Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit

Ephesians 6:13,18
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
18  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints

Praying, watching and persevering as we continue to live life on earth. Our God has given us all the necessary armor to stand, defend and offense. The things that we come against are not the natural and physical but rather the spiritual. Besides coming externally, the spiritual enemy also attack us internally in causing us to embrace the things which we know are wrong, yet difficult to stop doing. It is more than a psychological battle, or using will power. The tools to overcome this is the armor of God which has been explained in Scriptures.

we have renounced the hidden things of shame

2 Corinthians 4:2
we have renounced the hidden things of shame

There are things in our lives which we may keep hidden from others, though they cannot be hidden from God. Hidden dishonesty or craftiness need to be renounced. They may come back again, even new ones are developed after we belong to Christ, so we must be watchful for these. God has called us to a high standard and we are to walk with Him in the standard He has set for us, so we keep improving.

He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life

The letter to the church in Sardis warns them to be watchful and that their works have not been acceptable. They are accused of being dead even though believers are supposed to be alive in Christ. They are told to repent and it seems that perhaps they have not been watching or waiting for the return of the Lord. To those who overcome, their reward is the righteousness of Christ (white garments) and they will be in the Book of Life.


Revelation 3
The Dead Church

1 “And to the 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 God.[a] 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. 4 You[b] have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

6 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”’