STRENGTHEN WHAT REMAINS - Fortune Nwaiwu

STRENGTHEN WHAT REMAINS

 

Brethren,  in order to strengthen what remains, we must first examine our lives and identify areas that need amending. We cannot continue to live in a world where righteousness is no longer practiced and love is decaying. We must confront the nefarious attitudes and actions that are prevalent in our society, even among those who claim to be Christians.

 

It is disheartening to hear stories of violence and immorality, such as a woman pouring hot oil on her husband or young men taking the lives of innocent virgins. These acts not only harm individuals, but they also erode the sense of safety and security in our communities. It is even more troubling when these wrongdoers are members of the Church, using ill-gotten money to make donations without question.

 

We must not turn a blind eye to these injustices. We cannot allow innocent souls to perish in prisons while wrongdoers go unpunished. We must hold ourselves and others accountable for our actions. Parents must rebuke their children when they engage in theft or other criminal activities. Church leaders must rely on the power of God's grace, rather than resorting to demonic powers.

 

The book of Revelation, specifically chapter 3, warns us about the danger of being spiritually dead while maintaining the reputation of being alive. We must wake up from our spiritual slumber and strengthen what remains. We cannot hear the Gospel if we are spiritually dull or weak. It is crucial for us to be alert and receptive to the Word of God.

 

The days we live in are evil, but we have the power to resist and overcome the darkness. We must avoid the anger of God falling upon us by living righteous lives and actively working towards justice and love. Strengthening what remains requires us to take action, to stand up against injustice, and to live according to God's principles.

 

In Revelation 3:1-6, Christ addresses the church in Sardis and calls them to strengthen certain aspects of their faith and practice. Here is an outline and explanation of the aspects Christ is calling the church in Sardis to strengthen:

 

1. Wake up and be watchful (Rev. 3:2):

   - Christ begins by admonishing the church in Sardis to wake up from their spiritual slumber.

   - They are called to be watchful and alert, not allowing themselves to be complacent or negligent in their faith.

   - This implies that the church had become spiritually lethargic and needed to regain their fervor and passion for God.

 

2. Strengthen what remains (Rev. 3:2):

   - Christ acknowledges that there are still some remnants of faith and good works in the church in Sardis.

   - However, He urges them to strengthen and reinforce those remaining aspects of their faith.

   - This suggests that the church had become weakened in certain areas and needed to focus on revitalizing and building up their faith.

 

3. Remember and obey the teachings received (Rev. 3:3):

   - Christ reminds the church in Sardis to remember the teachings they had received and to hold fast to them.

   - They are called to obey and live according to the truths they have been taught.

   - This implies that the church may have been neglecting or forgetting the foundational teachings of the faith, and needed to return to them.

 

4. Repent and return to a faithful lifestyle (Rev. 3:3):

   - Christ warns the church in Sardis that if they do not wake up and repent, He will come upon them like a thief.

   - They are called to turn away from their spiritual deadness and return to a faithful and obedient lifestyle.

   - This suggests that the church had allowed sin and compromise to infiltrate their midst, and needed to repent and seek God's forgiveness.

 

5. Strengthen the works that are found to be incomplete (which is not matching with God's standard) (Rev. 3:2):

   - Christ points out that the works of the church in Sardis are not complete in the sight of God.

   - They are called to strengthen and perfect their works, ensuring that they are done with sincerity and wholeheartedness.

   - This implies that the church may have been engaging in superficial or insincere acts of service, and needed to refocus on genuine and impactful works.

 

6. Overcome and be clothed in white garments (Rev. 3:5):

   - Christ promises that those who overcome will be clothed in white garments and their names will not be blotted out of the Book of Life.

   - They are called to persevere in their faith and overcome the challenges and temptations they face.

   - This suggests that the church needed to develop a resilient and steadfast faith, remaining faithful to the end.

 

Christ's message to us today emphasizes the need for spiritual awakening, repentance, and a return to a faithful and obedient lifestyle. We are called to strengthen our faith, works, and commitment to God, ensuring that they are genuine, complete, and pleasing in His sight. May God bless you! Amen.