Open Heaven 16 August 2022
MEMORISE: Romans 13:11 “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”
BIBLE READING: Revelation 3:1-3 (KJV)
And to the [a]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. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before[b]God. 3 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.
Read yesterday’s Open Heaven Devotional here
Historical records have it that the city of Sardis was besieged and overpowered by various nations at different times, primarily because the inhabitants were not as watchful as they should have been. This same carelessness that was prevalent in the city had entered the Church. Except for a few people in the Church in Sardis who had not soiled their garment, there was no good thing for Jesus to say about them. Jesus said they should be watchful and strengthen the things that were remaining and about to die (Revelation 3:1-3).
These people were slack in upholding their faith. You cannot be a true Christian if you are not disciplined. Any Christian who is lazy about their faith will soil their garment. John 5:17 says;
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
Some Christians are so lazy that they offer Pastors money to pray and fast for them. God will not accept such fasting and prayer. If you cannot fast and pray by yourself, you don’t read your Bible, you don’t attend fellowships, you don’t work in the vineyard of God, you don’t evangelise, then you are dying spiritually. It is only a matter of time before sin creeps in and you find yourself back in the world. If you want to stand firm in Christ until the end, you must be watchful!
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. – (1 Corinthians 10:12)
What are the things that you must watch out for as a Christian?
You must watch against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11). You must watch against temptations (Matthew 26:41). You must watch out against false teaching by reading your Bible yourself (Acts 20:29-30). You must watch out against sub-standard or lazy service to God because He will judge your service (Revelation 3:2); Lastly, you must watch out for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ because no one knows the date or the time that He will come (Matthew 24:42-43).
PRAYER POINT: Christians must be disciplined and watchful.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Isaiah 37 – 40
Thank you for studying today’s Open Heaven – Letter to the Sardis Church I – written by Pastor Enoch A.
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Open Heaven 16 August 2022
