The Bitter Taste of Lukewarmness: A Call to Fervent Faith
The church at Laodicea, a church that represents a chilling picture of spiritual apathy. This church, described in Revelation 3:14-22, was neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm, a condition that Christ found utterly repulsive. This message serves as a powerful call to examine our own hearts and ensure that our faith is vibrant and passionate.
- City that was rich.
- So rich needed no help to rebuild after mostly destroyed by earthquake in 60 AD
- Main commercial city of the region
- Easy target for lethargy & self-satisfied complacency
- Banking center for the region (riches)
- Black wool market (fine garments)
- Ointment for eyes (good vision)
1. The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness (Revelation 3:14)
"These things says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God." Jesus presents Himself as the embodiment of truth and trustworthiness, the ultimate authority. The church must listen to His voice and align itself with His truth.
2. The Lukewarm Church: A State of Indifference (Revelation 3:15)
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot!" Spiritual lukewarmness signifies a lack of passion and commitment. A lukewarm church has no impact on the world around it. Christ desires a fervent and sincere faith.
3. The Danger of Being Vomited by God (Revelation 3:16)
"So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." God rejects a superficial, half-hearted faith. We must seek spiritual renewal and fervor. Lukewarmness renders us useless for the Kingdom of God.
4. The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency (Revelation 3:17)
"You say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.'" The church at Laodicea trusted in its material wealth more than in God. Materialism can lead to spiritual blindness. True treasure is found in Christ, not in earthly possessions.
5. The True Spiritual Condition (Revelation 3:17)
"And knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." The church saw itself as rich, but Jesus saw it as poor and miserable. Without God, we are spiritually blind and vulnerable. We must acknowledge our dependence on Christ.
6. Jesus' Advice: Buying Refined Gold (Revelation 3:18)
"I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, so that you may become rich." True value comes from a genuine relationship with God. Refined gold represents tested and approved faith. We must seek spiritual riches, not just earthly ones.
7. White Garments to Cover Shame (Revelation 3:18)
"...and white garments, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear." Nakedness symbolizes sin and spiritual shame. The white garments represent holiness and purity in Christ. Only Jesus can clothe us in His righteousness.
8. The Eye Salve to Cure Spiritual Blindness (Revelation 3:18)
"...and anoint your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see." Spiritual blindness prevents us from seeing God's truth. The eye salve symbolizes the illumination of the Holy Spirit. We must seek discernment to understand God's will.
9. Love in God's Correction (Revelation 3:19)
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent." God's discipline is a sign of His love. Repentance is necessary to restore fellowship with God. We must have zeal and passion for the work of God.
10. The Invitation to Fellowship with Christ (Revelation 3:20)
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." Jesus desires a personal relationship with us. He respects our free will but expects us to receive Him. Fellowship with Christ brings us life, restoration, and purpose.
- Preaching on The Letter to the Church of Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13
- Preaching on The Letter to the Church at Sardis Revelation 3:1-6
- Preaching on The Letter to the Church of Thyatira Revelation 2:18-29
Conclusion
Let us heed the warning of Laodicea, rejecting lukewarmness and embracing a fervent, passionate faith. Let us open the door of our hearts to Christ, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. Amen.
