“Revealing Revelations”
The Church that made God sick -The Church of Laodicea
October 12, 2009
"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. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 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. 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. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 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. 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. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Revelation 3:14-22
Let’s take a look at our map at see where the church of Laodicea is.
This letter to Laodicea is commonly known as the most harsh and critical of the seven letters Christ sent to His churches in Asia Minor. We know this is a letter addressed, not only to the church in Laodicea, but to all Christ’s churches - over the entire world. It, then, is addressed to Mount Shasta, too. That can make us a little apprehensive about what we might hear this morning. Surely we in Mount Shasta can expect some pretty serious words from the Head of the Church. But before we listen to the message of this letter, notice what Jesus said to Laodicea in verse 19: "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten." It’s because Christ loved His church in Laodicea that He spoke to her the sharp words He did. And it’s because Christ loves His church here in the mountains of Siskiyou County that He has included this letter in Scripture for our instruction and edification. So let’s listen with a positive and humble frame of mind to these words spoken in love.
Let’s look, first, at verse 14 together: “To the Angel of the church…” This is pretty important. In all seven churches it was the “Angel of the church” to whom the letter was written. The word angel comes from the Greek word ‘angelos’. ‘Angelos’ simply translated means “messenger.” It could mean a heavenly messenger such as those who announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds on the hillside, or it could mean an earthly messenger, the one whom God has called to take His message to His people.
Most theologians believe that in this case the Bible refers to the earthly messenger – the pastor of the church. I agree. God did not order St. John to write this letter to a celestial being. One translation reads, “To the messenger of the church in Laodicea.” That’s the pastor. The living Bible paraphrases this nicely… “Write this letter to the leader of the church in Laodicea…”
The point is this: God has created a special relationship between Jesus Christ and the pastor of the church. Jesus speaks through the pastor in order to reach the body of believers known as the local church. I don’t know why God decided to do things this way. I don’t know why He organized His body this way. I do know that I have been called by God to be a pastor – and I have faithfully performed my duties for 34 years this month. I was called to become a preacher in 1971, studied at Nazarene bible College for 3 years, and began to pastor in El Sobrante, California the first Sunday of October, 1975. There has never been a day since then that I haven’t been a pastor. It wasn’t something I wanted. It was not something I aspired to. God called – and I responded. And I’ve tried to do my very best for Him. The Bible says,
“Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” James 3:1
I remember telling the Lord. “I don’t want to be judged more strictly. I want leniency and grace!” But I realize that one day I will have to stand before God and give an account of my work. I will be judged more strictly than others. I try to do everything with that in perspective. That’s why I pray and seek God’s will for each message. That’s why I study – “to show myself approved”. It’s why I went on beyond Bible College to get a Master’s in Christian Education. I want to do the best job I can, not only for Jesus, but for you as well. May God help us!
The Scripture says,
“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” Hebrews 13:17
That may say to you to be obedient to my God given authority – and be a joy, not a burden – but it says to me – I will have to give an account. And let me say, I so appreciate people who are not a burden. What a blessing you are who are cooperative and helpful and supportive. I know its God will. But I know it is only in that kind of loving relationship that great power comes to a church. And it is more for the people than for the pastor that the Bible says things like this:
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” 1 Timothy 5:17
“In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” 1 Corinthians 9:14
God has a lot to say to pastors and to the church about the relationship between them. In a certain way, God has placed pastors as the point man – like the prophets of old. And how you treat them reveals your respect and love for the Lord – or lack thereof. I think Jesus had something to say about that.
But here is this message that God wants you to have. They are words designed to bring you closer to Him – to prepare you for the day when you leave this world behind and enter into your eternal destination. God has prepared certain people and chosen certain people to be over the church and deliver to you His message. It’s for you - and it’s from God.
If you are living in sin, Jesus is not your Lord. God loves you and He wants you to know the truth. He wants you to overcome this world and spend eternity in heaven—that’s why He sent His Son and that’s why He sends messengers to you. Because of His great love – God sends you a messenger. I am the messenger of this church. And it is an honor to be chosen by God for this task.
So the first point is this: This scripture that we are looking at sounds a warning and the warning comes from God - through the Pastor – to you.
Look again at verse 15. “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!”
Jesus says they are neither cold nor hot. He’s saying they are lukewarm!
This is probably the most familiar passage in the book of Revelation. Many, many lessons and sermons have been given from this text. One of the first sermons I ever preach as a pastor was from this text. It was called “Lukewarm Hot Chocolate” I used the example of how hot chocolate gets that scum on it when it get lukewarm and you just want to spit it out.
Lukewarmness is a characteristic which is despised among Christ’s churches, even today! So popular is this verse, we often fail to recognize that the Laodiceans were guilty of another serious sin which is often overshadowed by their lukewarmness. We will deal with that momentarily. But first, what is lukewarmness?
According to the dictionary, it means “lacking warmth of feeling or enthusiasm”. To a Christian, it describes a state of indifference. It describes a state of complacency, or apathy. Maybe it’s because they are self-satisfied, or feel self-sufficient.
How would you describe a lukewarm church today? If I were to take your definitions, what would be included? How about a church that just goes through the motions. They gather to worship and mindlessly go through the motions. There is no heart, no zeal, no focus in their worship. When they sing, it’s just blah! When they pray; when they study, even when they take Communion - their minds simply wander. Maybe they even nod off. And they don’t worry about spreading the gospel. They don’t worry about visiting the sick, or caring for the those in need. In fact, they don’t do anything for Christ! Would that be a lukewarm church? Would that be a lukewarm Christian?
Look at verse 15 again, Jesus knew their deeds, in particular they were lukewarm. But what about Jesus’ desire for them? He said, “I wish that you were cold or hot”. Now, I understand His desire for them to be hot. Have you ever wondered why He would prefer them to be cold? Some scholars say He is using a local, well known problem relating to their water supply, to allegorize a spiritual meaning.
Laodicea, as rich as it was, had a serious water problem. The city’s water was “piped in” from six miles out. It came to them along an aqueduct. By the time it arrived it was lukewarm. The city of Hierapolis, just seven miles north of Laodicea, was famous for its hot springs. Colossae, less than ten miles away, was known for its cool water. What was Jesus saying to them in His desire that they be cold or hot? I think He is saying that their spiritual condition is of no benefit. He would rather they be spiritually beneficial like a refreshing drink of cold water - or like the soothing warmth of the hot springs!
What’s the message? If we are simply going through the motions, if our heart is not in it, if we are not living and working for Christ everyday of our lives, we are of no benefit to Him! Remember last week about building with one hand and tearing down with the other? Talking the talk – but not walking the walk? How does this condition of lukewarmness really make Jesus feel? Well, Jesus makes it pretty clear. He says,
Vs. 16: … I will spit you out of My mouth.
A church’s lukewarmness makes Jesus sick to His stomach! Jesus says that because of their lukewarmness, because they are of no spiritual benefit, He will spit them out. The Greek word here means “to vomit.” John could have used another Greek phrase that means simply “to spit.” It wasn’t a shallow ‘spitting’ – it was a deep from inside regurgitation!
If a church of our Lord has become so passionless, so indifferent… if a church of Christ has become of no spiritual benefit, if we as individuals have become of no spiritual benefit, it makes Jesus so sick, that He wants to vomit!
Lukewarmness, being of no spiritual benefit is a serious issue; however, as I mentioned earlier, because we have given this topic so much attention, another serious sin at Laodicea is often overlooked. Let’s continue reading our text.
Vs. 17: Because you say, “I am rich, …
Here’s the second spiritual problem with the church at Laodicea. They had become infected with the love of material things. Perhaps the most dangerous point made here is the fact that they are so “caught-up” in their wealth, they were unaware of their sinful state. They were dead and didn’t know it! We as American’s are so blessed. We have so much. We have warm homes and live in safety and luxury. Sometimes we have too much. Julie has a saying on our fridge that says, “Let go of your desire to acquire – and you will be richer in more ways than one!”
Isn’t it amazing how much junk we collect! Our garages are full and the storage unit business is booming. One of the dangers with prosperity is that we think we don’t NEED God. Our prayers lose their urgency and desperation. Our prayer time gets filled with entertainment and fun and stuff we would rather do. And we grow spiritually lukewarm.
The funny thing about prosperity is what it does to our giving. We don’t have enough to pay our tithes or give to missions or give love offerings to the Lord, but we eat out, go to the movies, buy more toys for the kids; we take vacations, we collect things… well, you get the point. Can we get to the point in our lives that we have so much and are doing so well that we think we don’t need God? Can we get to the point where we have so much and are doing so well that we fail to realize and be thankful for the source of all our blessings?
I remember one Super Bowl Sunday watching the game on TV at a friend’s house. We didn’t have TV at the time. Our kids grew up without TV for most of their adolescent years – and seemed to survive okay. Anyway, I was watching the game at a friend’s house and another friend was watching the game with me. He was a pretty wealthy guy with a number of car dealerships and other businesses. And in our talk, as he shared how well he was doing, I said “Praise the Lord!” He said, “The Lord didn’t have anything to do with it. I did all the work!” He didn’t think about his health or his intelligence or being born in America. God blessed him so much – and he failed to see it.
Here’s another thought. Can we get to the point where we have so much and are doing so well - that we become slaves to our things? Can our priorities change so much that we put having things, doing things, experiencing things in front of God?
Jesus knew the condition of the church at Laodicea. Not only were they wretched and miserable (dead and didn’t know it), notice again what Jesus says about their condition in the later part of verse 17: they are “poor, blind and naked.” Jesus, in pointing out their areas of misery, contrasts all the riches of the city.
1. They were poor – there was plenty of money here, but they were spiritually poor.
2. They were blind. The city was known for it’s eye salve, yet all of the salve in the world wouldn’t cure their spiritual blindness.
3. They were naked. They were known for the finest wool in the world, all of which couldn’t cloth their spiritual nakedness.
Is there a cure? Let’s continue to read our text.
Vs. 18: I advise you… If Jesus were to give us advice today, do you think it prudent to follow it? The truth is, He is giving us advice today, we are all reading it together. What was His advice to them and any today who are “dead and don’t know it?” To buy from Him! Jesus provides the only true cure for spiritual sickness. It can’t be found in banks, goods, medicine or in any worldly treasure. A true cure can only be found in Christ! How do we do that? He tells us.
Vs. 19-20: Those whom I love… repent.
Though blinded by their wealth and love of material things and lukewarmness - Jesus still loved them. Jesus still loved them. Jesus still wanted them. And He provided an opportunity for repentance. The same is true for us today. He stands at the door and knocks. He says,
“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.”
Jesus loves you so much. He knows what you have done. He knows who you are. He knows your addictions and your temptations – and He loves you and wants you anyway. All He asks is that you repent. All He asks is that you stop doing those things that are so destructive to you - and begin to follow Him to eternal life. He’s the Good Shepherd. He will lead you to eternal life!
And what a life! We will sit with Him on the throne of heaven. He is preparing us to reign with Him forever. That is what this life is about – preparation for eternity. You were created for something special. Ever feel like there is more to life that this? There is! Ever feel like you were created for something more? You were. Jesus tenderly stands at the door of your heart – gently tapping. Do you hear Him? Why don’t you invite Him in right now.
Dear Jesus,
Forgive me for being lukewarm. Forgive me for being so self-centered. Please light me on fire for you. Help my focus to be on heavenly things. I give myself to you right now. Everything I am and everything I have is yours. Use my life anyway you want to. When you speak to me – I will follow.
In Jesus Name,
“Change my Heart”
