The Seven Churches of Revelation, Part 8

The church at Laodicea is typically recognized as the “lukewarm” church. Jesus had absolutely nothing good to say about them. And the crazy thing is that the church of Laodicea did not see themselves the same way Jesus saw them. Jesus was calling this church back to Him, and the same could be said about the church today. He desires His church to be effective, vibrant, and useful in expanding His kingdom.

We Praise You
Bethel Music

That’s the Power
Hillsong Worship

What a Beautiful Name
Hillsong Worship

Greater Still
Brandon Lake

Revelation 3:14
To the angel of the church of Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, ruler of God’s creation.

–

Colossians 1:15-18
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

–

Revelation 3:15-16
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

–

Historian
“The water supply of Laodicea was derived from an artificial pipeline, bringing water which was literally lukewarm and so impure as to have an emetic effect.”

–

Revelation 3:17a
You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’

–

Revelation 3:17b
But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

–

John Stott
“Perhaps none of the seven letters is more appropriate to the 20th- [and 21st-] century church than this one. It describes vividly the respectable, sentimental, nominal, skin-deep religiosity which is so widespread among us today. Our Christianity is flabby and anemic. We appear to have taken a lukewarm bath of religion.”

–

Revelation 3:18-20
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

–

To the Church at Laodicea
1. Pursue Me (Jesus), and I will help realign you.

Revelation 3:18
“…buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich.”

–

Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

–

To the Church at Laodicea
2. Allow (Me) Jesus to work on your heart and your actions will follow

Revelation 3:18
“…and white clothes to wear to cover your shameful nakedness.”

–

Matthew 23:25-26
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

–

To the Church at Laodicea
3. Invite Me (Jesus) to change your perspective and it will change your life.

–

Luke 11:33-36
No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”

–

Revelation 3:21-22
To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

–