Letter To The Church In Laodicea Series

Who is addressing the church?

“… the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.” (vs. 14)

Their Deeds/works:

“… you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!” (vs. 15)

Their Offenses:

1. “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold— … (vs. 16)

2. 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.” (vs. 17)

o Being indifferent; unenthusiastic; lackadaisical; uninterested

o Not fervent; not serving God with enthusiasm or energy; not refreshing

o Though going to church but just content with riches, wealth, materialism, etc.

o Being overconfident in what one processes (Luke 12:21 – parable of the rich fool).

o Believing that one is self-sufficient and having no need for fervent relationship with Christ.

o Not seeing or realizing one’s spiritually poverty.

o Never asking or hungry for more of God.

Pastor J.D, Greear wrote an article in 2018 titled “Eight Sings You’re a Lukewarm Christian.” He stated that:

1. “Lukewarm Christians don’t really want to be saved from their sin. They want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin. God is a useful fire escape they employ, not a God they worship.

2. Lukewarm Christians are moved by stories about people who do radical things for Christ, yet they do not do radical things themselves. They call “radical” what Jesus expects of all his followers.

3. Lukewarm Christians equate their partially sanitized lives with holiness. But Jesus didn’t call us to sanitation; he called us to discipleship. If you are his follower, your life will not be defined only by avoiding sin but also by entering into his suffering.

4. Lukewarm Christians rarely share their faith with their neighbors, coworkers, or friends. Like Charles Spurgeon said, “You are either a missionary or an impostor!”

5. Lukewarm Christians think about life on earth much more often than eternity in heaven.

6. Lukewarm Christians love their luxuries and rarely give to the poor in a truly sacrificial way.

7. Lukewarm Christians do not live by faith; their lives are structured so they never have to. David Platt says, “If you’re not in a place where you feel desperate for the Spirit of God, then there’s no way you are on the front lines of the mission. When we are on the front lines, we feel desperately our need for God’s help.”

8. Lukewarm Christians give God their leftovers—not their first and best. Stop calling your complacency and apathy “a busy schedule” or “bills” or “forgetfulness.” Call it what it is: evil (Malachi 1:8).

God’s Judgement:

“… I am about to spit you out of my mouth…” (vs. 16b)

The Way Out:

1. “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich;

2. and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness;

3. and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

4. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” (vs. 18-19)

Promises for the repentant:

1. “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.

2. 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. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (vs. 20-21)

“Eight Signs You're a Lukewarm Christian,” JD Greear Ministries, last modified July 14, 2020, accessed August 25, 2021, https://jdgreear.com/8-signs-lukewarm-christian/.