The Seven Churches of Asia Laodicea The Lukewarm Church Revelation 3:14-22 NT Church 2017-18

Letters to the churches 7 letters to 7 congregations – symbolic of the church as a whole. Common conditions found in every church Thus we can ask, “How does this apply to us?” Laodicea

Letters to the churches Ephesus – Left their first love Smyrna – Persecuted (poor-rich) Pergamos – Compromise (tolerating) Thyatira– Corrupt (immorality) Sardis – Dead (or dying) Philadelphia – An open door Laodicea – lukewarm (rich-poor) Laodicea

The city of Laodicea Located about 40 miles south east of Philadelphia and about 100 miles east of Ephesus Part of tri-city area including Colossae and Hierapolis A wealthy city known for its luxury and prosperity. A banking center of Asia minor (minted coins) Also black wool and Phrygian powder for the eyes Laodicea

A famous school of medicine was there Known for its arts The city of Laodicea They prided themselves for their self-sufficiency. In 62 when damaged by an earthquake, they refused help from Rome. A famous school of medicine was there Known for its arts An assize city (courts) A retirement city Laodicea

Religion included Zeus, Asclepius and Apollo. Also Caesar worship The city of Laodicea A considerable Jewish community, that was wealthy and helped support Jerusalem Religion included Zeus, Asclepius and Apollo. Also Caesar worship Laodicea

Mentioned by Paul in Colossians 4:12-16, with a letter written to them The city of Laodicea The beginning of the church is unknown – possibly by Paul, or more likely one of his companions while he was in Ephesus. Mentioned by Paul in Colossians 4:12-16, with a letter written to them NOTHING good is said about this congregation Laodicea

Ultimate affirmation He is the last word The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Christ identified Says the Amen Ultimate affirmation He is the last word Laodicea Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Christ identified The Faithful and True Witness Jesus is both! Revelation 1:5 John 8:14-16 Laodicea Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Christ identified The Beginning of the creation of God He IS God and created all things John 1:1-3 Colossians 1:16-17 Laodicea Don McClain, w65stchurchofchrist.com

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Commendations – NONE! Condemnations: “I know your works” Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Condemnations: You are neither cold nor hot. Cold – one far away and knowingly rejecting God, one without faith Hot – one “on fire” in service to God, zealous. A church that cannot be stopped (e.g. Philadelphia) Titus 2:14, Romans 12:11 Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Condemnations: I could wish you were cold or hot - God takes no pleasure in the lost, but there is something worse… Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Condemnations: Because you are lukewarm, - Lukewarm is tepid. Typically a drink in an unexpected state I will vomit you out of My mouth – to eject the contents of the stomach (some versions speak of spewing or spitting). The condition of Laodicea was revulsive to God. E.g. “You make Me sick” Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Condemnations: This congregation – was repulsive to the Lord. Facing rejection A congregation that is non committed. No zeal and indifferent. Self-satisfied Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Condemnations: Why is being lukewarm a problem? No conviction or commitment No zeal, or lack of quality products Often misplaced priorities Often accompanied by arrogance and selfishness A breeding ground for doctrinal and moral errors – not dealt with Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Condemnations : You say, “I am rich, have become wealthy and have need of nothing” Like the city, this congregation had outward resources, and likely struggled with materialism and worldliness (not necessarily immorality or doctrinal error) Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Condemnations : You say, “I am rich, have become wealthy and have need of nothing” The Bible warns of the dangers of wealth. 1 Timothy 6:18-19, 6:9-10 Often those comfortable in this life don’t want to change Luke 12:21 Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Condemnation: You say, “I am rich, have become wealthy and have need of nothing” God sees them differently Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Condemnation: You do not know that you are: Wretched – of poor quality, to be pitied – cf. Romans 7:24 Miserable – the result of their wretched condition Poor – having very little Blind – 2 Peter 1:9 Naked – exposed, needing protection Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Call to action: I counsel you – a plain and clear charge Buy gold refined in the fire, that you may be (spiritually) rich – Proverbs 23:23, Matthew 6:19-21 Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Call to action: Buy… white garments (as opposed to the black clothing) that you may be clothed – covered up (their shame) and protected with purity Revelation 19:8 – fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Call to action: Anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see – overcome their spiritual blindness – Ephesians 1:18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Call to action: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten – even in their deplorable state, God still loved them – Hebrews 12:5-8 – chastening designed to bring one back There is tragedy in a child 1) who is not chastened 2) will not heed chastening Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Call to action: Therefore, be zealous and repent – to a complacent society, they are called upon to be zealous ALL ungodliness needs to be repented of! Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Call to action: Behold, I stand at the door and knock – there was (is) still hope. Knocking implies this will not last forever – so one NEEDS to open the door! Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Promises: If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me – to open the door (with repentance) will cause us to be fully restored Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Promises: To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne – our goal is to always be with the Lord As I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne Laodicea

The Letter to Laodicea – 3:14-22 Promises: He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches! Laodicea

Does this apply to us? 3:14-22 A church, probably in a prosperous area, with tendencies toward complacency and selfishness A community that is probably somewhat tolerant (if you leave them alone). The wealthy church is filled with good outward works – supporting preachers, doing other things, etc. Laodicea

Does this apply to us? 3:14-22 They stand for the truth, but there are struggles with materialism and covetousness. Much like Sardis, they measure themselves by their outward accomplishments and worldly standards Laodicea

Does this apply to us? 3:14-22 They have a SERIOUS spiritual problem – they are complacent and satisfied. Possibly arrogant and over confident. Other ungodly attitudes among its members Laodicea

Does this apply to us? 3:14-22 Like Sardis, IF they don’t change they are dying. BUT, unlike Sardis, they don’t really care There are lost souls out there, BUT they don’t really care They are losing members (young and old), but they really don’t care IF someone wants to do something, that’s fine, they really don’t care Laodicea

Does this apply to us? 3:14-22 What are we really willing to give up to follow after our Lord? Romans 12:1-2 Will we die for Him? Luke 9:23-24, 14:26-27 Godly churches were commended for their willingness to sacrifice What will we really sacrifice for Him? The future of the Lord’s church depends as much upon our attitude as it does our actions Laodicea

Are we like the church at Laodicea?