And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Revelation 3:1-6 NKJV
NOTE! Jesus wants all believers to check their spiritual life and do something in order to be alive.
How do we check our spiritual life?
The above scripture shows us the following 3 ways to use in spiritual checkup.
1. BY WATCHING OUR SERVICES (vs 2a “be watchful ......")
A. Watch your WORKS for God — v1 “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. (Revelation 3:1 NKJV). Another verse says,
B. Watch your MOTIVES of serving God – “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. (Matthew 23:27-28 NIV)
C. Watch your ATTITUDE when serving God — “…Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. (Revelation 3:1, 3) “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41 NIV))
II. BY STRENGTHENING WHAT IS LEFT (vs 2a)
“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. (Revelation 3:2 NKJV)
A. RENEW your desire for service …. “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV)
B. LOOK unto God when challenged …”Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. (Psalm 105:4 NIV)
III. BY REMEMBERING YOUR PROMISE WITH GOD (vs 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. (Revelation 3:3 NIV)
A. HOLD FAST to your salvation
B. REPENT for forsaking the Word and the Spirit’s warning…. “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation 3:6 NIV)
PONDER ON THE ABOVE WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THEN TAKE A STEP TO RENEW YOUR SPIRITUAL STANDING WITH THE LORD.
FEEL FREE TO USE THIS SERMON OUTLINE, IF POSSIBLE , LET US KNOW FROM YOU.
BY PETER TOWONGO