Are You A Lukewarm Christian?

Good morning, dear friends. As always, it is a joy and a privilege to gather in this sacred space, a space that is not confined to these walls of this physical church, but into the homes of each of you online now, and when you watch it in the future. In this space we are united by our shared faith and love for our Lord, Jesus Christ. Today, we find ourselves drawn to a potent passage in the book of Revelation, a passage that speaks directly to our hearts, our spirits, and our lives as Christians in the modern world.

[Title: Are you a lukewarm Christian?]

The eminent preacher, Charles Spurgeon, once said, "A Bible that’s falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t." This is a profound statement that challenges us to consider our relationship with the Word of God. Are we merely skim reading the scriptures, or are we truly absorbing and implementing the teachings in our daily lives?

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.” ’ ”

Revelation 3:14-22

Now, as we turn our attention to the first main point, let's consider what it means to be a lukewarm Christian. Are we on fire for God, or are we merely going through the motions? Are we fervent in our faith, or are we lukewarm, indifferent, and complacent?

As we move forward, let's consider the dangers of being a lukewarm Christian. How does this lukewarm state affect our relationship with God, our spiritual growth, and our witness to others?

Finally, let's focus on how we can develop a Christ-like attitude everywhere we go. How can we be the salt and light in a world that so desperately needs to see and taste the goodness of God?

May the Lord guide us as we ponder these crucial questions today. Amen.

Defining Lukewarm Christianity

In the book of Revelation, the church in Laodicea is described as neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. This is a powerful metaphor that can help us understand our own spiritual condition. When we think of something that's hot, we might think of a passionate, enthusiastic, and active faith. On the other hand, when we think of something that's cold, we might think of a faith that's dead, unresponsive, and indifferent. But what does it mean to be lukewarm?

A lukewarm Christian, as depicted in this passage, is not fully committed to their faith. They may attend church, read the Bible, and even pray, but their heart is not fully engaged. They are not on fire for God, nor are they completely indifferent. They are somewhere in the middle, comfortable and complacent in their faith. Now this does not mean that if you are not out preaching on the street-corner you are lukewarm. What I am saying is this…if you are merely trying to look like a Christian while not having that inward love for Christ, then you are a lukewarm Christian.

This state of lukewarmness can be dangerous because it can lead to a sense of self-sufficiency and pride. The Laodiceans said, "I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing." They thought they had everything they needed, but they did not realize their true spiritual condition. They were "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."

This is a stark reminder for us. We might think we're doing okay because we're not doing anything particularly wrong. We might think we're rich in spiritual terms because we're doing all the right things. But if our heart is not fully committed to God, if we're not passionate about our faith, then we're in a dangerous place.