The 7 “Be Happy” Blessings of Revelation pt 3
Open with video of the Rapture from YouTube – Are you ready?
Scripture Text:
Revelation 16:15: "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."
Introduction:
This scripture text reminds us of how blessed the Christian is. This text also reveals one the core teachings of this book. The point behind Revelation and the New Testament is that we as Christians must stay awake and be ready to go with Christ at any moment. We as Christians do not have to know when we are going! We by the way will never know even with all the detailed elaborate calculations and predictions out there. I want to be very frank with you today. Nobody knows when Christ is returning nor when the Rapture of the church will take place it could happen today, tomorrow, next week, next year, the next decade, or even the next millennium. The point to grab a hold of is this, "...stay awake and be ready at any moment!"
Story of Rapture Joke gone bad:
Herbert Washington, whom co-workers at Significant Plastics Inc. say was unduly concerned with the rapture and the second coming of Christ, suffered a serious heart attack when co-workers pretended they’d been caught away in the Rapture without him.
On Tuesday July 12, 2003 of this normal work week, they laid their work outfits on their chairs and hid in a supply room, and when Herbert came back from the restroom, he thought the rapture had occurred. The janitor, an outspoken Muslim, pretended to have witnessed everyone disappear and ran around the office feigning panic. Herbert fell to the ground clutching his heart and screaming, "I knew you’d forget me, Jesus! What did I do wrong?" He was taken to a local hospital. The employees emerged, sobered, from the supply room and gathered up their extra clothes.
"We didn’t mean to scare him to death," said one woman. "He’s just always talking about it, so today we decided to turn the tables on him."
Washington underwent bypass surgery and is recovering well and "digging into the Bible like never before," says his wife.
From http://articles.exchristian.net/2003/07/rapture-joke-provokes-heart-attack.php
Paul talks about the Rapture in his writings to warn the Christians to be ready at any moment:
I Thess. 5:1-11:
1Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,
2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
3While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self–controlled.
7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
8But since we belong to the day, let us be self–controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
If you explore revelation’s messages to the churches you discover that two churches had committed themselves to staying awake and being ready (Smyrna, and Philadelphia). Know we will explore some of the churches revealed in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 that have fallen asleep in Christ. Each church is at a different level.
One church is sleeping all night with the enemy (Thyatira).
One church is sleepwalking and they are moving away from Jesus Christ as they are sleep walking (Sardis).
One church is sleeping all the time from Christ day and night (Laodicea).
Thesis: Each of these 3 churches are addressed by Jesus and warned to wake up! We will look at the three of them today.
I. The church of Thyatira - The church that slept all night with the enemy (Rev. 2:18-29):
"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. (Rev 2:18 NIV) I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. (Rev 2:19 NIV) Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. (Rev 2:20 NIV) I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. (Rev 2:21 NIV) So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. (Rev 2:22 NIV) I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. (Rev 2:23 NIV) Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan’s so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): (Rev 2:24 NIV) Only hold on to what you have until I come. (Rev 2:25 NIV) To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations-- (Rev 2:26 NIV) ’He will rule them with an iron scepter; he will dash them to pieces like pottery’ -- just as I have received authority from my Father. (Rev 2:27 NIV) I will also give him the morning star. (Rev 2:28 NIV) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Rev 2:29 NIV)
A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND of Thyatira: The city was a wealthy city serving as the main business route between Pergamos and Sardis. It was located in a valley of Lycus and became known as a commercial center. The city was known for its purple dye’s and dyed garments. Lydia whom Paul converted at Philippi was from Thyatira and was a seller of purple. She is believed to be the founder of the church. The city was also known for its other trades of wool, leather, linen, bronze, garments, dyers, potters, bankers and slaves.
a. These craftsmen all belonged to unions (guilds) and these unions carried a lot of influence and power. Mostly all the unions were connected with various forms of pagan worship. It’s been noted that unions demand participation or individuals would face ostracism and loss of jobs. Same applied here in Thyatira.
i. It’s a town very similar to my home town Pittsburgh. When I grew up it was a steel city with strong union influence. The steel union ruled and you better have been for it or look out.
ii. I grew up learning the importance of a strong union and also seeing the abuses created by them.
b. Christians who refused to participate in these meetings would be shunned, socially isolated, economically oppressed (customers driven away or inability to find work in their trade, verbally abused and even physically abused.
c. The city had as its local deity Apollos (Son of Zeus) the sun god as the one who was suppose to protect the city. However if you study its history the town was destroyed more than any other town. Because of lack of defense and its location of being on everyone’s hit list 1st before the capital city of Pergamum. This doesn’t say much about Apollo’s ability to protect. The emperor (Caesar) was linked with Apollo.
d. It was a military city where Caesar’s elite guard was stationed (Apollos was who most of them worshipped along with the emperor.)
e. It was also an occult city with an occult temple presided over by a female sorceress.
B. Thyatira was a city focused on prosperity and it makes sense to assume that its citizens probably valued wealth as their ultimate goal in life.
a. The message to the church of Thyatira. Is summarized by some sermon titles by other pastor’s:
i. Thyatira: You’ve Got Woman Trouble! (Trivett)
ii. The Doctrine of Jezebel! (Wilkerson)
iii. The Church with the Rotten Center!(Carr)
iv. The Church that slept with the Enemy! (McCartney)
b. Jesus reveals himself again to this church in verse 18: These are the words of the Son of God - could be an address to Apollo the one called the Sun letting all know who was really a protector of cities and churches. This title is equivalent to "Messiah"
i. Whose eyes are like blazing fire" - Jesus makes it clear He sees all they do and all they are within. His fire will judge their hearts. Heb. 4:13: "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eye’s of him to whom we must give account."
ii. Whose feet are like burnished bronze" - here it signifies the strongest metal known to mankind in this day and it was made in Thyatira. It signified that Jesus Christ would not fade away he was planted and the strongest foundation of all. His church would prevail and not even a Jezebel will get in its way or his way.
c. Jesus commends the church on what He sees and knows.
i. He knows their deeds- they are active in doing ministry for the Lord.
ii. He knows their love- this of course is the only valid motive to do ministry.
1. They did show this important virtue.
2. And notice it takes first place on the list.
3. Love is to be the number one fruit in the church.
iii. He knows their faith - they had their trust in Christ and their deeds were done with conviction.
1. They had faith toward God not faith in themselves or idols.
iv. He knows their service- they served him and others.
v. He knows their perseverance- their patience and ability to endure difficult circumstances in their city. Remember union town.
d. "And they are now doing more than at first." There are a lot of churches that do the opposite. They do more in the beginning and less in the end. This church is improving and moving in the right direction.
i. The church needs to be doing more for God’s Kingdom now – today because this means their growing in their walk with the Lord Jesus.
ii. A church that quits doing the Word starts to slip backwards and then many try to rely on their past to justify their current sinful state with the Lord.
e. Jesus now gives the "Nevertheless" - My friend watch out for these transition words in Jesus messages to us "BUT", "However", "Yet" and "Nevertheless" - You tolerate that woman Jezebel.
i. Tolerate - is defined: To allow a thing to be done or to exist without making any move to stop it, as, to tolerate bad behavior. 2. To put up with; to endure; to refuse to condemn.
ii. The biblical Jezebel: JEZEBEL (Jehz’ eh behl) Personal name meaning, "Where is the prince?" perhaps derived from Phoenician name meaning, "Baal is the prince." Wife of King Ahab of Israel (874-853 B.C.), who brought the worship of Baal from Sidon, where her father Ethbaal was king (1 Kings 16:31). Jezebel tried to destroy all God’s prophets in Israel (1 Kings 18:4), while installing prophets of Baal and Asherah (1 Kings 18:19, modern translations) as part of the royal household. Elijah proved these prophets to be false on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18), bringing Jezebel’s threat to kill Elijah (1 Kings 19:2). Elijah ran for his life to Beersheba. When Ahab wanted Naboth’s vineyard, Jezebel connived with the leaders of the city who falsely accused and convicted Naboth, stoning him to death. Elijah then prophesied Jezebel’s death, she being the one who had "stirred up" Ahab to wickedness (1 Kings 21). She continued her evil influence as her son Joram ruled (2 Kings 9:22). Elisha anointed Jehu to replace Joram. Jehu assassinated Joram and then went to Jezreel after Jezebel. She tried to adorn herself and entice him, but her servants obeyed Jehu’s call to throw her from the window to the street, where horses trod her in the ground (2 Kings 9:30-37). Jezebel’s name became so associated with wickedness that the false prophetess in the church at Thyatira was labeled, "Jezebel" (Rev. 2:20). (Holman Dictionary)
iii. David Wilkerson tells us about the doctrine of Jezebel. He says there are three distinguishing marks:
1. She teaches that something evil can be good, that the profane can be pure.
a. Her name is associated with false doctrine. False doctrine or teachings are lessons promoted by groups or individuals who teach a "Different Gospel."
b. The book of Galatians is written to refute a false doctrine. Note the Apostle Paul’s words: I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- (Gal 1:6 NIV)
2. The doctrine of Jezebel promotes covetousness or greed.
a. Wilkerson states, "Listen to the doctrine of Jezebel, "You are king, number one. You have rights. Let nothing stop you from getting what you want’. She said to Ahab, "Be merry, Be happy. Rejoice. I’ll get it for you". That is the prosperity gospel in a nutshell. "Don’t sweat it. Don’t feel sad or condemned by those desires that eat you up. `I’ll get it for you"...The greatest deception in the modern church is the matter of using God’s Word to put a badge of approval on covetousness."
3. Jezebel hates God’s prophets and Godly prophetic messages.
a. They do not fear God. God sends fire from heaven and they ignore it. God sends a clear message to repent and they do not. God tells them to stop sinning and they refuse to. They even get mad if you confront them on it. They refuse prophetic warnings and say "God is love" and he won’t judge us.
4. I add a 4th distinguishing mark of the Jezebel spirit – It lusts for absolute power and control over others.
a. In verse 20 Jesus is describing the individual’s nature not the real person of Jezebel of the Old Testament. She as described above was the meanest Old Testament woman in the Bible. She killed God’s prophet’s instituted deceived her husband into BAAL worship and idolatry for the nation of Israel. She cheated and murdered Naboth. She corrupted Israel and became known as the epitome of wickedness and evil.
b. Verse 21-I have given her time to repent but she is unwilling. The sign of a false teacher is their inability to receive correction and repent when shown the truth. She had been warned and the past and has chosen not to repent or change her teaching. This statement in Greek means she is blunt and its final she will continue her present course. Important - Her fornication (Immorality) here is both literal and figurative. It refers to corrupt doctrines she taught and infidelity she promoted in the church (Thomas, 218). It was common practice in this city after the guild meeting to participate in orgies to please the gods.
c. Verse 22, 23 - The consequence of refusing to repent. Sin has consequences.
d. Verse 24-29 - The warning to put your distance between Jezebel and them. If they do blessings are coming.
f. Summary - The promise of blessings ties in with what the ruling Messiah will do after He puts down His enemies at His Second Coming.
i. Let Love, Faith, Service and perseverance rein in the church.
ii. Let us continue to do more tomorrow than we did yesterday to show that we are growing and not dying.
iii. We are not to tolerate a Jezebel teaching in the church.
iv. No tolerance of false doctrines - every teaching is to line with the word of God. All prophecy is to be judged by God’s Word. Revelation does not supersede the teaching of Scripture.
v. False doctrine is to be confronted in love and dealt with.
1. Let go of false doctrine and call what it is “Lies”. Satan’s deep secrets are a source of destruction - remember their where false prophecies promoted in this town from cultic sources.
vi. No tolerance of a doctrine that allows covetousness - greed. Name it claim it.
1. This would refer to any prophecy or so-called revelation that does not line up with God’s Word.
2. God’s Word is to be upheld and God’s children protected.
3. There is to be no evil power plays on others.
4. No Pride or evil manipulation of others.
g. We are to hold on to Jesus Christ and His Word until He returns or we meet Him in the air.
i. We are to persevere and be faithful to the end.
h. When He comes we will be given authority from the Father for our faithfulness to His message and truth.
i. We will receive the "Morning Star" - Jesus Christ.
i. Over-comers receive authority from God. Over-comers will receive the "Morning Star."This is Christ Himself because he is the "bright Morning Star" revealed later in Revelation.
j. We will listen to what the Spirit says.
T.S. – Thyatira was not the only church sleeping and being unaware of its current spiritual condition but Sardis another church had similar issues of spiritual slumber.
II. Sardis the church that walked and worked in their sleep.
"To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. (Rev 3:1 NIV)
Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. (Rev 3:2 NIV)
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. (Rev 3:3 NIV)
Yet you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothes. They will walk with me, dressed in white, for they are worthy. (Rev 3:4 NIV)
He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels. (Rev 3:5 NIV)
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Rev 3:6 NIV)
A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
a. Sardis was located in West central Asia Minor some 100 miles from the Mediterranean Sea. It was about 30- 35 miles south east from the city of Thyatira.
b. The city rested on top of a plateau 1500 feet high on the northern ridge of Mt. Tmolus. The city was an impregnable fortress because there was only one access up a steep winding incline to the city. A small army could defend it easily. The other three sides of the city were sheer walls of stone. The city won all battles but two.
i. The two times it was defeated was because of unexpected invaders who climbed the walls on the three sides that no guard watched.
1. The city fell in about 549-546 B.C. when Cyrus King of Persia took the city. Hailey states, "Tradition says that a soldier found a crevice in the rock on the cliff sides and he climbed up with a band of soldiers who took the city by surprise when they least expected it.
2. The city had not learned its lesson and 330 years later the city was defeated again by Antioch’s the Great who took the city the same way. Climbed the sheer walls and caught the city by surprise.
3. Many have noted how each time they fell it was a shock to the inhabitants because the city had the reputation of being impregnable but they dropped their guard and the winning armies came in quick like a thief in the night and defeated the city.
c. The city was known as a city of the wealthy-like Beverly Hills is today. Kings where known to have expensive palaces there. It is noted that the city had a gold supply they mined and they also were the first city to mint gold coins for circulation for buying and selling of goods.
i. Staun makes the observation that the city and the church had many similarities. The sad fact was the church did not learn from the cities historical mistakes.
ii. The city supported many pagan deities - But the primary or common teaching of the pagan deities was the ability of the false deities to do healing power.
iii. In Sardis there was a strong emphasis directed toward the deities power to raise the dead. Thomas notes, "This special power was connected with a hot springs about two miles from the city. These springs were viewed as visible manifestations of the power of the god of the underworld, which was prominent in the local religious legend (Ramsay)" (243).
B. Revelation of Jesus -- "The word of him who holds the seven spirits and seven stars.”
a. Seven - was the number of fullness, completion, or perfection mentioned from 1:4. Seven Spirits is explained by Thomas as:
i. The identity of "the seven spirits of God" has been discussed in connection with 1:4 above. There the conclusion was that the title is a reference to the Holy Spirit against the background of Zechariah 4:1-10. That Christ holds the seven spirits is ominiscient of the doctrine of the procession of the Spirit from Christ (John 15:26; Rom. 8:9). The identification of the seven eyes of Zechariah 4:10 with the seven spirits in Rev. 5:6 symbolizes the Spirit’s omniscience. His further identification with the seven lamps of Zech. 4:2 (Rev. 4:5) is a picture of the testimony He bears. The author of this message is one who is represented among the churches by the Third person of the Trinity, who knows all and whose purpose is to testify through the seven lamp stands established in these seven cities (244).
ii. The seven stars is reference to the seven churches and this message makes it clear to all who is in control of the churches. Christ is in control and if the church does not yield to Him – then He will deal with it accordingly. This statement is a symbol of authority and control from Jesus. Many believe this terminology is used to illicit alarm in the church and to make it wake up and repent.
b. I know - means what it says "I know all about YOU!"
i. Jesus knows everything nothing is hid from his eyes!
c. Sardis a church with a reputation of being awake and alive but in reality it is dead. The message from the Lord:
i. This church was perceived by other Christians and the world as an alive church but Jesus saw its heart and said "YOUR DEAD"
1. Many churches are like this today in America!
ii. Reputation - Quote "Reputation is what others think us to be; character is what God knows us to be"(Taylor).
1. Hailey states, "Many churches today have a reputation of soundness and activity, but inwardly are decaying and dying."
2. Many today talk of what they did yesterday and neglect what they are suppose to do today.
3. They believe works of the past guarantees success for the future but they forget that works do not get you into heaven it’s grace and the condition of your heart with the Lord.
4. The Lord is not letting people ride into heaven on their past works.
5. He wants to know where you are at today. What are you doing for the kingdom today. Quit keeping score and focus on serving the Lord today.
6. Scripture repeatedly warns about outward appearances being the measuring stick for spirituality. The Word tells us many will look saved until the last minute.
a. Ten Virgins in Mt 25 only 5 were saved.
b. Nicodemus John 3 outwardly he was spotless but Jesus told him he had to be Born Again.
c. Judas Iscariot looked great on the outside even to the other disciples but Jesus saw his heart.
d. Martin Luther - a monk, deeply religious, but lost until he discovered that the just shall live by faith not works.
e. John Wesley - came to America to preach to the Indians and meet some Moravians on the ship who helped him see his need to be saved. He looked great outwardly but inwardly he was lost and dead.
f. Matthew 7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to me, ’Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Mat 7:21 NIV)Many will say to me on that day, ’Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ (Mat 7:22 NIV) Then I will tell them plainly, ’I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Mat 7:23 NIV)
iii. This warning for Sardis is given to make then wake up - to take a good look at their spiritual condition.
1. Trivett notes this about the church: "They had a label but no life. They had a reputation but no reality. It had a form but no force...Instead of being a temple of the Living God, they were the morgue of the lifeless group. They were more an organization rather than an organism. They were more of a skeleton than a sanctuary. They were more like bones than a body. Like Samson, they did not know that the spirit had departed."
2. William James of Harvard once said "There were some people for whom religion was a dull habit, while to others, it was acute fever." By appearances it was a Church of an acute fever. But by assessment it was a Church of a dull habit." The impressive prayers that were prayed went no higher than the ceiling. The beautiful music was not heard in angelic realms. The large offerings were not recorded in ledger of Heaven. It’s many programs were not attended by heavenly power. THE CHURCH WAS DEAD! "Reputation is what people think you are. Reality is what Jesus knows you are!"
d. How do you know a church is alive?
i. I Thessalonians 5:12-22: Final Instructions
12Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you.
13Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.
14And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
15Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.
16Be joyful always;
17pray continually;
18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
19Do not put out the Spirit’s fire;
20do not treat prophecies with contempt.
21Test everything. Hold on to the good.
22Avoid every kind of evil.
ii. Notice the signs of a church that is alive and awake according to Paul are:
1. It respects leadership
2. It lives at peace with each other
3. It warns those who are idle
4. It encourages the timid
5. It helps the weak
6. It is patient with everyone
7. It does not pay back wrong for wrong
8. It is kind to one another
9. It is joyful
10. It prays continually
11. It give thanks in all circumstances
12. It does not put out the Spirit’s fire
13. It does not treat prophecies with contempt
14. It tests everything
15. It holds on to the good
16. It avoids every kind of evil
e. Verse 12 “WAKE UP” - Stir this church out of walking in their sleep. The divine prescription to resurrect it was to yell at it to wake it up. The 1st word of correction. "Become Watchful" remember how the city fell twice nobody was watching the other 3 walls. The guards were asleep!
i. Eph. 5:6-14: Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. (Eph 5:6 NIV) Therefore do not be partners with them. (Eph 5:7 NIV) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (Eph 5:8 NIV) (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) (Eph 5:9 NIV) and find out what pleases the Lord. (Eph 5:10 NIV) Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. (Eph 5:11 NIV) For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. (Eph 5:12 NIV) But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, (Eph 5:13 NIV)for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." (Eph 5:14 NIV)
1. Isa. 26:19: "Wake up, oh sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
ii. A word of exhortation - the steps they need to take to correct their spiritual slumber 3:3
1. Remember - recall the past what Christ has done. What you received and heard and obey it. Go back to the Gospel!
2. It is one thing to receive and hear it’s another matter to be willing to obey its commands and live it. It’s one thing to say you’re Christian and not keep a watchful attitude to obey the truth. Now repent and change your ways or else.
3. Ritchie states, "Take a look at your life in me and change your mind about the way you’re living off the riches of your parents’ faith, while your own faith is dying because you are not depending on life in me for yourselves. Repent of your lifelessness, your hypocritical lifestyle, you’re good works done only for men to see them. Repent once and for all. And the moment you make the 180-degee turn back to me, you will be reminded that you have the Holy Spirit. Who lives within you, and by his power you will be able to live in obedience to the truth of God as revealed in the Word! The warning - I come like a thief and if you are not ready you will be left behind. He warns them their lights going to be removed it they do not wake up and change.
iii. Encourage the remnant - Verse 4 -- not everyone was dead or walking in their sleep. There was a remnant that had life! These believers where not soiled. Their robes were without sin. These people were making a difference!
iv. A Promise verse Rev. 3:5-6: Those found awake will be written in the Lamb’s book of life. They will also receive the blessing and acknowledgement of Jesus to the Father that you are pure and holy and that you are allowed entrance into Heaven. Churches hear this warning and repent!
C. Summary of the message to Sardis:
a. Deadness in the church starts with its members – those attending services.
b. We have to ask ourselves are we walking in our sleep as a church?
c. If we are, we have to wake up!
d. We need to remember where we came from and move on into the future by working for the Kingdom today
e. We need to receive the word of correction.
f. We need to obey the words in the Bible and live by them once again.
g. W e need to repent and turn away from our soiled lifestyle to receive the promise of having our lives written in the book of life.
h. The most important lesson is for us to STAY AWAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
T.S. – Sardis needed to wake up and live again for Jesus and quit living on their past accomplishments and get moving for the Lord today. The next church we are looking at today is worst than all of the rest. Laodicea.
III. Laodicea the church that is always sleeping.
"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." (Rev 3:14-22 NIV)
A. Historical Background:
a. The city of Laodicea was founded in about 261-246 B.C. probably by Antiochus II who named it after his wife who he divorced in 253 B.C. She is famous for then poisoning Antiochus.
b. The city was the county seat of its area and was located on an important travels intersection of the area. It was located on the main Highway between Ephesus and Syria. Because of its strategic position it became a great commercial and financial center especially during The Roman Empires time.
c. It evolved into a manufacturing center where it produced woolen garments made out of a local soft wool which was glossy black. In its competition with its neighbor cities Hierapolis and Colosse who also produced wool but not this type they became the major producers and exporters to others. This project helped the city into economic prosperity.
d. The city was also known for its famous school of medicine. This medicine school emerged from the temple, "the god of the valley". The Laodicean physicians followed the teachings of Hierophilos. He had promoted the teaching that compound diseases required compound medicines for treatment. Thomas notes, "A well known medicine developed by the physicians of this school was applied to the eyes to cure eye diseases " (298)
e. The temple of the Phrygian god "Men Karou" was the center of this city. Many of its prominent people were connected with this temple.
f. Commerce, manufacturing and medicine combined together helped to propel Laodicea into one of the wealthy cities of its day. Since the city was very prosperous it then created and attracted many wealthy individuals.
g. The city was once destroyed by an earthquake but received no help to rebuild because they were so wealthy.
h. The church in Laodicea was believed to have been established by Epaphras from Colossae (Col. 4:12-16)
B. The Revelation of who is giving the message to this sleeping church.
a. "The Amen" - The Message say’s, "God’s Yes" - The phrase is used of Christ to signify that he is par excellence. He is God’s Yes. The Hebrew root word of the phrase Amen is translated "truth" as being fixed, certain, unchangeable. In simple language Ho Amen means that what this speaker says will be absolutely accomplished. His message is absolute and certain. No ifs, ands or buts. God says it and it will occur-- guaranteed!
i. Thomas makes this observation "Since the principal indictment against the Laodicean church is it’s lukewarm attitude, Christ’s attributes of sincerity and truth come to the forefront as He deals with those whose alleged devotion to Him is only superficial and not substantial" (300).
ii. Point in this title -- Christ is the true and certain one even if the church fails:- II Cor. 1:18-22: But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
1. Christ has no flaw he is perfection. There may be flaws in churches but there is no flaw in Christ.
iii. Here is an amazing truth I need to remind you of - don’t judge by assuming that because the church is flawed that Jesus is flawed. He’s NOT!
1. Here is another amazing thought, "God uses imperfect people like you and me to accomplish His perfect will." No imperfect church or person will hinder God in doing what he has said. It will happen.
b. The faithful and true witness
i. John 14:6"I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
ii. As a witness the Greek implies “Martyrs” -- we get our English word from this word which is martyr - which means one who has died, given up his life for the truth. There have been many martyrs through history but the Amen martyr is Christ the "Yes of God!" He is the one Faithful and True Martyr. He is the one confronting a church the church with its luke-warmness. He has never misrepresented the Truth of His message and since He is always trustworthy and faithful to truth. He now must confront a church that does not represent faithfulness and truth.
iii. Interesting note since Christ’s martyrdom there has been an estimate of 40 million martyr’s to date.
1. Barna notes, "Because at least 40 million people. Had their faith radically challenged and they refused To back down from following Christ no matter what the cost of the relationship. To those saints, the very purpose of life was wrapped up in their understanding of the fullness of the Christian life. These martyrs viewed their relationship with Jesus Christ as one worth dying for. Their faith was more than simple series of religious truths that enabled them to gain earthly riches, to be seen in the right places at the right times or to gain new insights into human character. Their faith was the defining thread of their lives. Their refusal to renounce their faith, even at the costs of their lives, dramatically illustrates how they defined success and purpose in life" (Barna, 29).
c. The ruler of God’s creation (1:14)
i. He is the agent of God’s creation John 1:1-3; 14
ii. It is also affirmed in Col. 1:15-20: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
1. Many have misunderstood this text because this text clearly means Jesus is the Beginning, the Author, or Source of everything God has created and He has created all things. He is the one now addressing this church.
d. The message to the sleeping church is to wake up or be removed forever.
i. Their condition is the worst than all the other churches. It’s the condition first of all of being lukewarm. Not hot! Not cold!
1. Other ways of saying this are: half-hearted, indifferent, apathetic, unenthusiastic, spiritless, lackadaisical, uninterested, inattentive, and the list could go on.
2. This church had a mediocre view of spiritual things.
a. Thomas notes this, "These people had avoided the extremes of outright spiritual destitution, but they had also avoided unrestrained spiritual fervor" (305).
b. Their commitment level was suffering from No Commitment. Someone has termed this "the Leukemia of non-commitment."
3. Lukewarm - Archaeologists have discovered some interesting facts out about this church and their water supply which can help us to understand the term lukewarm.
a. Six miles in one direction from Laodicea was the city of Hierapolis which had hot mineral springs. These springs were useful for medicine baths. But for Laodicea a city short on water these springs did not help their need for water. The problem lied in what happened to the water as it flowed six miles to Laodicea. As this Hot Spring water flowed across the plateau to the cliffs of Laodicea it started to cool losing its heat and healing power. By the time it reached Laodicea the water was lukewarm and poisonous. Somehow after losing its heat it retained a lot of impurities which made it poisonous to drink. Therefore the city could not use this natural water supply to quench the thirst of its city’s inhabitants. It was not a blessing but really a danger for anyone who drank it.
b. Six miles in the opposite direction of Laodicea was another water source called the Springs of Denzili were icy cold water flowed. But once again as the water flowed to Laodicea and traveled 6 miles over the plateau it became lukewarm by the time it reached Laodicea. Not only was this water lukewarm but it had also picked up lime in its six mile journey causing the water to become poisonous. If someone drank it they would become very sick.
i. From these two sources we discover that when this church heard about their condition it was very severe because they were like the water. They were useless to quench people’s thirst for the Lord and give life. As a matter of fact they made the Creator sick to his stomach.
e. There condition was also serious in light of the view they had of themselves. Their self-image was distorted. They felt that because they were rich and wealthy that they had it all. They actually believed that because they had money and things that they were God’s holy set apart and chosen saints.
f. Their wretched condition: This church was unable to discern that they had made the creator sick.
i. They had become lukewarm to Him and His word. They lacked care or concern for the things of God. They deceived others and themselves into thinking that the measuring rod to see if you were spiritual lied in how much money was in your bank account.
ii. They had become a church that was self-indulgent, self-centered and believed this is what Jesus taught. They had no commitment to Christ and His great commission to win the lost. Their commitment was to how much money they could make. That was the goal of their deceptive version of Christianity!
C. Summary: What is the message to this church and also to us? We need to stay awake and guard ourselves from anything (including ministry) that allows us to forsake our love for Christ personally. It screams at us that we need to keep our focus on Jesus Christ and His love, so that we will not leave our love for Him behind.
a. Christ tells this church to wake up and do the following:
i. Buy what Jesus is selling not what the world is selling and this investment will be an investment that will make them truly rich.
ii. This church needed to put its faith in God and not the world.
1. It needed to quit depending on its own resources and the world’s and buy from Christ. It needed to quit resting on its own abilities (it’s own a faith in their own faith) and it needed to quit trusting in the world’s resources.
iii. This church needed to get its clothes back on.
1. Literally this church needed to put the white clothes of Christ’s righteousness back on. Repent and wear white!
iv. This church needed eye salve to heal their spiritual blindness.
1. Healing only comes when the Holy Spirit’s healing anointing salve comes in to our eyes. Then we can see clearly.
v. The way to receive all the above and life is by repenting and answering the door in your heart.
1. When you answer it and let him in all the wonderful things just mentioned occur.
b. 3:19-20 is a loving section in this whole message you need to see.
i. The promise 3:21-22 is if you do the above process Christ promises that you will reign with him.
Conclusion:
Hear this message Christian Hills - Is your love for Jesus exclusive? Do you regularly take quality time to be with him? Or have other things crept into your heart, taking up your thoughts and affection? Jesus is asking you right now to repent and start over again if you answer is yes to any of the preceding questions. He wants you to stop and realize, ‘Wait a minute - I see how this lack of love has crept into your life. It’s robbing me of time with you says Jesus!’ Today is the day to go back to you first love. Ask him to renew your passion for him and to keep him in the number one spot of your heart.
Choose to wake up!
Revelation 16:15: "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed."
