Go! And Be On Fire For God - Revelation 3:14-22 Series

Go! And Be On Fire for God - Revelation 3:14-22

Introduction:

In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea with a warning and an invitation. He calls them neither hot nor cold but lukewarm, and He urges them to repent and renew their passion for Him. Today, we will explore what it means to be spiritually lukewarm and how we can heed Jesus' call to be on fire for God.

1. The Danger of Lukewarm Faith

Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT) – "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!"

Laodicea was known for its wealth and self-sufficiency, but it lacked a reliable water supply. The city's water came via aqueducts—hot water from Hierapolis cooled on the way, and cold water from Colossae warmed up, leaving it lukewarm. Jesus uses this imagery to describe the church’s spiritual condition: complacent, ineffective, and indifferent.

The Greek word for "spit" (?µ??, emeo) means "to vomit"—a strong image of Jesus’ rejection of spiritual apathy.

Lukewarm faith is dangerous because it deceives us into thinking we are spiritually healthy when we are not. Do we approach our relationship with Jesus with passion, or are we merely going through the motions?

A cup of coffee is enjoyable when it is hot or iced, but when it is lukewarm, it is unappealing. Likewise, our faith should be refreshing and useful, not dull and lifeless.

“The church at Laodicea was the only one of the seven churches that received no commendation from Christ. A lukewarm church is a sick church.” – Warren Wiersbe

2. The Deception of Self-Sufficiency

Revelation 3:17 (NLT) – "You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked."

The Laodiceans took pride in their wealth and medical advancements, particularly their famous eye salve. Yet, Jesus exposes their spiritual poverty and blindness.

When we trust in our own success instead of God, we become spiritually blind. True riches come from Christ, not material wealth.

A person lost in the wilderness may think they are headed in the right direction, but without a compass, they wander aimlessly. Without Christ, we are lost, no matter how successful we appear.

“Material wealth is an obstacle to faith when it leads to self-sufficiency rather than God-dependence.” – John MacArthur

3. The Call to Repentance and Renewal

Revelation 3:18 (NLT) – "So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see."

The "gold" represents true spiritual wealth, "white garments" symbolize purity, and "eye ointment" signifies spiritual enlightenment.

We must seek God’s righteousness rather than relying on worldly measures of success.

A blindfolded person cannot see the truth until their eyes are opened. Likewise, we need Christ to remove our spiritual blindness.

“God does not call us to be comfortable; He calls us to trust Him completely.” – Francis Chan

4. Jesus’ Loving Discipline

Revelation 3:19 (NLT) – "I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference."

The Greek word for "discipline" (paideuo) means training or correction, much like a loving parent disciplines a child for their good.

God’s correction is not rejection but an invitation to renewed intimacy with Him. When we face spiritual discipline, it is an opportunity to grow.

A loving father corrects his child not out of anger, but to guide them towards what is best.

“God’s discipline is proof of His love, not His anger.” – Charles Stanley

5. The Invitation to Intimacy with Christ

Revelation 3:20 (NLT) – "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends."

In ancient culture, sharing a meal signified close fellowship. Jesus desires personal relationship, not mere religious activity.

Jesus is knocking—will we let Him in? Intimacy with Christ transforms us.

A guest knocking at the door only enters if the homeowner invites them in. Christ will not force His way into our lives.

“Jesus wants full access to our hearts, not just a visitor’s pass.” – David Jeremiah

Conclusion: A Call to Be On Fire for God

Jesus’ message to Laodicea is a message to us today. We must reject lukewarm faith and pursue a passionate, committed relationship with Christ.

Call to Action:

Examine your faith—are you hot, cold, or lukewarm?