengthen this: therefore they may intend the truths of the Gospel, which at the beginning of the Reformation were revived, and were preached with great life and liveliness; but towards the close of this state, as now, would be just ready to expire, to be almost lost, and dead, and buried, as they are; and which it becomes both ministers and members of churches to hold, and hold up, establish, and confirm: or else the rest of the members of this church may be meant, those of them that remained, that were not wholly sunk and apostatized; and yet were in a very faint and sickly state, scarce any life in them, ready to give up their religion and profession; which should be strengthened, by preaching the pure Gospel, by faithfully administering the ordinances of it, and by speaking comfortable and encouraging words to them. The Complutensian edition and some copies read, "which thou art about lose"; which seems a good reading; and the Arabic version, and some other copies, "which thou art going to reject":
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for I have not found thy works perfect before God; meaning that the reformers, and reformed churches, stuck where they first began; and did not carry their works neither with respect to doctrine, and especially with respect to discipline and worship, to a greater perfection, as they ought to have done: and however perfect they might appear before men, they were not so in the sight of the omniscient God, nor found so by Christ, before whom all things are naked and open: the Arabic version reads, "before me"; and the Alexandrian copy, the Complutensian edition, the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, read, "before my God". This church, though she has departed from the corrupt church of Rome, and from her evil doctrines and practices; yet did not go on to that perfection which might have been expected and desired, and which would have rendered her praiseworthy, whereas she is now discommended. It is an observation of a Jewish writer (h), that "if one departs from an evil way, and does not do that which is good, he does not , "make his work perfect", and he is not pronounced blessed.
(h) R. David Kimchi in Psal. i. 2.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain The things which remain - In thy soul; knowledge…
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.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain Verse 2. Be watchful] Ye have lost ground by…
Verse 2. Be watchful] Ye have lost ground by carelessness and inattention. Awake, and keep awake!
Strengthen the things which remain] The convictions and good desires, with any measure of the fear of God and of a tender conscience, which, although still subsisting, are about to perish, because the Holy Spirit, who is the author of them, being repeatedly grieved, is about finally to depart.
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Thy works perfect] πεπληρωμενα Filled up. They performed duties of all kinds, but no duty completely. They were constantly beginning, but never brought any thing to a proper end. Their resolutions were languid, their strength feeble, and their light dim. They probably maintained their reputation before men, but their works were not perfect before God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain Rev 3:2-3. Be watchful — Therefore awake to a…
Rev 3:2-3. Be watchful — Therefore awake to a sense of thy danger, and stand on thy guard against the enemies, visible and invisible, which threaten thy eternal destruction; and strengthen — By prayer, hearing and reading the word, by meditation thereon, and a conscientious use of every private and public means of grace; the things which remain — In thy soul: such as knowledge of the truth, good desires, convictions of sin, of depravity and weakness, and of thy duty and interest; which are ready to die —
Wherever pride, self-confidence, lukewarmness, indolence, levity, or the love of the world revives, every fruit of the Spirit is reader to die. For I have not found thy works perfect — Greek, πεπληρωμενα, filled up, or complete; before God — As not being performed from a right principle; a principle of love to God and man; to a right end, the glory of God; by a right rule, his holy will; and in a right spirit, a spirit of humility, resignation, and patience; of meekness, gentleness, and long-suffering: and therefore the good things, which might still remain in part, were very defective, wanting those qualities required in the gospel to render them acceptable in the sight of God. Remember therefore how thou hast received — How humbly, zealously, affectionately, and seriously thou didst once receive the enlightening, pardoning, and renewing grace of God; and hear — His word; and hold fast — That knowledge of and faith in the truth, and whatever degree of grace thou yet retainest; and repent — Of that carelessness and negligence through which thou hast lost so many opportunities of gaining and doing good. If, therefore, thou wilt not watch — As thou art now directed to do; I will come on thee — By some sudden and unforeseen judgment, as a thief in the night comes on those that are buried in sleep; and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee — So that the surprise will throw thee into the greatest consternation and distress.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain Be watchful - Be wakeful; be attentive and earnest…
Be watchful - Be wakeful; be attentive and earnest - in contradistinction from the drowsy condition of the church.
Strengthen the things which remain - The true piety that still lives and lingers among you. Whatever there was of religion among them, it was of importance to strengthen it, that the love of the Saviour might not become wholly extinct. An important duty in a low and languishing state of religion is, to “strengthen the things that still survive.” It is to cultivate all the graces which do exist; to nourish all the love of truth which may linger in the church; and to confirm, by warm exhortation, and by a reference to the gracious promises of God’s word, the few who may be endeavoring to do their duty, and who, amidst many discouragements, are aiming to be faithful to the Saviour. In the lowest state of religion in a church there may be a few, perhaps quite obscure and of humble rank, who are mourning over the desolations of Zion, and who are sighing for better times. All such it is the duty of the ministers of religion to comfort and encourage; for it is in their hearts that piety may be kept alive in the church - it is through them that it may be hoped religion may yet be revived. In the apparent hopelessness of doing much good to others, good may always be done to the cause itself by preserving and strengthening what there may be of life among those few, amidst the general desolation and death. It is much to preserve life in grain sown in a field through the long and dreary winter, when all seems to be dead - for it will burst forth, with new life and beauty, in the spring. When the body is prostrate with disease, and life just lingers, and death seems to be coming on, it is much to preserve the little strength that remains; much to keep the healthful parts from being invaded, that there may be strength yet to recover.
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That are ready to die - That seem just ready to become extinct. So, sometimes, in a plant, there seems to be but the least conceivable life remaining, and it appears that it must die. So, when we are sick, there seems to be but the feeblest glimmering of life, and it is apparently just ready to go out. So, when a fire dies away, there seems but a spark remaining, and it is just ready to become extinct. And thus, in religion in the soul - religion in a church - religion in a community - it often seems as if it were just about to go out forever.
For I have not found thy works perfect before God - I have not found them complete or full. They come short of what is required. Of what church, of what individual Christian, is not this true? Whom might not the Saviour approach with the same language? It was true, however, in a marked and eminent sense, of the church at Sardis.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain Et ceteræ quæ moitura erant, Greek: ta loipa a…
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[BIBLIOGRAPHY]
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Et ceteræ quæ moitura erant, Greek: ta loipa a mellei apothanein, meaning persons, not things.
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain Be--Greek. "Become," what thou art not, "watchful," or "wakeful,"…
Be--Greek. "Become," what thou art not, "watchful," or "wakeful," literally, "waking."
the things which remain--Strengthen those thy remaining few graces, which, in thy spiritual deadly slumber, are not yet quite extinct [ALFORD]. "The things that remain" can hardly mean "the PERSONS that are not yet dead, but are ready to die"; for Rev 3:4 implies that the "few" faithful ones at Sardis were not "ready to die," but were full of life.
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are--The two oldest manuscripts read, "were ready," literally, "were about to die," namely, at the time when you "strengthen" them. This implies that "thou art dead," Rev 3:1, is to be taken with limitation; for those must have some life who are told to strengthen the things that remain.
perfect--literally, "filled up in full complement"; Translate, "complete." Weighed in the balance of Him who requires living faith as the motive of works, and found wanting.
before God--Greek, "in the sight of God." The three oldest manuscripts, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic, read, "before (in the sight of) MY God"; Christ's judgment is God the Father's judgment. In the sight of men, Sardis had "a name of living": "so many and so great are the obligations of pastors, that he who would in reality fulfil even a third of them, would be esteemed holy by men, whereas, if content with that alone, he would be sure not to escape hell" [JUAN D'AVILA]. Note: in Sardis and Laodicea alone of the seven we read of no conflict with foes within or without the Church. Not that either had renounced the appearance of opposition to the world; but neither had the faithfulness to witness for God by word and example, so as to "torment them that dwelt on the earth" (Rev 11:10).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain 2. Be watchful—Literally, become wakeful; wake up, be wide…
2. Be watchful—Literally, become wakeful; wake up, be wide awake. For this deadness is a sleep; the fumes of which may, and should, be right speedily dispersed.
Strengthen—Make firm, solidify.
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Things—Not persons, as many excellent commentators aver, but things: the Christian virtues, ordinances, aggressive movements. Revive all the early zeal by which the membership was holy, the Church strong, sinners were saved, and the gospel spread. These were now relaxed and ready to die.
Perfect—Not the usual Greek word for perfect; but for filled up. It supposes a measure, a capacity, like a vessel which was not, but should be, completely filled with performed duties.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain 2. Be watchful] Literally, Become watching: “awake and watch.”]
2. Be watchful] Literally, Become watching: “awake and watch.”]
the things which remain] The elements of goodness, or means of goodness, which thou hast not yet lost. Cf. Rev_2:6, and the first note there.
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that are ready] Read, which were ready, i.e., would have died, but for the strengthening them. We may perhaps say, that it seems to be taken for granted that the warning, sharp as it is, will be effectual.
perfect] Lit. fulfilled; as we say “up to the mark.”
before God] Read before my God. The Church had name of being alive among men: its works therefore may have come up to their standard.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain (2) Be watchful.—Rather, become wakeful. It will not do…
(2) Be watchful.—Rather, become wakeful. It will not do simply to rouse and sleepily grasp at their spiritual weapons, or even to stand for once at arms; you must become of wakeful habit. Strengthen the remaining things which were (when I roused you) about to die; for I have not found thy (or, any of thy) works perfect—completed or fulfilled, fully done in weight and tale and measure—before my God.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain Be watchful; literally, become watching. The use of qiqnomai…
Be watchful; literally, become watching. The use of qiqnomai implies that the watchful state is not the normal one a change is needed before the watching can come about. (comp. Rev_1:9, Rev_1:10, 18 2:8 4:2 6:12, etc.) The use of the present participle instead of an adjective ("watching!" for "watchful") makes the charge more definite; not merely "be of a watchful character," but "become a watcher". (comp. Rev_16:10 Mar_1:4 9:3, 7 Heb_5:12) Stablish the things that remain, which were ready to die. The reading, "were ready to die," is the best attested, and as being less smooth than "are ready to die," was more likely to be altered. It anticipates the time when the command will be obeyed: "which were ready to die when thou didst begin to stablish them." No doubt ta loipa may be masculine in signification, and mean those members of the Church who have still some life in them. But this interpretation anticipates ver. 4, which apparently introduces a new fact. It seems better, therefore, to retain the neuter, and interpret "the things that remain" as meaning the few good elements of faith and practice which still survived. The externals of the Christian life were there; otherwise it could not have been even nominally Christian. And these externals might be made realities to support the revived life of the Church. For I have found no works of thine. The difference between the Authorized Version and the Revised Version here depends upon the presence or absence of the article before erga . The balance of probability is against ta , and its absence makes the reproach stronger. Fulfilled before my God. The substitution of "fulfilled" (Revised Version) for "perfect" (Authorized Version) is important. The Greek is peplhrwmena , (Joh_16:24 Joh_17:13, etc.) not teleia . (1Jn_4:18) And "fulfilled" is better than "complete" (Alford, Tregelles), in order to bring out the connexion with the numerous places in which the same verb occurs, especially in the writings of St. John; (Rev_5:11Jo Rev 3:29 Rev_7:8 Rev 12:38 Rev_13:18 Rev 15:11, Rev 15:25, etc.; 1Jn_1:4 2Jn_1:12) in many of which passages "complete" would not stand as a rendering. "Fulfilled," or" made full," means made up to the right standard of excellence. The works of the Sardian Church have been weighed, and found wanting before God. "A minister of Christ is very often in highest honour with men for the performance of one half of his work, while God is regarding him with displeasure for the neglect of the other half." "Before my God" is undoubtedly the true reading, whatever may be the case in Rev_2:7. Only in the writings of St. John does Jesus Christ speak of the Fatheras "my God;" and this fact is one more link between the Fourth Gospel and the Apocalypse. In this chapter we have five instances here and ver. 12. (comp. Rev_2:7 possibly and Joh_20:17) In Mat_27:46 Christ adopts the language of Psa_22:1, and addresses the Father as" my God;" and St. Paul uses similar language. (Eph_1:17) The expression, "before God" (enwpion tou Yeou), is specially common in the Apocalypse and in the writings of St. Luke and of St. Paul; it does not occur in either St. Matthew or St. Mark.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that…
Rev_3:2-3
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.
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The evidences and causes of the decay of religion in the soul
I. When ones religion is decayed to dying remains.
1. Some things from whence ones religion may seem to be brought to dying remains, while really it is not so.
(1) The wearing away of violent affections and commotions of heart in religion, or the settling of flashes of affection.
(2) Ones not being able to go through with duties with that ease that sometimes they have done before.
(3) The marks of the decay of natural vigour left on religious duties.
(4) More felt stirring of corruption than before.
2. Some things that will evince ones religion to be brought to dying remains, whether they think it or not.
(1) When the conscience boggles not but at gross outbreakings.
(2) When ones conscience is strait in tile circumstantials of religion, but lax in the substantials of it.
(3) When there is any one thing lacking to the perfection of ones religion in parts.
(4) When folks strength against sin and temptation is abated: that is a plain indication of a decay, for the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Pro_4:18).
(5) When the work of mortification is at a stand; the mans not watching his heart, and noticing the lusts rising there, and setting himself to mortifying them (Rom_8:13).
(6) When, though the duties of religion be kept up, yet spirituality in duties is gone.
(7) When one is become a stranger to the life of faith in Christ Jesus, what is left but dying remains.
II. What are the causes that bring ones religion to dying remains.
1. Unwatchfulness (Rev_3:2). Carelessness about ones body is ofttimes fatal to it; about ones substance, breeds a consumption in their estate; and unwatchfulness over the heart breeds a spiritual decay.
2. Spiritual sloth (Ecc_10:18). This is a bewitching sin, and if once Satan get men asleep on this enchanted ground, be sure they shall be robbed there.
3. Quenching of the Spirit (1Th_5:19).
4. Slacking in diligence about the duties of religion (Pro_19:15).
5. Doing anything with a doubting conscience, doubting whether the practice be lawful or not.
6. Worldliness and carnality. When one goes aside from God to the world, he lies down among the lions dens, and how can he come away without loss?
7. The entertaining of any one lust, or idol of jealousy (Psa_66:18).
III. Wherein lies the strengthening of things which remain, that are ready to die?
1. In blowing up the remaining spark that is ready to die out (2Ti_1:6).
2. In adding to the remains (2Pe_1:5-7). (T. Boston, D. D.)
The decline of religion--its causes and remedies
I. Causes.
1. A culpable inattention to the things which are necessary to preserve the spirit and life of religion.
(1) Inattention to the characteristic spirit of the gospel is highly injurious to the life of religion.
(2) Inattention to the means which God has appointed to preserve the life of personal religion, is a cause of its declension.
(3) The next thing necessary to maintain personal religion, is serious attention to the motives which the gospel inspires, the neglect of which forms a powerful cause of its decline.
(4) It is necessary also, in order to maintain the life of religion in the soul of individuals, that they should keep the principal design of the gospel in view; the neglect of this is one cause of its declension.
2. The pernicious influence of erroneous sentiments.
(1) One of the pernicious effects of erroneous sentiments is, that they induce those who are under their influence to be more attentive to speculative opinions than to personal religion.
(2) Their tendency is to make the Church less solicitous about the conversion of sinners to God, than the establishment of some favourite notions.
(3) Erroneous sentiments produce evil passions, and prevent unity of exertion, and thus tend towards the decline of the Church. Peace and unity are of high importance to the prosperity of a religious community; whatever tends to engender evil tempers is therefore very injurious, and hastens its decline.
(4) The introduction and prevalence of pernicious sentiments tend to fix an unfavourable character on the Church, and thus to prevent its prosperity, and hasten its decline.
(5) The Spirit of God is grieved, and withholds His gracious presence from the people.
3. The destructive influence of a worldly spirit.
(1) A worldly spirit is manifested when individuals or families struggle for preeminence.
(2) When property is suffered to have all undue influence in the affairs of the Church.
(3) When the members of the Church are attempted to be directed or governed more by the power and authority of its officers than by reason and Scripture--by love and persuasion.
(4) When there is a want of suitable submission and subordination in the members of the Church.
(5) The spirit of the world is manifested in a way very injurious to the Church, when its most prominent members so comply with the maxims and customs of the world as to have their Christian characters involved in that of the worldling and people of fashion.
4. The neglect of those Scriptural principles which were given by Christ for the direction and government of His Church.
(1) The neglect of the nature and importance of the Scriptural principles given for the guidance of the Church, often involves in it consequences injurious to the peace and prosperity of the body.
(2) One of the most important eases which imperatively requires an attention to right principles, is the choice of a minister. The decline of some Churches may be traced to imprudent steps taken on such an occasion.
(3) Another thing which leads to the decline of religion and the Church, is the neglect of Scriptural principles in the admission of members.
(4) The neglect of Scriptural principles in the conduct of the Church toward its minister sometimes operates as a cause of the decline of religion in that congregation.
(5) The neglect of Scriptural principles by the Church with regard to their conduct towards each other, is often a cause of its decline.
5. The next general cause is the prevalence of a fastidious and a false taste in matters of religion. A false taste may effect
(1) the simplicity,
(2) the unity, and
(3) the energy of the gospel.
6. The last, and often the principal cause of the decline of religion in a Church, is an inefficient ministry.
II. Remedies.
1. That all the individuals in the congregation should use every means in their power to impress upon their own minds, and upon the minds of others, a sense of the necessity and importance of revival.
2. Endeavour to discover and remove the obstacles to its success.
3. Adapt the means of revival to the circumstances of the place.
4. Unite and combine the diversified talents of the people for the accomplishment of this end. (John Griffin.)
The true method of securing a revival
In an age when so much is said and thought about revivals, the passage before us is peculiarly appropriate. The great secret, after all, consists in rightly cherishing those things that are already possessed.
I. What are the things which remain in such a Church?
1. Some degree of Church organisation. There was, in the case of Sardis, a name to live; they had received the oracles of God. It was a Church, although a weak one.
2. Some of the Church ordinances. They had the Word of God. The preaching of the gospel, if not accompanied by the saving power of former days, was still a privilege in their possession.
3. Some of the undertakings to which a Christian Church may address itself. I know thy works.
4. The presence of a few godly men.
II. What is the Divine method of securing a revival?
1. Human ingenuity would probably resort to one or other of these two methods:
(1) Some would suggest entire reconstruction. They would remove the weak and sickly plants, and till the ground afresh.
(2) Others would seek to accomplish the end desired by introducing some powerful revival element, such as they have heard of as successful elsewhere--revival preaching, revival services, revival hymns.
2. Gods plan differs from both these. He neither destroys nor calls in the aid of foreign excitement. He simply says, Strengthen the things that remain. Literally, Make fast the surviving things that are about to perish. Here then we have--
(1) Church organisation consolidated.
(2) Church ordinances more diligently observed.
(3) Church work more actively performed.
(4) Godly men multiplied. (F. Wagstaff.)
The weak things of the soul, and the way in which they should be strengthened
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.)
Methods to be taken for the revival of religion
I. We should have a constant regard to the frame and temper of our own spirits.
II. We should take heed also to our doctrine, that our preaching may have the most direct tendency to do good.
III. Public catechising of young persons is a proper method to revive and support the interests of religion.
IV. We should frequently visit our people, manage our visits in such a manner this will most effectually promote their spiritual improvement.
V. I further propose that we take a particular notice of those who are under religious impressions.
VI. Admonition and reproof must not be neglected, if we desire religion should flourish under our care.
VII. We should be much in prayer for the blessing of God upon our endeavours.
VIII. We must take the greatest care to support these attempts by a regular and exemplary behaviour.
1. Consider what it is that is dying; it is vital and practical religion, the glory of our Churches.
2. The revival of religion among us may prevent the growth of infidelity and bigotry.
3. A regard to our reputation should engage us to attempt the revival of religion.
4. Our support in life depends upon the regard which our people have to true religion.
5. A consciousness of our having done our utmost for the revival of religion will be a noble support in our dying moments.
6. Our degree of glory in the future state will be proportionable to our present zeal for the revival of religion. (D. Some.)
Indifference
I. We may begin by defining what we mean by Indifference. Now there are always two great periods of difficulty in the history of individual religious belief. The first is the difficulty of accepting a new faith. The greatness of St. Pauls conversion lies here, that it was the turning not of a bad man into a good, but of a sincere bigot from the faith in which he had been nurtured to a faith which he had despised. But there is a second trial belonging to more quiet times. If they who have inherited a settled form of religion are spared much which probes those whose lot it is to have a new creed proposed to them, they have a different danger of their own to face--the danger of holding loosely what they have been familiar with from childhood. Persons belong to the Christian Church by birth, by compliance with certain external usages, but the subject-matter inspires them with little interest. Their religion is unto them a matter of propriety, an element of the social system, but it does not stir the depths of their nature. But now, why may not a man whose tastes so incline him preserve as it were this state of neutrality, without taking any part in the conflicts of thought around him, or the struggles of the kingdom to overcome the ignorance and the sin of the world? It might be answered that a perfect neutrality amid conflicting principles and practices is almost an impossibility. Indifference is generally the result of one of two causes--pride of intellect or mental sloth. But the noblest argument against Indifference, is that indicated in the text. I have not found thy part fulfilled before God. In those solemn words, as they thrill across the border-line between eternity and time, I seem to hear of a part assigned to every individual, not to accomplish which to the full is a disappointing the very end of our creation. How vast soever be the Divine plan, whatever circles of the universe it may embrace, your life and mine has been knit up therewith. Every child born into the world is designed to contribute to the evolution of the purposes of the everlasting will. And this holds good more especially of religion. There is nothing more remarkable than the manner in which, in all that concerns Gods revelation, man has been assumed as a fellow-worker with God. As in the great fundamental truth, the Incarnation, so in every after detail of the eternal plan, the everlasting decree changed not, that the work of religion in the world must be accomplished by and through man. And similarly with the Church of Christ; we may almost trace in its history the part allotted by God to each generation. It was the task of the early Church to lie hid, like leaven, in the midst of this polluted mass, breathing into the dry bones of this dead civilisation a new and healthier life. It has not perhaps been adequately noted how the existence of the Roman empire was protracted by the fresh vigour which Christianity was secretly throwing into the worn-out system. And now a new work was to be done in Gods world. There is no more wonderful chapter of mans history than that which records how tribe after tribe poured down from the north, and upon every one as it drew near, while civil institutions crumbled before them, the Church of the living God laid its hand and moulded out of their fierceness a second and more vigorous civilisation. May we venture to indicate the work which seems allotted to ourselves? It is impossible not to observe two special features of our own age, the concentration of the population in a few centres of industry, and the general diffusion of knowledge. Both these bring with them their trials; both oppose, each its own hindrance to faith and good living. When these obstacles are mastered, and the truth of God has won yet another triumph over what is now, as every trial once was, an unknown difficulty, doubtless some other form of evil will present itself until the victory of the Son of Man is complete. But now, if every generation be thus indeed Gods appointed agency for winning some fresh triumph for Him, if we are a link in that chain which connects the beginning with the end, what an argument is here against that cold philosophic indifference in which so many stand aside from the work of God in their day. Shalt I hold in my hand an instrument imparted by my Creator, and not use it to the utmost?
II. But secondly, indifference is the consequence and proof of an imperfect cultivation of the individual mind and character. God has implanted in us two sets of faculties, those by which we deal with our present existence, and those by which we apprehend things unseen. Reason, prudence, foresight--these are the endowments which qualify us to act upon this world. But there are other endowments vouchsafed unto man. To him alone, of all that walks the earth, is given the power of looking beyond the earth. The one grand note of difference between man and the beasts lies in the simple power to utter the familiar words, I believe in God. And this high gift carries with it a variety of gifts. It is the Divine ordination which sets the whole race apart as the priests of creation. The direction and exercise of these spiritual instincts, neither on the one hand to allow them to degenerate into bigotry and superstition, nor on the other hand to let them, as we may let them, die out of the soul, is perhaps the loftiest task which God has set us. The man who cultivates only those faculties which are called into play by the affairs of this life cultivates only half of his being. And hence another characteristic of indifference. To stand aloof from the questions which have to do more immediately with the revelation of God, to have an acute interest in all except the truths, the worship, the progress, the influence of the Church of Christ, is to present the sure marks of an imperfect manhood, to evidence a one-sided development of the powers of the soul. We will not speak now of the selfishness of the attempt to isolate ourselves from the struggles of our contemporaries, to withdraw from the warfare of God, filling up the vacancy of the mind and the life with a thousand self-chosen imaginations and pursuits. It is to the secret world of the human soul that we would now carry down your gaze, and aa you gather in the mightiness of its organisation and walk through the chambers of its imagery, summing up all the powers with which its Maker hath equipped it, we bid you note how in the case of the man who lives on in indifference, one portion of the stately fabric lies hopelessly in ruins; how the part that is strongest, is in close contact with that which is weak; how around the well-wrought halls of thought, memory, reason, imagination, lie in disjointed fragments the kindred gifts of reverence, and love, and self-sacrifice, and faith, uncared for and unbuilt up, and so whatever admiration among men the exhibiting some rare mental faculty may procure, the mans part, when set in the light of Gods countenance, is seen to be but half performed, the work imperfect before the Lord. (Bp. Woodford.)
Spiritual consumption
I. Its symptoms. They are analagous to those of corporeal consumption.
1. Loss of strength to resist the wrong and to do the right.
2. Loss of appetite for holy service, wholesome doctrine.
3. Loss of enjoyment. All complaint; no pleasure in anything,
II. Its causes. Neglect of proper conditions of health.
1. Wholesome food.
2. Suitable exercise. Inaction must lead to disease. Exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
3. Pure atmosphere.
III. Its cures.
1. Appropriate remedial elements. Balm in Gilead. The tree of life whose fruit is for the healing of the nations.
2. Suitable applications of these elements. The medicine is of no service unless taken according to truly scientific prescription. (Homilist.)
Spiritual graces need invigoration
Would you have and keep up ardent desires? Do as they that would keep in the fire, cherish the sparks, and blow them up to a flame. There is no man lives under the means of grace, and under the discoveries of God and religion, but has his good moods and very lively motions. The waters are stirred many times, take hold of this advantage. Strengthen the things that remain and are ready to die, and blow up these sparks into a flame. God has left us enkindling means--prayer, meditation, and the Word. Observe where the bellows blow hardest, and ply that course. The more supernatural things are, there needs more diligence to preserve them. A strange plant needs more care than a native of the soil. Worldly desires, like a nettle, breed of their own accord, but spiritual desires need a great deal of cultivating. (Thomas Marten.)
I have not found thy works perfect before God.--
God will search whether we be perfect
First, mans search may be without finding; but now when God searcheth men, He is sure to find men out (Psa_139:1). Secondly, mans searching hath ever ignorance foregoing, though after search maybe he comes to know, yet before searching he knows not (Job_29:16). God searcheth because He doth know, man because he doth not. Thirdly, mans searching is properly so called; but when searching is spoken of God, it is after the manner of men; God doth rather act a kind of searching, then search indeed. Fourthly, it is mans duty to search if he know not any particular passage of his life, whether it be warrantable or no. Fifthly, mans searching is for himself, that things may appear to himself; but when God searcheth it is that it may be manifest abroad, that a mans sell and others may see it. The reasons of this are, first, because it is Gods prerogative thus to do, because the perfection of mens works; though men may give a guess at it, yet it is a secret. Secondly, as this is Gods prerogative royal, so of all things in the world He will bring that which is secret out, whether men be sincere or no. Thirdly, because it is for the glory of God to search men out. Fourthly, it is for the truth of God; He hath said He will search every one out, as you may see (Job_34:22). Fifthly, this is for the justice of God, that God should search out every one what he is, and what his works be; how should God judge the world else? The first use may serve to reprove most men generally; we do not consider that God will search us. What a company of pleas are there to do evil? What a company of put offs to do good duties? The second use is to bid us take heed how we hide our sins from others, or from ourselves. The last use is for exhortation. Will God search us out? then we should search ourselves what our works are, whether good or evil; as the apostle saith (2Co_13:5). First, consider we can never repent of what is amiss in ourselves, or in our works, except we search ourselves (Lam_1:43). Secondly, consider it is a mark of the child of God that he doth desire, and is one that doth search himself; nay, he doth not only use all the means he can to do it, but he doth cry to God to help him (Psa_139:23). Thirdly, consider, if we do not search ourselves, it will be the worse for us. (Wm. Fenner, B. D.)
Perfect the work of grace in the soul
We shall not, says Thomas Manton, keep what we have received if we do not labour to increase it, as a house begun to be built goeth to decay, and droppeth down more and more, if we do not go on to finish it. Have we not all seen what are commonly called house-carcases standing in desolation, a blot upon the street, and a dead loss to the builder? To-day the slates are falling, to-morrow the windows are broken, and anon timber after timber falls. (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Remember, therefore, how thou hast received and heard.--
Sardis
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.)
And hold fast.--
The duty of holding fast the truth
I. What you are called upon to hold fast. You are exhorted to hold fast the truths of the gospel; to lay to heart those precepts, and commands, and promises, which the great God hath condescended to utter on your account.
II. How you are to hold these things fast.
1. With the assent of your judgment, holding fast that which is good, not suffering the sophistries and false arguments of others to blind and to confound you.
2. With the consent of the heart.
3. With faith. Not a mere historical faith; not a mere speculative faith; but a faith apprehending the greatness of the Son of God.
4. In our lives and conversations; walking in the truth of Jesus.
5. With meekness, but with resolution.
6. With prayer and perseverance.
III. Why you are to hold fast that which is delivered unto you.
1. Because of its excellency; the incomparable value of Divine truth. Truth reflects the Divine image; truth attempers the glories of the great God, and exhibits His perfections.
2. Because of the violence and the wrong which were otherwise offered to God.
3. Because of its blessed tendency; for, by making us holier, even in this life, that which we hear makes us happier.
4. You must hold fast the words of sound doctrine, because they affect the great and the coming destinies of the imperishable soul. (J. T. Judkin, M. A.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain 2. Be watchful. Be on the watch. Awake! Strengthen…
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. Complete, filled up to the standard God requires.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain (See Scofield "Mat 5:48").
perfect
(See Scofield "Mat 5:48").
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 3:2-3 The church of Sardis needed to wake up…
3:2-3 The church of Sardis needed to wake up or it would suddenly fall. The city of Sardis had fallen when the forces of Cyrus (549/546 BC) and of Antiochus III (189 BC) made unexpected attacks through a secret tunnel and caught the watchmen off guard. The same would be true of the Christians there if they did not meet the requirements of . . . God (see 20:12; Eph 2:10; Jas 2:20). • as a thief: Like the invaders in the city’s history, Christ would come suddenly (see Rev 16:15; Matt 24:43; 1 Thes 5:2; 2 Pet 3:10).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.