Revelation 3:2
Verse
Context
To the Church in Sardis
1“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of the One who holds the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead.2Wake up and strengthen what remains, which was about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God.3Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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. 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
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. 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).
John Gill Bible Commentary
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": 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.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
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).
Revelation 3:2
To the Church in Sardis
1“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of the One who holds the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead.2Wake up and strengthen what remains, which was about to die; for I have found your deeds incomplete in the sight of My God.3Remember, then, what you have received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know the hour when I will come upon you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
How to Resurrect a Dead Church
By David Wilkerson2.3K30:12EXO 33:142CH 7:14PSA 51:10MAT 18:20JHN 15:4ACT 3:19EPH 5:14HEB 12:28JAS 4:8REV 3:2This sermon emphasizes the need for churches to be revived by the presence of Jesus Christ, highlighting the decline in spiritual fervor and the rise of dead churches. It calls for a return to prayer, communion with God, and a deep seeking of His presence to bring about true revival and transformation in churches and leaders. The speaker shares personal experiences and insights on the importance of maintaining a genuine connection with God to combat spiritual deadness and ensure the manifestation of Christ's presence in every service.
The Apostasy - the Remnant Part 2
By David Wilkerson1.9K04:47ISA 62:6EZK 16:60EZK 33:6JOL 2:28ACT 2:171CO 16:13EPH 6:132TI 4:21PE 5:8REV 3:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of being watchmen and warning others of impending spiritual dangers to avoid having blood on our hands. It speaks of a remnant that will turn away from idolatry and apostasy, being led by the Spirit to stand firm in the truth of God's Word amidst the challenges of the age. The message calls for a humble, unmovable people anchored in the Bible, ready to preach the full Gospel without compromise.
The Baptism (Part 4)
By Ron Bailey1.4K1:07:57BaptismPSA 32:1MAT 6:33ROM 4:3REV 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of questions in the Bible and how they engage our thinking. He specifically focuses on a question asked by Paul in Romans 4 about Abraham's experience. The speaker encourages the audience to explore the use of a specific phrase in chapter 5 of Romans, highlighting the New Covenant's superiority over the Old Covenant. He uses the analogy of a rock pool being overwhelmed by the ocean to illustrate the abundance and fullness of the New Covenant. Additionally, he mentions the power of words in bringing back memories and refers to a phrase in the Song of Songs that prompts reflection.
Mid South Conference 1981-02 the People of Israel
By Aldy Fam Fanous1.1K33:59IsraelJOS 24:1MAT 6:33JHN 6:37REV 3:2REV 3:20In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of a tragic incident that occurred during a summer camp. Two young people, full of life and laughter just moments before, drowned while swimming in the sea. The speaker reflects on the brevity of life and emphasizes the importance of recognizing the fragility of our existence. The sermon then transitions to a discussion of man's free choice, drawing from the biblical story of Joshua and the Israelites. The speaker highlights the significance of true discipleship and the need for genuine repentance in one's spiritual journey.
(A Living Challenge) a Living Challenge for a Dying Church
By Dale Gish9521:33:11REV 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being watchful and perceptive in all directions. He warns that the enemy will start a fire in the south, which will consume everything in the east, west, and north. The preacher urges the congregation to learn from history and not be careless. He highlights the need to strengthen the things that remain and to repent for any shortcomings in their works before God.
Perfect Love and the Glory of Jesus
By Joshua Daniel81053:10MAT 6:24MRK 12:411CO 4:92CO 12:10PHP 4:12REV 3:2This sermon emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God, highlighting the challenges of teaching and learning faith in a materialistic world. It encourages believers to rely on God's provision and not be swayed by the love of money or comfort. The speaker shares personal stories and reflections on faith, sacrifice, and the true meaning of perfect love as demonstrated through selflessness and dedication to God's work.
Letters to 7 Churches 08 Sardis-a Cold Heart
By James Booker68343:58MAT 6:33MAT 25:16LUK 19:13ACT 13:2ACT 14:26COL 4:17REV 3:2In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the message given to the church in Sardis in the book of Revelation. The solemn call to the church is to remember, retain, and repent. The preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering what they have received from the Lord and holding fast to it. He also highlights the need for repentance and getting involved in the work of the Lord. The sermon concludes with the promise of rejoicing and satisfaction for those who remain faithful and conquer for the Lord.
Strengthen the Things That Remain
By Mike Bickle241:15:34Community EngagementPrayerREV 3:2Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of strengthening the things that remain in our spiritual lives and community, urging the congregation to remember their original calling and commitment to prayer and intercession. He reflects on the long-standing relationship with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and the need for deeper engagement in prayer for their missions. Bickle warns against complacency, highlighting the spiritual emergency facing the church in America and the necessity of collective action to maintain the sanctuary of prayer. He calls for a renewed commitment to prayer and intercession, encouraging leaders to gather and discuss how to move forward as a unified body of Christ. The sermon concludes with a prayer for strength and guidance in fulfilling their divine mandate.
Taking Back Our Nation - Today We Fight
By Shane Idleman1544:17Spiritual WarfareLeadership in FaithPSA 91:1ISA 56:10JER 23:21MAT 5:141CO 16:132CO 10:4EPH 6:121TH 5:6JAS 5:16REV 3:2Shane Idleman emphasizes the urgent need for Christians to reclaim the nation through spiritual warfare, advocating for prayer, humility, and love as the true weapons against societal evils. He highlights America's foundation on God's Word and the importance of men stepping up as spiritual leaders in their families and communities. Idleman warns against spiritual apathy and encourages believers to be watchful and bold in their faith, especially in the face of rising moral challenges. He calls for a return to righteousness and the necessity of prayer and worship to combat the darkness in society. Ultimately, he stresses that true change begins with individuals trusting in God and actively engaging in spiritual battles.
Strengthen What Remains: Holding Fast to Our Assignment
By Mike Bickle111:03:30Strengthening FaithCommitment to GodREV 3:2Mike Bickle emphasizes the importance of strengthening what remains in our spiritual assignments, urging the community to remember their calling and hold fast to it. He reflects on the miraculous journey of IHOP over the past 18 years, acknowledging the weaknesses and struggles of the people involved while highlighting God's faithfulness. Bickle calls for a renewed commitment to the core values and DNA of the ministry, encouraging leaders to model and insist on these principles. He warns of impending challenges and the need for a unified response to the call of God, reminding everyone that their words and actions matter in the face of adversity. Ultimately, he invites the congregation to recommit themselves to their sacred trust before the Lord.
Perfection (Ii Corinthians 7:1. to Be Made Perfect in Love? It Can Be done.)
By Hans R. Waldvogel0HolinessPerfection in LovePSA 18:302CO 7:1HEB 12:121JN 2:5REV 3:2Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the call to be made perfect in love, urging believers to cleanse themselves and perfect holiness in the fear of God. He highlights that while God's way is perfect, our works may not be, and it is essential to strive for a deeper relationship with God to achieve this perfection. Waldvogel encourages the congregation to recognize their imperfections and to actively seek God's love, which can transform their hearts and lives. He reminds them that being made perfect in love is possible through a committed walk with God and reliance on His promises. Ultimately, he calls for a response to God's invitation to holiness and love, which requires effort and dedication.
Sin as Transgression
By Charles Ewing Brown0PSA 32:8MAT 3:1JHN 7:17ROM 2:15GAL 4:61JN 1:71JN 3:4REV 3:2Charles Ewing Brown preaches about the nature of sin, highlighting how it is a permanent element in mankind's life, often ignored in modern conversations and literature. He emphasizes that sin is like a pestilential disease, present at all times, and that all suffering has its roots in sin. Brown discusses how religions and philosophy have emerged to address this universal evil, and how the existence of law and government testify to the universality of sin. He delves into various theories of sin, contrasting Calvinism and Arminianism, and explores the New Testament terms for sin, emphasizing the importance of understanding sin in personal relations with God.
The Work and the Workers
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Testimony of ChristDivine MovementsNEH 3:5NEH 4:6JHN 3:8ACT 2:11CO 3:2EPH 4:16HEB 8:1HEB 11:10REV 3:2REV 21:2T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the dynamic nature of God's work through history, illustrating how divine movements are often marked by both intrinsic fullness and progressive recovery. He draws parallels between the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall in Nehemiah and the early church's testimony in the Book of Acts, highlighting the importance of being instruments of God's vision and passion. Sparks points out that God's chosen vessels often face unique challenges and must be guided by the Holy Spirit, leading to a corporate unity among believers. The sermon calls for a renewed commitment to the testimony of Christ, urging the church to recognize their role in the ongoing work of God.
Be a Nehemiah
By Duane Troyer0NEH 1:3ISA 2:2ZEC 8:2MAT 11:28LUK 14:282CO 10:3EPH 6:10JAS 4:71PE 5:8REV 3:2Duane Troyer preaches on the story of Nehemiah, highlighting his unwavering faith, dedication, and leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem amidst adversity and opposition. Nehemiah's ability to discern between true concern and deceit, his focus on the work of God despite false rumors and threats, and his commitment to prayer and unity among the people serve as powerful lessons for believers today. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a vision for God's kingdom, being watchful, discerning, and dedicated to the work set before us, even in the face of challenges and distractions.
Defining Moment
By Brother Andrew0Faith in AdversityStrengthening the ChurchPSA 46:1ISA 41:10MAT 28:20ROM 15:5EPH 6:10PHP 4:132TI 1:7HEB 12:11PE 5:10REV 3:2Brother Andrew shares a pivotal moment from 1957 when he attended a Communist youth conference in Poland, feeling overwhelmed by the strength of the Communist youth. Despite his initial feelings of despair, he found hope in a verse from Revelation that urged him to strengthen the remaining believers in Poland. This realization became a defining moment for him, igniting a commitment to support and empower the oppressed Christians behind the Iron Curtain. He recognized that even in the face of overwhelming odds, God could use him to make a difference. This experience shaped his mission to bring hope and strength to those in need.
Experimental Religion
By Thomas Reade01CO 10:122CO 4:5EPH 3:16COL 1:91TH 3:122TI 1:12HEB 4:11JN 2:31JN 4:1REV 3:2Thomas Reade preaches on the importance of Experimental Religion, emphasizing the deep personal knowledge and experience of Christ that believers should strive for, as seen in the lives of Paul and John. He highlights the need for spiritual wisdom, understanding, and a rich experience of God's love through the Holy Spirit. Reade warns against the dangers of unbelief, self-deception, and the fear of man, urging believers to hold fast to the truth of Scripture and to walk in the light of God's Word.
True and False Prophets
By Zac Poonen0PSA 74:1DAN 11:322TI 4:3REV 2:4REV 2:16REV 3:2REV 3:15REV 3:19Zac Poonen emphasizes the danger of false prophets who use flattery to draw people to themselves, contrasting them with true prophets who rebuke with love. He highlights the importance of receiving words of rebuke as a sign of God's love and the necessity of responding with repentance. Poonen warns about the rise of smooth words in churches when God's rebuke is absent, stressing the need for those who truly know God to stand firm and do great things for Him through daily sacrifice and dying to self.
A Great Victory
By J. Wilbur Chapman0EXO 14:13DEU 28:1JDG 6:12JDG 7:212CH 20:171CO 1:27EPH 4:8EPH 6:102TI 2:3REV 3:2J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the story of Gideon and the victory achieved with a small, dedicated army, emphasizing the importance of standing firm in faith and obedience to God's call. The sermon reflects on the Old Testament Beatitudes and the consequences of straying from God's commandments, drawing parallels to the struggles and alternating feelings faced by the people of Israel. Through examples like Gideon and other individuals who responded to God's call, the sermon highlights the power of surrendering to God's plan, even in the face of challenges and doubts.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
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. 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.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
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. 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).
John Gill Bible Commentary
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": 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.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
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).