Text: Rev. 3:1-2 "And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and are dead.(vs2) Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God."
Acts 2: 40,42,44-47 " And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.(vs42)And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.(vs44) and all that believed were together, and had all things common;(vs45)And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.(vs46)And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, (vs47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
Jude verse 3 "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints."
Premise
The Pulpit Commentary, Vol.18 , page 73, a comment on Acts2:43-47 "THE STRENGTH OF THE UNITING BOND in the new society of this early church was spiritual; not mere companionship, or social instinct, or common necessity, or political aim, but brotherly love springing out of faith---- a faith showing itself in self-sacrifice and steadfastness.
"THE SPECIALITY AND DISTINCTNESS of the early church manifested a new Christian life that was characterized by unselfishness, mutual consideration, compassion for the needy, gladness and singleness of heart, devoutness, purity of home life, steadfast continuing in well-doing."
"THE MIGHTY EFFECT OF THIS NEW CHRISTIAN CHURCH upon an impure world was demonstrated by the fact that the true method of spreading religion is not by breaking down the distinctions between Church life and worldly life, but by revealing the spiritual power of Christ's kingdom."They had favour with all the people." The people know how to distinguish between reality and pretense. They will always be moved by sincerity. The Lord will add to his own work. The method which we see in nature is a type of that which is ordained in grace. The vigorous life is selected to carry on the increase. Half-hearted Christianity cannot convert the world. Multitudinism (the principle according to which the interests of multitudes are placed before those of individuals.) is a great mistake, as well as a mockery of Christ. Let the Lord add to the church; let not our desires, or even our observances of Christian institutions, multiply numbers without increasing strength."
To Strengthen That Which Remains We Must Remember To Continue In Our Lord's Steps
Unite- is defined as to bring together or consolidate into one body; join in action, interest, opinion, or feeling.
Unity- A union of parts forming a complex whole; undivided whole, as distinct from its parts.
Continue- is defined as to go on, keep up, keep on, to last or endure, to remain in a certain way, to go on with, prolong, maintain or retain.
EXPOSITION
1. To Strengthen That Which Remains We Must Remember To Continue In The Heritage Of The Church.---Heb.12:1-3 "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (vs2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (vs3) For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
2. To Strengthen That Which Remains We Must Remember To Hold To The Apostolic Traditions---2 Thess.2:15 "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."
3.To Strengthen That Which Remains We Must Remember To Hold Fast Our Profession Of Faith In Word And Practice--- Heb. 10:23-25 "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) (vs24) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: (vs25) Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
4. To Strengthen That Which Remains We Must Remember To Continue In Our Lord's Steps--- 1 Peter 2:21-23 "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (vs22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:(vs23) Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:"
5. To Strengthen That Which Remains We Must Remember Who We Are And What We Are Here For--- 1 Peter 2:9-10 "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (vs10) Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy."
6.To Strengthen That Which Remains We Must Remember The Preciousness Of The House Of God In Our Lives---Psa. 27:4-6 "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. (vs5) For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. (vs6) And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord."
7.To Strengthen That Which Remains We Must Remember To Keep The Christian Unity Among Ourselves---1 Cor.1:10 "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
8.To Strengthen That Which Remains We Must Remember That Our Labor Is Not In Vain--- 1 Cor. 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
9.To Strengthen That Which Remains We Must Remember That Love Must Always Continue---Heb.13:1-2 "Let brotherly love continue.(vs2) Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."