Revelation Study Series 8 - God's Mysterious Plan Fulfilled
12.05.21
Message…
Revelation 3:14-22
14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the One who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:
15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!
16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth!
17 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.
18 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.
19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
20 “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.
21 Those who are victorious will sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat with My Father on His throne.
22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches.”
Over the past few weeks we have looked at six churches the apostle John wrote letters to. The Lord told John exactly what to write and exactly to whom they were to be delivered.
Some of these letters had great things to say. The Lord praised some for their faithfulness, their labor, their love for one another. Some were praised for their sacrifice and dedication.
And, to some He gave rebuke, correction and warning. Some had forgotten Whom they were serving. Some had forgotten their purpose in existing all together. Others were more concerned with following religion rather than relationship with the Lord.
Today, we have the church in Laodicea.
Interesting Note: In 367 AD...a council of men...scholars/authorities met in Laodicea. They discussed what should be accepted as the Bible and what shouldn’t. They decided that the book of Revelation should not be read, studied, or accepted as from God.
Not surprising given what it says...what the Lord says...it goes to show you that man only wants to hear what man wants to hear...and do what man wants to do.
Laodicea was a very wealthy city. It was located about 40 miles east of Ephesus.
One of the main trades Laodicea was known for was its black wool. They would make garments and sell them all over. They were dressed well.
They were also known for their medical school and treatments. People would come from all over with various ailments. They were especially known for their eye salve. They would take a powder and mix it with oil making a paste/clay and then apply that to a patient’s eyes.
Northwest of Laodicea was a place called, “Hierapolis”. It was known for its hot springs. People would go there to soak in pools of hot mineral water baths.
To the southeast, nestled in the mountains 5-6 miles away, was a place called, “Colossae”. It's cold mountain stream provided cool, crisp, refreshing water.
Laodicea’s water supply came from Hierapolis. They piped this hot water through a man made underground aqueduct.
They were wealthy, dressed well/looked good, they had the whole Ann Arbor medical center thing going, and they were well watered! Smart, savvy, independent. They didn’t need anyone’s help.
A proud city. So proud in fact that after an earthquake leveled the city in 60 A.D., they refused assistance from the Roman Empire. They would rebuild themselves, they would pay for it themselves…they needed no one!
And to them the Lord provided His strongest words. There were no words of praise, only rebuke.
Not only did the Lord have nothing good to say to them. But, as we will soon see, He would call their independent indifference (casual Christianity) sickening!
Revelation 3:14
14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the One who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:
“The One who is the Amen” “Amen” - means “so be it”
We pray, “in Jesus name, Amen” - in Jesus name, so be it!
2 Corinthians 1:20
20 For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in Him. That is why we say "Amen" when we give glory to God through Christ.
He is the “faithful and true witness” in which, and by which all things were created!
John 1
1 In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He existed in the beginning with God.
3 God created everything through Him,
and nothing was created except through Him.
4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and His life brought light to everyone.
Revelation 3:15
15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!
The Lord used their water supply as an object lesson.
If you were like the hot spring baths in Hierapolis you could provide a place for someone to be rejuvenated...like a spa treatment.
If you were like the cold, refreshing water which comes from Colossae you could provide for someone’s thirst to be quenched.
But, you are neither!
Revelation 3:16
16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth!
As I mentioned, Laodicea’s water supply came from Hierapolis.
As the hot water made its way through the underground stone piping the water would lose much of its heat.
The water came out not hot, not crisp, nor refreshing and cold…but, tepid…lukewarm.
Combine that with the minerals and its taste would be almost bitter.
Jesus was obviously referencing their spiritual walk, their faith and life.
You’re not hot! There is no fire in your faith!
You’re not even cold!
You can look at this two ways…either you are not cold in the sense that you do not provide even a form of spiritual refreshment to others…or you are not cold in complete lack of belief, open rejection of Christ…at least then there would be a reason for why you are the way you are!
I wish you were one or the other, the Lord said!
Think about the Lord’s words. The way in which the people of the church in Laodicea lived…their spiritual walk with the Lord, or lack thereof caused the Lord to want to vomit.
Even worse concerning their foul water was that they were used to it!
Their wealth, independance/indifference made them lax and comfortable. They had adapted to the world around them and no longer had any zeal for the Lord.
When we lived in Texas…we lived in an oil town. There were towering oil rigs all around us. About three miles out of town you could smell a stench. It was easy to know that we were getting close to home just by the smell.
Strangely, after a while you would get used to it. We never did…but, those who had lived there for years…no longer smelled it.
You could fill a glass of tap water and you would think it was tea…it was that brown. The water would leave a film of oil in the glass. Oil seeped into the water supply due to outdated, rusted underground pipes.
Most of the people in that town of 5,000 had rotten yellow or brown teeth because of the water.
I would often ask people what the problem was, most of the time they would admit that it was probably the water. Really, you think!
But, they still drank it. They had grown used to it.
It’s funny. I don’t ever see that water from that little town in west Texas on the store shelves bottled and for sale.
Revelation 3:17
17 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.
Everything that the people of Laodicea had in abundance physically, and materially…everything that they thought made them great…actually made them wretched in our Lord’s eyes.
Hey everything is fine! We are doing alright!
We don’t have any problems. Everyone is healthy. Everyone has a good job. Everyone is making ends meet.
Everyone is busy with things to do, people to see, places to go!
Pride, and their dependence on themselves blinded them to the truth of their situation. They weren’t fine. They had no zeal for the Lord…the Lord wanted to vomit them out of His mouth. How fine could they be?!
Materially wealthy…yet, spiritually poor!
Everything’s great…yet, miserable and empty! (And, they didn’t even know it.)
Funny how they were known for their eye salve…they helped people with vision problems…yet, the Lord said they were the ones that needed help…they were blind!
They couldn’t see their own spiritual blindness!
With all the beautiful clothing they made from their precious black wool and, yet they didn’t even clothe themselves spiritually! The Lord called them naked!
No wonder our world, and families are so messed up...many Christians are lukewarm at best!
They claim His name, but possess none of God’s power!
They rely on self, rather than trusting God!
They are too busy trying to get ahead, making them just too busy!
They are comfortable and content…rather than hungry for the Lord, His Word and His ways!
And, for that…the Lord wants to spew you out of His mouth!
It doesn’t have to be that way!
The lukewarm state you may find yourself in can change…
What man can’t cure, God can and wants to...
Revelation 3:18
18 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.
You want riches…get it from Me! (“…gold...purified by fire…” True riches, pure riches…all the impurities burned away.)
2 Cor. 8:9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that by His poverty He could make you rich.
You want to be clothed in the finest apparel…be clothed in the righteousness of the Lord!
Isa 61:10 I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness.
I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding
or a bride with her jewels.
You want to see with clear vision? Open your eyes to the Truth of God’s Word! Let the Holy Spirit teach you!
John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on His own but will tell you what He has heard. He will tell you about the future.
Psalm 73:24 You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will receive me to glory. (ESV)
Revelation 3:19
19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
“Indifference” - “lack of concern; apathy”
Jesus gave them two things to cure them of their indifference. “...be diligent and turn...”
Turn from your ways (repent)…follow Me!
And do so, diligently! Be concerned, care!
Revelation 3:20
20 “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.
The Lord provides an open invitation. To the unrepentant sinner…He stands knocking at your heart's door.
Hello! I’m here! Truth is at the door! Everlasting life is knocking! Purpose now and for eternity is calling!
But, He will not force open the door…as much as He loves you…He waits for you to want Him, to accept Him...to hear with your ears and see with your eyes that you need Him!
Revelation 3:21
21 Those who are victorious will sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on His throne.
Though this passage is filled with rebuke, Jesus is looking for a turnaround! That’s what He’s rooting for! That’s His desire!
God doesn’t want you to be a “lukewarm” Christian. God doesn’t want you to be indifferent. He wants you to be all in...to care about your relationship and walk with Him!
He wants you to pursue the riches He has for you as you seek Him!
He wants you to recognize your spiritual nakedness…
He wants you to recognize your spiritual blindness…
Care/Repent...turn to Him!
