We cannot strengthen what is dead. It would have to be resurrected. When we are weak, we can be made strong again because we are still alive. For the church in Sardis, their ministries (activities and relationships) were getting weaker. These started off well but were declining. They had to make it strong again.

1.  The One who calls us to be strengthened

The Lord Jesus Christ described Himself as having a very strong link with the Holy Spirit and the Church (Rev 3:1a). Without Jesus coming down to earth to suffer and die for us, the Holy Spirit would have no ministry. Without salvation, there would be no indwelling of the Spirit. The Lord also has a strong link to the Church because true churches of God are founded on the true gospel preached, which the Holy Spirit then brings conviction and conversion in the hearts of the hearers. The church in Sardis existed because of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit, thus He has every right to evaluate the church. He personally knew that they were not earnestly contending for the faith although they used to have a reputation of being very much alive spiritually (Rev 3:1b).

2.  The object of the strengthening

There were some ministries in the church in Sardis that had not diminished unto death, and the Lord told them to keep these alive (Rev 3:2). To ensure ministries are strong, those looking after these ministries must be godly, having the right spiritual gifts, and focusing on the Word of God. When the Word is the focus, Christ will increase, and we will decrease. Humility will enter our hearts and we will do all for Christ’s sake. If a ministry is not protected in this way, it will decline and soon die. Humility is the key to restoration. It heals every soul. The heartbeat of each ministry has to be understood. Ministries are strengthened by knowing the people, and then building them up spiritually.

Four verbs (Rev 3:4) are used to describe how the people can be strengthened. To have “received” means there was someone who taught them God’s Word. To have “heard” means they listened to the message. To “hold fast” means they obeyed. And to “repent” was the result when the Word convicted them. The Lord will judge when our ministries are not evaluated and improved.

3.  The blessings of strengthening

There were godly believers in the Sardis church who remained faithful (Rev 3:4). The word “overcometh” (Rev 3:5) implies a waking up and a strengthening of the things that were still alive.

Will you listen and do what is right, fearing no man but God only? (Rev 3:6).