To The Church Of Laodicea Series

To the Church of Laodicea

Last week we studied the Church of Philadelphia, an almost perfect church. Today we will look at the last church of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation and the most despised of the seven churches. Today we are looking at the lukewarm church of Laodicea. We will compare ourselves and our Church to this self-deceived Church.

Let’s stand as we read God’s Holy Word:

Rev 3:14-22

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

15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!

16 So, because you are lukewarm-- neither hot nor cold-- I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

17 You say, ’I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

18 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.

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.

20 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 him, and he with me.

21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

(NIV)

(Prayer)

The City:

Laodicea was the wealthiest of the seven Churches. It was known for its banking industry, manufacture of black wool, and a medical school that produced eye salve called "Phrygian power." The city was so wealthy that when an earthquake destroyed it in 17 A.D., it refused imperial aid for rebuilding and did it entirely on its own.

The Commendation:

Christ did not find anything on which to commend this Church.

The Introduction:

Rev 3:

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

Christ was giving witness to the Church that He did have the authority to judge their works. Jesus spoke this world into existence and rules His creation. Being a faithful and true witness from the very beginning of His creation until now, gives Him the authority to rebuke and discipline the people that He loves.

The Condemnation:

Rev 3:

15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!

16 So, because you are lukewarm-- neither hot nor cold-- I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Christ saw a church that had become like so many churches today. He saw a church that was not productive. Sure they attended services each week, but they did nothing to further the Gospel of Christ. They were content to just sit back and watch the world turn as they enjoyed their luxuries. The people of Laodicea had even built an aqueduct to bring water from hot springs into the city. By the time the water had reached the city, it was no longer hot, nor was it refreshingly cold. It had become lukewarm. Have you ever drank lukewarm water? If you have, then you know you feel like spitting it out of your mouth. This is how Christ felt about the Laodicea Church.

Rev 3:

17 You say, ’I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

18 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.

These Christians thought by being wealthy, that they needed nothing. When you process all the worldly items that you desire, then you become self-sufficient and have a false feeling of security. You don’t care what is happening in the world around you. You have this false feeling of security, where nothing can hurt you and there is nothing that you need that you cannot provide for yourself. Most people like these are over achievers. The more wealth they have the more that they want.

Paul warned us about this. Let’s read:

1 Tim 6: