The Lukewarm Church of Laodicea

 

The Lukewarm Church of Laodicea

This church is about 40 miles from Ephesus. Its name means “justice of the people”. It was a place of great wealth, of commerce and Greek culture. It was a place of science and literature. It boasted of an excellent medical school. This city was abandoned during the earthquakes and has not been built as of the last recording. John writes this letter of Christ saying Christ has the last word. He is the Amen. His word is final. He is the one who will fulfill all the promises of God. He says that because the church has rejected the deity of Christ, Christ will reveal all and tell all. This will be the day the church will have difficulty hearing the truth. He reminds them that Christ is their creator. He knows all and he doesn't commend this church for anything. Their works are evil works. They were lukewarm people and Christ wanted to spit them out of His mouth. A cold church denies every doctrine of faith while the hot church is one who has a real spiritual fervor and passion for Christ. A lukewarm church maintains a middle of the road position. They didn't want to fully believe the whole word of God, nor did they want to say they are firm in their beliefs. This kind of church makes Jesus sick enough to spit them out of His mouth. It's like saying “I love you” and not meaning it. This city believed they were rich and didn't need anything. Laodicea and Sardis were two of the richest cities in this area during this time. They believed the dollar was the answer to every problem of life. Christ said differently. He said they were miserable, poor, blind and naked. Where were their priorities? Where are our priorities? Are they in material things or in spiritual wealth? The Laodiceans were “the wretched one.” It was worse than all the seven churches. It was spiritually poverty-stricken. They didn't study the word, had no love of Christ and did not witness Christ’s saving grace. It was blind to its own condition. Christ counseled them to become part of the blood of Christ and be clothed in his righteousness. And to receive the Holy Spirit who opens the eyes of the believer. Christ tells them that because He loves them, He rebukes them and hopes they will repent and change their ways. They need to get on fire for God. Christ is knocking on the door of our heart. He won't force His way in but waits for us to answer. Once we answer He will share His word with us and help create a relationship with Him. Those who overcome will sit with Christ in heaven next to God on his throne. If we have an ear to hear the spirit of God can make the Word real to us.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better. If you have missed any lessons, you can go to: God Plans For You at https://sherrysouthard.blogspot.com. Nelson’s Quick Reference Commentary. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible. Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible.