2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of My God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
“Be Alert”
The story of how Sardis was defeated with the high walls on top of cliffs is interesting. The Persian army lay at the foot of Sardis and realized they couldn’t get up and over the walls. A few days after sitting there and observing a Persian watched a soldier in the Sardis army drop his helmet over the wall accidentally. One story says he looked around, saw no one watching and walked an otherwise unknown trail out of the wall to get it. Another indicates he used a rope and came down this otherwise unattended portion of the wall. Either way, the Persians came to that spot and was able to get their army inside the fort and defeat the city.
The indication to “be alert” or “wake up” is one meaning to not let your guard down which is something these people of Sardis could relate to. “Be alert” Jesus says, don’t let the world penetrate into your faith. Don’t be ashamed of the gospel. Be defined by your faith, don’t define your faith.
“Wake up!” See the reality that the world is worming its way into your faith. It is seeking to conquer His understanding that He has given to you. The world is confusing you. “Wake up!” If you do not wake up, Jesus will come in like a thief at a time when you are not expecting it. Again, a very common reference that the people of Sardis would understand.
“Strengthen What Remains”
“I know your deeds” Jesus says and then doesn’t say a single good thing about them. Ouch. We would usually assume this means they weren’t doing much, but it might have been more accurate to say that the quality of their works that was the most lacking. Doing things in the church or with the church just because it’s a church activity without the leadership, guidance, and power of the Spirit is wasted effort. They had grown content with a mediocre, halfway, comfortable, and convenient Christianity. Their faith was not radical; it was almost invisible.
Whatever was remaining inside spiritually, that last remnant they were clinging to and holding onto, strengthen it. Whatever still exists that requires faith, exercise it. Stop bending on at least one thing and accept God’s position on it and stand on it. Strengthen what you still believe. The first step in turning around is to stop going in the direction you are going.
A most significant description here is that Jesus gives them a reason why. He still has a purpose for their life. They still have work to do as their "deeds are unfinished". No matter how far they've gone in the wrong direction; no matter where they are; if they will wake up and strengthen what is left there is a purpose for them and a work to do. Praise God that we are never thrown away and declared useless!
“Remember What You Have Received and Heard”
Go back and reread the gospel message, the one that produced brokenness and salvation in your soul. Reread the gospel message to understand what it is Jesus did for you and the salvation He brings. Go back and remember the day the Spirit filled you. Remember the times you cried out to God and He heard and answered. Go back to the beginning of your faith.
“Keep It”
“We never drift toward anything worthwhile. Never. We never slide into truth, but we can slide into error. You slide and slip into theological liberalism. You slide and slip into moral compromise. You do not want to drift and add to the gospel. You do not want to slip and subtract from the gospel. Keep it. Hold on to it. Guard it.” (Akins)
“Repent”
Stop what you are doing, thinking what you are thinking (lean not unto your own understanding), going where you are going, and turn around. Choose faith in God’s Words. Choose faith in Jesus’ works. Choose reliance on God’s wisdom. Let His Spirit lead and not the world’s influences. Repent and let reality take over. There is only the perfect and the imperfect; only God and the world. Choose the perfect since His work is completed and in Him is victory forever over the imperfect.
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