Scripture to Read: Revelation 3:2
As we saw in the first two devotions this week, Jesus had captured the image of what happened to the city of Sardis. Remember from yesterday’s devotion that the guards of Sardis trusted in the city’s steep cliffs for protection but failed to be watchmen of the city. In the same way, the church in Sardis trusted in itself and remained “dead” though they thought they were alive. The church in Sardis was much like the prodigal son. The prodigal son had physical life from his father, but he NEVER established a relationship with his father. The prodigal considered his father dead to him until the prodigal was born again. Luke 15:24 says, ”for this son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found. And they began to celebrate.” In Revelation 3:2, Jesus called the people in the church in Sardis to “wake up” before He came back. Jesus said, “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.” Just like a dead person cannot accomplish anything, so this church was not producing any good works for our King. As believers, we know that God has called us to good works (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14; Titus 3:8). Works do not save us, but works are the evidence of Christ’s transformational work in our lives. We must be fully surrendered to Christ so that we accomplish what God has for us to do.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about walking in the fullness of the works He has for us to do?
2. How are you walking in good works each day so that you fulfill all God has for you to do?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!