Strengthen
“Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.” (Rev 3:2 KJV)
Jesus is calling out to those in the Church of Sardis that haven’t fallen into sin, and are still hanging on, to not only continue standing on truth but to strengthen themselves against sin. Without strengthening ourselves in the ways of God, through prayer in digging into His Word, we will die spiritually.
Watchful – 1127 γρηγορεύω (γρηγορέω) gregoreuo {gray-gor-yoo’-o}
Meaning: 1) to watch 2) metaph. give strict attention to, be cautious, active 2a) to take heed lest through remission and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtake one
Strengthen – 4741 στηρίζω sterizo {stay-rid’-zo}
Meaning: 1) to make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix 2) to strengthen, make firm 3) to render constant, confirm, one’s mind
Origin: from a presumed derivative of 2476 (like 4731); TDNT – 7:653,1085; v
Works – 2041 ἔργον ergon {er’-gon}
Meaning: 1) business, employment, that which any one is occupied 1a) that which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking 2) any product whatever, any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind 3) an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasised in opp. to that which is less than work
Perfect – 4137 πληρόω pleroo {play-ro’-o}
Meaning: 1) to make full, to fill up, i.e. to fill to the full 1a) to cause to abound, to furnish or supply liberally 1a1) I abound, I am liberally supplied 2) to render full, i.e. to complete 2a) to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting to full measure, fill to the brim 2b) to consummate: a number 2b1) to make complete in every particular, to render perfect 2b2) to carry through to the end, to accomplish, carry out, (some undertaking) 2c) to carry into effect, bring to realisation, realise 2c1) of matters of duty: to perform, execute 2c2) of sayings, promises, prophecies, to bring to pass, ratify, accomplish 2c3) to fulfil, i.e. to cause God’s will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and God’s promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfilment
This is one more proof that God expects us to live up to a standard.