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. Here followeth the directions that Christ gives this church, in order to their recovery out of that dead state and decaying condition that they were in, which directions are two sorts; the first respecteth their present duty, and their future behavior or carriage for the time to come. "Be watchful" which doth more especially concern the Ministers of the church who are her watchman, \ and watch for their souls, \ which doth imply, that they were not so diligent in this duty as they ought to be; for there were some poor and precious souls under their charge in this church, who were neglected, and not so looked after, not watched over, as they ought to be. The Second direction respecteth what was past, and teacheth them what to do in regard to that. "And strengthen the things which remain" is meant, First, some remainders of the work of God’ s Holy Spirit and word in the hearts of some members of this church, which the ministers did not endeavor to nourish, cherish, and establish, as they should have done; and so partly through the security of those weak members, and partly through the negligence and carelessness of their ministers not visiting them, and not inquiring into their backsliding condition, they were ready to die: Or, Secondly, some work, or beginning of grace in some poor souls, which was the fruits of the ministry; and these poor souls, not being fed with the sincere milk of the word, and nourished up with good and sound doctrine, began to decay and cool, and were ready to die; that is, to cast away their confidence, to give over their hopes, and comforts and promises; and so began to decay in their gifts, to cool in their affections, and to neglect holy duties, in which respect they are said to be ready to die. "The things which remain," to wit, the Spiritual gifts that remained, the saving grace that remained, the saving grace that remained, the heavenly comforts that remained, the holy duties that remained, the lively affections that remained, and the gracious desires, heart-pantings, soul-longings, and sincere hungerings, thirstings, sighnings, groanings, mournings, and feelings after Christ, which remained, (though ready to die and to be extinguished) ought to be strengthened, First, by spiritual counsel. \ Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees, say to them that are of a sorrowful heart, be strong. Secondly, by spiritual food; administering a word in season to the weary soul. \ And I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk up and down in his name, "For I have not found thy works perfect before God". Here followeth the reasons of Christ’ s former counsel and direction. Christ had examined and tried the works of this angel and church, and found some imperfection in them, whereupon he bears this testimony against them. There are three things necessary to make any perfect in the sight of God. First, It must be a work of faith, to wit, such a work as God hath commanded in his word; and the work of God must be the ground of our faith. \ For whatsoever is not of faith is sin. \ Secondly, It must be a labor of love, that is, the love of Christ must constrain believers to be fruitful and laborious in every good work, else it will not be acceptable to God, duties done from a principle of love to Christ, and service done from the same spiritual love to the saints, are well-pleasing to God. \ Thirdly, It must be done in singleness and sincerity of heart. \ And especially the angel’ s work (or the work of the ministry) must be done, First, in sincerity. \ Secondly, with zeal to God’ s glory: And, thirdly, with affection to the souls of the people, \ by improving all their ministerial gifts, graces, and abilities to the utmost; making full proof of their ministry for the conversion of sinners unto Christ, the edification of the saints in faith, love, and good works; and the feeding, ruling the church according to the word of God. \ Say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.