In-Depth Studies, New Testament, Prophecy, Revelation

Revelation: Sardis…Pay Attention!!!

Revelation 3:2 Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die; for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.

 

Wake up…The word is γρεγορευο/gregoreuo in the Greek. Per Strong’s Concordance it means: to watch; metaphorically, give strict attention to, be cautious, active; to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one.

…strengthen…This is the word στεριζο/sterizo. It means: to make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix; to strengthen, make firm; to render constant, confirm, one’s mind.

…to die…The idea is αποτηνεσκο/apothnesko. It is defined as: to die of the natural death of man; of the violent death of man or animals; of eternal death, to be subject to eternal misery in hell.

The call is being made to the church. We need to pay attention. We are called to be a military watchmen on an ancient city wall. We are called to have a mental attitude of resolve and physically act on it. Defend and build on what we have. Take care of what has been given to us. Inactivity is not recommended. We should listen to the warning. If we do nothing, dangerous times will come suddenly and quickly. The kind of death is not a pleasant one whether it is physical or spiritual.

 

for I have not found your deeds completed in the sight of My God.

Jesus is making an observation. He has “not found”. Christ has been making a thorough search. He is absolutely checking it out. Here is a list of synonyms or other translations for the Greek word ηευρισκο/heurisko: enquiry, examination, scrutiny, observation, experience, see, learn, discover, understand, recognize, or detect.

The effort by the church at Sardis is compared to the filling of a pot. The idea is to make the pot full to the brim or supply liberally. The local body in Sardis did not fill their pot.

Jesus knows all about giving generously. At a wedding in Cana, He provided wine that was water. Those six pots were filled to the brim.

Luke 2:7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.

 

And for good measure, the church’s effort does not meet the approval of the Father either. As a reminder, Jesus is making this comment at the right hand of the Father in Heaven. The grammar makes an argument that Jesus states this while looking at the Father.

…in the sight of My God.

 

 

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