Hello Geoff.
I believe that the works are the works that the Father does in His called and chosen.He is saying that we have to hold on to what
He has shown us in our hearts and minds or suffer the consequence of not staying in the Truths of the Spirit.
Hope this helps.
GOD'S WORD Translation Revelation 2
5 Remember how far you have fallen. Return to me and change the way you think and act, and do what you did at first. I will come to you and take your lamp stand from its place if you don't change. 6 But you have this in your favor-you hate what the Nicolaitans are doing. I also hate what they're doing. 7 "Let the person who has ears listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the privilege of eating from the tree of life, which stands in the paradise of God, to everyone who wins the victory.
Weymouth New TestamentRevelation 2
5 Be mindful, therefore, of the height from which you have fallen. Repent at once, and act as you did at first, or else I will surely come and remove your lampstand out of its place--unless you repent. 6 Yet this you have in your favor: you hate the doings of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 "'Let all who have ears give heed to what the Spirit is saying to the Churches. To him who overcomes I will give the privilege of eating the fruit of the Tree of Life, which is in the Paradise of God.'
A few witness also...Philippians 2:15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,
Hebrews 10:32 But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings,
Revelation 3:3 So remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent. Therefore if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you.
Peace...Mark