AMERICAN IDOLS: LOOKING AT OURSELVES AND OUR LOYALTIES THROUGH THE EYES OF JESUS
THE IDOL OF LEISURE: LAODICEA
REVELATION 3:14-22
Sermon Objective: Our culture has an inordinate pursuit of comfort and leisure; but there is a Biblical priority and perspective that must be applied.
Supporting Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:10; James 4:17
SERIES INTRO
With this sermon we conclude our series called “American Idols: Looking at Ourselves and Our Loyalties Through the Eyes of Jesus.”
There are two categories of idols:
{1} an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed.
{2} any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion.
Our concern is with the latter. There are a myriad of “things” which could be classified as an idol … they are limited only by the passions of the individual in question. But there are certain dispositions or demeanors that our culture serves and pursues as an end in themselves … they have become idolatrous.
What we discover in “The Revelation” is that they are not just limited to our culture but that others have also pursued these with blind devotion. They include:
• Superiority (pride) – The Church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) • Laissez Faire – The Church in Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) • Tolerance – The Church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) • Comfort – The Church in Sardis (Revelation 3:1-6) • Stoicism – The Church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13) • Leisure – The Church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22)
Today we will look at the church in Laodicea and Leisure. It is found in Rev. 3:14-22.
SERMON INTRO:
It was a important center for manufacturing clothing. It produced woolen products. The people of the city were known to be some of the best dressed in all of Asia-Minor.
They had a world-renown medical center. Its medical school employed famous doctors (we know this from circulating coins) and they produced an eye salve from Phrygian powder that was in great demand across the empire.
Its market was second to none. People would come from all over to buy, sell, and just say they had been there. It reminds me of the mystique that surrounds Pike’s Market in Seattle. It is billed as one of the tourist stops that “you just must see.”
Its banking system was second to none. In fact, the city’s banking assets were so noteworthy that Cicero cashed huge bank drafts there. Only Rome was a more successful financial center.
It was one of the wealthiest cities in the world. So much so that after a great earthquake in A.D. 60, which destroyed it, the people refused imperial help in rebuilding the city and chose, rather, to do it with their own money.
THEY WERE SO RICH THEY DIDN’T NEED “GOD – CAESAR.”
French sociologist Jacques Ellul argues that it is the goal of every urban civilization to ultimately make God irrelevant and unnecessary. “The whole goal of the ‘city man.’” Writes Ellul, “is to be able to say, ‘we did it ourselves, we did it our way, we made it on our own, we have need of nothing.’”
And just as the city of Laodicea did not need “god-Caesar”, so the church therein did not need God … Jesus Christ … “The Amen” … the one who was the ultimate reality and ultimate ruler.
There is an indisputable link between prosperity and the spiritual failing of the Laodicean church. It produced spiritual complacency and spiritual pride. They were not able to distinguish between material and spiritual prosperity. The church thought her outward prosperity was the measure of her spiritual prosperity.
In 1786 John Wesley wrote: “I fear, wherever riches have increased, the essence of religion has decreased in the same proportion. Therefore, I do not see how it is possible, in the nature of things, for any revival of religion to continue long. For religion must necessary produce both industry and frugality, and these cannot but produce riches. But as riches increase, so will pride, anger, and love of the world in all its branches.”
Unfortunately this spirit of self-sufficiency separated Laodicea from the life-giving source of its savior. Ironically, to the church at Smyrna Jesus said, "I know … your poverty—yet you are rich!" (2:9) but to this church he says, “You say, 'I am rich’ … but you do not realize that you are … poor” (3:17).
The church of Laodicea was most likely founded on Paul’s third missionary journey while he spent time at Ephesus (Acts 19:10). It wasn’t that old – a few decades maybe. It was planted by Epaphras (Col. 4:12), met in the home of Nymphus (Col.4:16) and its bishop was Archippus (Col.4:17). There is no evidence that Paul ever visited the church, although he wrote them a letter that is now lost (Col.4:16).
And, as I said, like the city itself, the church in Laodicea was wealthy, comfortable, and secure. There is no mention of persecution, of trouble with the Jewish population, or any conflict with heresy as in the other churches.
There are no believers who are praised in this letter either. Rather, all stand equally condemned by the Revelator. In fact, the Laodicean Church is the only one which is absolutely and wholly condemned. God’s verdict of this congregation, we shall see, is the exact opposite of the church's own evaluation and expectations. The Church of Laodicea is entirely self-satisfied.
There is only one way open to this church. To repent of the complacency that it’s comfort has afforded it. Let’s read the message given it in Revelation 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. 15I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17You 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. 18I 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. 19Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20Here 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. 21To 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. 22He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
The church in Laodicea lost its
[1] Vigor (3:16-17)
[2] Values (3:17-18a)
• They didn’t know what was really important anymore and were spending the energy and resources on the wrong things.
[3] Vision (3:18b)
• They were living in a fool’s paradise
• They could not see themselves as they really were
• They could not see the world as it really was (lost in need of a Savior)
• They needed they eyes healed
[4] Vesture (3:17-18)
• They did not see that they stood naked and pitiful before God
All because it was pursuing something other than the will of God.
The Idol of Comfort and Leisure
There is a god that lurks in the psyche of our culture. It is one of those idolatrous “blind devotions” that frequently trip us up and stop us dead in our spiritual tracks. The problem with this idol is that, like many of the other things that become idols, it is not evil in and of itself – that is until it rearranges our priorities. The idol in question is … COMFORT AND LEISURE.
Who amongst us would deny that it is not a primary pursuit of our culture?
Who amongst us would deny its alluring draw and tendency to steer life rather than remain a passenger on the journey?
And it comes in soooo many forms. I read where one man confessed that his exercise (running) had become an idol … he structured his day around it. Others could say the same thing about television, camping, hunting, snow-mobiling, motorcycling, hiking, fishing, skiing, gardening, crafting, boating, quilting, internet, jig saw puzzles, shopping, sleeping, travelling, reading, carving, painting, writing, … need I go on?
None of these are evil … until they get out of kilter with God’s priorities.
• How many of you miss private prayer or Bible study because one of these (or you fill in the blank) gets the time instead?
• How many of you miss church, Sunday School because of it?
• How many of you squander money you need for other things because your leisure is out of control?
• How many of you fail to nurture essential time with your family because your leisure is out of control?
• How many of you do not have time for Christian service because you give all your spare time to comfort and leisure?
People have lost their families and even their souls because their leisure time was a more important pursuit than the things that last.
The Bible says that “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17, KJV).
The Apostle Paul saw his ministry victimized by it, “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica;” (2 Timothy 4:10a, KJV).
A Theology of Work and Leisure
Let me stress again … the problem is NOT comfort and leisure itself. In fact, leisure is essential to one’s well-being.
God’s word encourages (and even demands) you set some time aside to recreate and rest.
1. GOD MODELED LEISURE BY RESTING ON THE SEVENTH DAY.
2. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS ESTABLISHED THE PRINCIPLE OF SABBATH AS A PERPETUAL ORDINANCE FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW GOD.
3. JESUS MODELED LEISURE BY SPENDING TIME WITH FRIENDS IN BETHANY, RETREATING TO THE COUNTRYSIDE, ATTENDING WEDDINGS, ETC.
4. CREATION ITSELF WAS DESIGNED TO BE ENJOYED BY MAN NOT MERELY FOR UTILITARIAN REASONS.
My point is that just as we can be sinful in our work … we can be sinful in our leisure.
Throughout the centuries the Jesus’ Church has developed some very SIMPLE GUIDELINES for leisure. They are part of a larger topic; a “Theology of work.” The guidelines for leisure can be summarized in the following:
1. OUR LEISURE MUST BE A VIRTUOUS ACTIVITY
• We must always guard against sin.
• Entertainment is good as long as it is not sinful or ungodly.
2. OUR LEISURE MUST BE PERSONALLY PROFITABLE
• It should refresh us mentally, and/or physically, and/or spiritually
• Recreation has a goal – “re-creation”. If done properly it energizes, refocuses, and stirs one to other good works.
• Rest, too, is part of leisure, and essential for your wellbeing.
3. OUR LEISURE MUST BE PROFITABLE TO OTHERS
• Our actions must never hinder the walk of our brother nor harm our witness to the lost
4. OUR LEISURE MUST BE TO THE GLORY OF GOD
• Leisure is profitable as long as Christ is central and not sinned against.
• All that we do should be motivated by a desire to grow nearer to Christ.
• It should include ample opportunity for meditation, prayer, searching the scriptures, fellowship, service, etc.
5. AS IN ALL THINGS, OUR LEISURE MUST BE IN MODERATION, NOT IN EXCESS.
WRAP-UP
Comfort and leisure became Laodicea’s god. Anytime priorities become mixed up and something else is enthroned, love for God and service in His name diminishes. Such actions become repulsive to the Father. Just look at how he viewed idolaters in the Old Testament – it makes God want to … vomit.
The water supply
The city of Laodicea had everything going for it. Everything except one thing … it had a TERRIBLE water supply. There are no traces of wells or natural sources of water within the walls of the city. It was so bad that it built aqueducts from Colossae (10 miles away) and Hierapolis (6 miles away) so it could have water.
The waters in Colossae and Hierapolis were distinct and unique. Hierapolis had a wonderful series of hot springs, and warm mud-baths. Its water was considered medicinal in value. My father is from Arkansas and there is a similar reputation for the springs in and around Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Colossae, on the other hand, had very very cold spring water. Many of you are familiar with the cool refreshing water that comes from springs – there are plenty of them here in the North Country. When you are thirsty nothing tastes better!
Lukewarm water had a purpose too; it was used in the medical centers of Laodicea to induce vomiting (emesai = `vomit' or “spit”).
Jesus uses the water supply in and around Laodicea to illustrate his feelings towards their self-reliance and comfort. HE WANTS HIS CHURCH BE REFRESHING AND ENCOURAGING TO THOSE IT COMES IN CONTACT WITH (COLD WATER) OR TO BE A HEALING AGENT (HOT WATER). BUT WHEN IT IS JUST LUKEWARM … WELL, IT MAKES HIM NAUSEAUS BECAUSE IT DOESN’T DO ANYONE ANY GOOD!
TO BE A CHRISTIAN MEANS TO BE USEFUL TO CHRIST.
The offer of restoration
The message to this church includes the most commonly quoted verses in all of Revelation … “19Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. 20Here 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.”
It is here that the tone of the message changes. Jesus is speaking (and inviting / pleading) in love. He is offering restored communion … intimate fellowship.
In a manner of speaking, the self-sufficient church has placed Christ on the outside looking in. Do you remember what we read about the Philadelphia church last week? It was given a door opened by Jesus that no one can shut. Laodicea, on the other hand, has a closed door to Jesus that only they can open.
Holman Hunt’s portrait called “The Light of the World” gets it right. There is no door handle on Jesus’ side of the door. We must open to Him.
The mere fact that he offers us a chance to turn to him is evidence of his grace. AND WE DARE NOT BE INDIFFERENT AND COMPLACENT TO THE OFFER.
In John 21, the resurrected Christ approaches Peter while fishing. Later, while on the shore having breakfast Jesus asks him, “Simon … do you truly love me more than these?” (John 21:15). We don’t know what the “these” was Jesus is referring to; but whatever it was it had usurped priority over the relationship between the two.
It takes Peter a few tries before Jesus can break through the distance – but, in essence, Jesus kept knocking.
How long has Jesus been knocking at your heart’s door?
How many times has he asked you if you love him more than “these”?
What are you waiting for?
He who has an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches
This sermon is provided by Dr. Kenneth Pell
Potsdam Church of the Nazarene
Potsdam, New York
www.potsdam-naz.org
