Rev 3:1-2 (KJV)
I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
What Happens to Church Phonies?
Most people think that the book of Revelation is scary, but: Wow! Today’s verse is a serious indictment! It’s one thing to mess-up and not feel too bad about it because (you think) no one knows about it. But it’s another thing altogether to have the God of the Universe call you out as a phony. Such is the case for the church at Sardis. They looked good, as if they were “alive,” but it was only a front. The Lord said that they were dead. According to Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary (Strong’s), the original Greek word that is translated as “dead” is nekros, which means a corpse or physical death without remedy. Nekros is the root word for the medical term “necrotic.” Tissue that is necrotic is dead and cannot be nourished back to health, so it has to be removed. Necrotic tissue is one of the major reasons why gangrenous limbs are amputated. If necrotic tissue is not removed, the entire body will be affected by its poison, and die.
Sardis Synagogue Seating (Photo credit: Chris and Amy Stroup)
The church at Sardis was not told to save the already necrotic elements, so whatever they had lost could not be recovered. Rather, they were told to repent. Repentance cleanses us from the poison of sin. They were also to be watchful and to strengthen that which remained, because that which remained was on the verge of death.
In our 21st Century world, there are many cities populated by churches that are dead. They have been taken over by the poison of sin and the cares of this world to the point where they are indistinguishable from the world. They are just another grave in the grave yard. Then there are those who are not totally given over to sin and the ways of this world. They are in danger of being taken over. If this sounds like you, what are you to do? Verse 3 gives the answer:
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. Rev 3:3 (KJV)
Like Sardis, you have to remember what you have received and heard of the Lord and you will have to repent. Repentance is born of Godly sorrow. Mere regret at being caught is not soul cleansing. Then you will have to identify that which is a risk for death and hold fast to it. Holding fast to something requires accurate observations and vigilance.
Examine yourself. Identify, then eliminate habits and thoughts that make you vulnerable to spiritual death. If you are given over to sexual immorality, avoid porn like the plague that it is. Stop associating with people who think that sexual impurity is OK. Put a complete end to fornication and adulterous affairs. The same holds for other deadly behaviors such as spousal abuse, drug and alcohol addiction, incest, gluttony, gossip, sloth, envy, jealousy, wrath, malice, stealing, and _____ (fill in the blank).
The consequences for not following through with watchfulness, holding fast to that which lives within us and repenting, are dire. Jesus said:
If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee. Rev 3:3 (KJV)
Those who do not repent, watch and hold fast that which they have been given do not overcome. Those who do not overcome are not considered worthy of walking beside the Savior. The Lord will not “confess” their names before the Father. He blots their names out of the Book of Life. In other words, they are damed. Whoa! & Woe!
Get it right, ya’ll!
May these words educate and comfort you today. Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” (Ephesians 6:10)
– Verneda
Twitter handle: @vlights
© 2013 Verneda Lights. All Rights Reserved.
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