LAODICEA: A Lukewarm Church
This series is based on the video produced by Appian Media. Trial & Triumph explores the seven churches of Asia from the book of Revelation. Travel with Jeremy Dehut and watch the video as we explore the seven churches.
Laodicea is a lukewarm church. Jesus says they are neither hot nor cold (ref. Rev. 3:15). Jesus calls the church to humility, repentance, and stop just going through the motions. The church in Laodicea needs to develop a passion for Jesus.
To The Church of Laodicea
Revelation 3:14-22 (NKJV)
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 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. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Looks Can Be Deceptive
Outwardly, the church at Laodicea, may have looked like a vibrant and healthy church. However, as Jesus said, inwardly they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. The church was lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. Content and comfortable, the church at Laodicea had lost their passion and zeal for the Lord.
Lessons To Learn
It can be easy for us to become comfortable relying less on Jesus and more on ourselves. Every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above (ref. James 1:17). As Christians, we need to humbly rely on Jesus who supplies all our needs.
Christians can get caught up in the motions. We often go to the same place to worship each week. The Lord’s Supper can become routine. The song selections can become a bit repetitive. This being the case, we can’t lose our zeal and passion for the Lord. We need to guard against an attitude of simply going through the motions.
Are there ways we are relying on ourselves and not the Lord?
Have we lost our passion and zeal for the Lord? If so, how can it be reclaimed?
Reading the letter to the Church at Laodicea, we are given the opportunity for reflection and change.
note:
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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