To the Church in Sardis
“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God” (Revelation 3:1-2 NIV).
God wants us to finish what we have started. Stop taking our own time and procrastinate, let us start doing today. He does not demand perfection, but we must perfect what we do today.
The Church in Sardis was dead and dry spiritually. Spiritual death occurs when someone neglects the core of his life that has brought him to his success. When someone is successful, he tends to leave behind his fellowship with God. Therefore, repent and turn back to the One that is of eternal value!
To the Church in Philadelphia
“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Revelation 3:7-8 NIV).
Members of the Church in Philadelphia prayed that God to open doors for their lives. Yet when the doors were opened for them, their capacity and ability were unripe. Do not waste any opportunity that God has given or will give to you, equip yourself and involve God in every step of the way. All of the opened doors are only useful when we are well-prepared.
Let us guard our crown: to uphold others’ respect and admiration towards us that stem from the way we inspire them through our lives. Safeguard your crown such that it becomes a legacy of good reputation and role model, passed down to your future generations to inherit.
To the Church in Laodicea
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth (Revelation 3:14-16 NIV).
Be careful not to think too highly of yourself, passing the measure of your faith. Make sure that whatever we do is for the sole purpose of glorifying God. God favors the humble, those fully aware of their rightful place and identity before Him.
The Church of Laodicea was spiritually poor, blind, and arrogant. Let us strive not to be this – boasting the Holy name of God but truly there is no God in it. God knows the heart of each of His people, the sincere and the lukewarm.
Of the three Churches above, in Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea, let us learn to be a true Christian fully prepared for the second coming of the Lord. Living our best in the end times starts today. Are you willing to live fully for God?
Extracted from Philip Mantofa’s Sermon, 1 March 2020, Sunday Service, GMS Surabaya Barat
https://youtu.be/A672YFUcZK4
https://youtu.be/U4ru0drNhpQ
Let us guard our crown: to uphold others’ respect and admiration towards us that stem from the way we inspire them through our lives.
