STRENGTHEN THE THINGS WHICH REMAIN
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Revelation 3:1-6
Text: Revelation 3:2
Revelation 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.
Introduction: The church at Sardis had a reputation, but no reality. It had a name that it was living, but it was dead.
The only thing commendable about some denominations and some churches is their heritage. Outside of that, they show no life at all.
Are you alive or dead?
This evening’s message is titled:
STRENGTHEN THE THINGS WHICH REMAIN
Let’s examine our lives and see if there are some things that need to be strengthened, or they are going to die:
I. DON’T LET YOUR FRESHNESS DIE
Psalms 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The church at Ephesus had lost its first love. We should have a sense of wonder about us all the time.
A. Bathe in the word of God
B. Believe God for great and new things
C. Beg God for fulness and power
II. DON’T LET YOUR FRUIT-BEARING DIE
John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
Luke 13:6-9 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
What right do you have to occupy ground if you’re not fruitful?
A. Acknowledge your barrenness
B. Abide in the Vine
C. Ask God for fruit
III. DON’T LET YOUR FINANCES DIE
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
A. End your slothfulness
B. Examine your situation
C. Exercise stewardship
IV. DON’T LET YOUR FELLOWSHIP DIE
Hebrews 10:25 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.
A. Make congregating a priority
B. Make Christians your partners
C. Make church a pleasure!
V. DON’T LET YOUR FAITH IN GOD DIE
1 Timothy 1:19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
A. Expect greater things – Jer. 33:3
B. Experiment with specifics – Mal. 3:10; 2 Cor. 9:13
VI. DON’T LET YOUR FAITHFULNESS DIE
2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
A. Keep your heart right
B. Keep your habits right – private and public
VII. DON’T LET YOUR FIRE DIE
Revelation 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Romans 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
A. Be fervent in your expressions of praise
1. Jeremiah 31:7 For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.
B. Be fervent in your efforts in prayer
1. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
C. Be fervent in your excitement about preaching
D. Be fervent in your expectation of power
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Michael D. O’Neal (Proverbs 11:30), Pastor, |