LAODICEA, YOU MAKE ME SICK!

Intro: We have finally reached the final of Revelation's seven churches, though it has taken some time. While some of these churches have

performed admirably, the majority of them have serious issues. In Laodicea, complete apostasy marks the culmination of the downward spiral that began with the breakup of Ephesus' first love. This church had deviated so far from its original purpose that it literally made the Lord ill. I'd like to remind you that these letters to the churches can be viewed from three perspectives before we get into these verses. 1.) Specifically, these are genuine letters to genuine churches with genuine issues. 2.) In a prophetic manner, these letters depict the church at various points in its history. The state of the church from about 1900 AD until the Rapture is depicted in the Laodicean church. The church is largely to blame in today's world. It belongs to the false church. 3.) Personally, these letters are addressed to each and every Christian and church that receives them. They have a word for each of you as an individual and for our congregation. A little background on the city of Laodicea is required if we are to comprehend what our Lord said to this church. Antiochus II established this city before the year 253 B.C. Laodice, his wife, was its name. The city was very safe from enemy attack because it was on a high plateau. The lack of a readily available water supply in the city of Laodicea was the only defensive issue. Aqueducts were required to carry water into the city. The city received water from the hot springs six miles to the north in Hierapolis. Colossae, 10 miles to the east, was also the source of piped water. As we move into the passage, this fact will play a significant role. In the year 61 AD, an earthquake destroyed Laodicea. They refused Caesar's offer of assistance and rebuilt their city on their own because it was so wealthy and self-sufficient. There were three main features that made the city famous in its day. 1. Finances: It was known throughout the Roman Empire for its wealth and financial power as a center of banking and finance. 2. Fashion: The soft, black wool that was made there was famous. This wool was prized for its use in rugs and clothing because it was considered a luxury item. In its day, Laodicea was the fashion epicenter. Here first came the newest designs. 3. Pharmaceuticals: In Laodicea, a well-known medical school produced a tablet that was sold throughout the Roman Empire. A paste was made by crushing this tablet and mixing it with water. The purpose of applying this paste to the eyes was to treat a variety of eye conditions. Let's take a look at these verses and consider our Lord's words of condemnation and warning to this church in light of this background. These words, in my opinion, are especially relevant in today's world due to the prevalence of Laodicean-influenced Christians and churches like Laodicea. When the Lord Jesus came to this powerful and wealthy church, He told the members, "Laodicea, you make me sick!" Taking that statement as our title today, let's investigate the reason behind what He said to these people. Also, let's see if there is a message for our church and for each of us in this. I. v. 14–17, "THE PROBLEMS IN LAODICEA" (Ill.): Jesus doesn't say a word of praise to this church. He has nothing positive to say to them as He considers their ways and works. He simply approaches them and outlines the issues as He sees them.) A. v. 14: The Possession Problem: Pay attention to the phrase "the church OF the Laodiceans." If you take a moment to read the remaining letters in Revelation 2, 3, you will notice the words "the church OF or IN..." followed by the name of the city. It was the Lord's church in that city in the other cities. It was their church, not the Lord's, in Laodicea! He identifies a possession issue. They did as they pleased in their church, disregarding the Lord's will. (Note: We must never forget the purpose of the church. We are not able to gain worldwide recognition through this platform. We are not allowed to present our plans or ideas there. We are unable to "run" or "dominate" there. This congregation is not "our church"; His church is there! Jesus gave his life for the church. He bought it with His Own blood, Acts 20:28. Matt, He builds it and keeps it going. 16:18-19 ; Eph. 2:19-22. The church exists to glorify Him. We're here for Him alone and only! It is our duty to proclaim Him; laud Him; bolster Him; and make Him known. This church is not yours! This isn't my congregation! His church is in it! He owns it and is in charge of it. Jesus alone is our Lord and Savior. No man, no gathering of men and no assemblage is able to have His spot. Ill. No one like Diotropheses is needed, according to John 9: We must always keep Him at the center of this ministry and church! B. v. 15a, "The Problem of the Passion": Jesus tells them that they have become "lukewarm" like the water in their city. Do you remember the water issue I mentioned earlier? Aqueducts brought water into the city from the six-mile-away hot springs in Hierapolis. The water had stopped being hot by the time it got to Laodicea; It was just okay. Additionally, cold water from Colossae was piped in; This water had also reached Laodicea at a lukewarm temperature. It was difficult to rehydrate in Laodicea with this tepid, lukewarm water. The church had also lost its enthusiasm. This indicates that they had lost their enthusiasm for the Lord's work. They had lost all interest and apathy. They were at a point where they were just going through the motions, but the Lord's things did not move them. Clearly, they were unconcerned toward the cross of Jesus; the Holy Bible; and the state of the lost people in their immediate vicinity. These individuals were neither completely stifled nor fervent in their devotion to Jesus. They fell somewhere in the middle. Jesus gets sick from their condition! (Note: Isn't this also the state of the contemporary church? Individuals are making a cursory effort, however there is no consuming enthusiasm for the things of the Master! The cross no longer inspires today's churchgoers! They hear and read about the crucifixion, but they remain motionless! Today's churchgoers are unmoved by the suffering of the lost! They are aware that people are lost and that those who are lost will end up in Hell; yet, they truly couldn't care less. "That's terrible, I wish they would get saved," they say. However, they do not observe or pray; they couldn't care less! The typical church in today's society exemplifies apathy! They are doing things like praying, preaching, singing, etc., so they are not exactly dead. However, neither are they particularly exuberant. What they are doing, who they serve, and what they hear exude neither excitement nor passion. Their position is somewhere in the middle. That is the location of the modern church! Individuals enter the congregation, sit down, overlay their arms and say, "Favor me if possible!" They never feel compelled to pray at an altar. They are never compelled to testify. They only come and go whenever they feel like it. How can you find out about Jesus; His soul-love for you; Why not remain unmoved by His death for you and everything He has done for you? How is it possible to know Him and not be influenced by that relationship? I certainly do not anticipate everyone's response to be like mine; However, I believe there should be some signs of life; an expression of emotion; Some suggest that the word of God, the Holy Spirit, and God's work influence the spirit. Where is our enthusiasm for Lordly pursuits? A church that reaches this point encounters significant difficulties. 1. It's the most challenging type of church to pastor. The people are correct; They enter and exit the structures; However, they are uninterested. They have heard everything and are unmoved by it. This sort of lack of concern is difficult to take! I'd rather have a stifling church where the Lord could light a spiritual fire than a warm one; or one with too much zeal, which the Lord could temper so that I had to try to pastor a lot of satisfied people! You can't move them! 2. It is the most difficult church to serve the Lord in. They simply lack concern! Fine if people are saved. It is acceptable if they are not. Great if the sermons are effective! If not, that's fine as well. That is a difficult attitude to control! 3. The Lord is misrepresented by this kind of church. Jesus had a fiery personality! He was ablaze an it displayed in His life and service. Men who followed him were passionate, and their lives were consumed by devotion to the Lord Jesus. It gives a false impression of Jesus and what He stands for when we are indifferent, unmoved, and unconcerned!!) (Note: Let me just say this before proceeding: There are certain things that you can't ignore! When it comes to Jesus Christ, there are no options for indifference or apathy! Anyone who is right with God cannot pass through Calvary and remain motionless when they observe the Lord bleeding, broken, and dead. Anyone who hears Christ's claims cannot be ambivalent! He asserts that he is God in human form! He asserts that he is the sole Savior! He has complete control over both my life and yours! When it comes to Jesus, no one can stray from the path of least resistance! Either you support Him or you oppose Him! You should either acknowledge Him or you should stone Him! When he said, "A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher," Ill. C.S. Lewis hit the nail on the head. He would either be the devil of hell or a lunatic, comparable to a man who claims to be a poached egg. You must select your option. Either this was, and is, the Child of God, or probably a crazy person or something more terrible. You can either silence Him like a fool or kneel at His feet and claim Him as Lord and God. However, we should refrain from making patronizing remarks about how great a human teacher He is. That has not been left to us. C. v. 17: The Problem of Perception: The people of Laodicea saw the perfect church when they looked at themselves. They were powerful, wealthy, and believed to have everything they required. They declared, "We have arrived!" as they examined their position, possessions, and power. They believed they were in good health as they sat there, indifferent, apathetic, and motionless. This attitude is problematic because it is based on blindness. They are wrong about what they have and where they are, according to Jesus. We will examine His words to them shortly. For the time being, we need to keep in mind that our perceptions of ourselves and His perceptions of us may be entirely distinct. (Note: Sadly, a lot of churches are located here right now. They seem to have reached their destination. They would be offended if you went into the typical church today and told them that they needed a revival. They would respond, "Look at us and all we have!," if you urged them to become enthralled in service of God. We are doing well, and we have nothing to lose! I ask God that we never get to that point! The sad reality is that some people get more excited about bank money than about souls on the altar. They are more agitated about a large number on a board than they are about worshiping the Lord in a sincere manner. They are better off because of what they have than they are because the Lord showed up and moved in a service! How do we perceive our selves? What is His view of us? I'll tell you something more important than money: more than the masses; beyond buildings; more than just community acclaim; more than many of the things that we value so much: we want Jesus and we really want how He can help us! I would prefer to have Him, His presence and His power than anything material you can name! We require Him! We must look for Him! He must be welcomed by us! He deserves our worship! Ill. A church is similar to an airplane in some ways. About the only vehicle without brakes is the airplane. At the point when a plane quits proceeding, it begins going down! A church is the same way. When a church stops progressing; if a church loses its ability to see; when a congregation loses its enthusiasm for Jesus and what He can do for them; They're going to have a hard time landing! I'll repeat it: We require Him!) I. Laodicea's Issues in Part II v. 14–19: THE PRESCRIPTION FOR LAODICEA (Illinois) This church is having difficulties, but there is still hope. There's a chance! Jesus comes to give them His remedy for their affliction.) His treatment takes the form of... A. Verse 14: A Divine Appearance – Pay attention to how Jesus visits this lost church. 1. He Appears to Be the Confirming One: He appears to be the "Amen." This Hebrew phrase means "So be it;" Make it so; or as it is. Isa used it to convey the concepts of faithfulness and truth. 65:16; Deut. 7:9. We say, "Let it be so!" when we use it to end our prayers. We say, "It is so, or it is true!" when we use it to respond to a message. It is a word of assurance and closure. At the point when Jesus comes to this congregation, He comes as God's last word to mankind, Heb. 1:2. In fulfillment of all of God's promises, he arrives, 2 Cor. 1:20. Notwithstanding the way that this congregation saw itself, Jesus comes to come clean with them, He comes to have the last tell Laodicea. 2. He also appears as "the faithful and true witness" when he appears. This church had a vision of what was wrong with it. Jesus wants them to know that He is who they really are and has come to show them how they really are. Their account of Him was false, and He has shown up to correct the record. 3. He Enters As The One Who Is In Charge – He is also referred to as "the beginning of God's creation." This distinguishes Jesus as the Maker and the Regulator, everything being equal. Without His permission, nothing in the universe can move. He is in charge. He visits a church that believed it was in charge. Jesus comes to show them that, despite what they might think, He is still in charge of the church and that His hand is still on the wheel. (Note: It would be wise for us to keep in mind who Jesus is! He continues to be God's last word to the church. He has a deeper understanding of us than we do. Despite what some may believe, he is the one in charge! B. v. 15b-16 A Divine Announcement: This church has a message from God. 1. The church's situation in Laodicea is mirrored in v. 15b, The Lord's Desire for the Church. The therapeutic qualities of the hot water from Heirapolis's springs had vanished by the time the water reached Laodicea; Neither did it provide the cool, refreshing waters of Colossae. The water was cold and unpleasant. Jesus instructs His church that they should either be "hot or cold." Like a trip to a hot spring, He wants His church to be a place where people can unwind and find healing. He wants His church to be a place where worship and His presence can help people feel refreshed. The church ought to serve as a place of refreshment and healing. I heard on of our men depict Calvary Baptist as an "desert spring". That's great! 2. v. 16: The Lord's Disgust for the Church: The Lord warns them that because of their state, He will "spue them out of His mouth." The word "spue" has a lot of power. It means "to spit out, to vomit." Emeo is the Greek word. It is the source of the English word "emetic." A substance that makes you want to vomit is an "emetic." Ipecac, for instance, is a medication that is frequently used to cause vomiting after poisoning, etc. (Ill. Sulphur-heated lukewarm water.) Jesus lets this congregation know that, similar to a beverage of tepid water, they make Him need to upchuck them out of His mouth. This is what he means: He cannot and will not tolerate their apathy and indifference! I don't want to be a part of a church that makes our Lord mad! 3. Verse 17: The Lord's Description of This Church They thought they had everything, according to verse 17. He tells them that they have nothing after looking at them. They were pleased with their accomplishments. They are referred to by Jesus as "wretched," which means "troubled"; and the word "miserable," which means "to be pity." Their wealth made them feel good. Jesus reveals to them that they are in fact "poor." The meaning of this word is "desperate and reduced to begging." They were pleased with their self-image. They are said by Jesus to be "blind." They are unable to perceive themselves as they truly are. "There is no one so blind as he who will not see," someone once said. They were glad for their designs and fine apparel. Jesus declares that they are "naked" to them. They are exposed completely and shown for what they really are. (Ill.) In that society, being naked was the ultimate humiliation. Now, it is an honor badge!) C. v. 17-18—A Divine Advertisement—Jesus explains to this church where they can get everything they need. 1. They will experience true riches if they come to Him, prioritize Him, and live according to the Bible. He exhorts them to adhere to the "spiritual gold standard" and demonstrate genuine faith in the face of a fallen world. They may see their wealth vanish down here, Matt, but they will lay us treasures over there. 6:19-21; 1 Pet. 1:3-5. 2. Come to Wear Spiritual Clothes: He asks them to dress in spiritual attire. This is a challenge to come to Him for salvation. They are sinful, naked, and lost. They will no longer be naked and seen by God because He will cover them in righteousness if they come to Him, Isa. 61:10; Rev. 19:8. 3. Come for Spiritual Vision: He urged them to come to Him in order for Him to restore their spiritual vision. They will be able to perceive Him as He is and themselves as they are when that spiritual vision is restored. As a result, repentance, submission, and humble service will follow. That spiritual vision is essential! Why are people spiritually dead, dry, and uninterested? Since they can't see themselves or the Ruler as either genuinely is! 2 Cor. says that Jesus can see through the blind. 4:4; Luke 4:18. D. v. 19: Some Spiritual Advice: After inviting them to come to Him, Jesus offers them some crucial guidance. 1. A Word of Compassion: "as many as I love": He still loves them, even though they don't care about Him. What an honor! When someone does not act in accordance with His will, Jesus does not simply reject them; rather, He calls them and continues to love them even when they reject Him and His love. 2. A Word of Caution: "I rebuke and chasten": Jesus tells them and us that He loves us too much to leave us as we are because He loves us as we are. He will use two strategies to draw us closer to Him in an effort to get our attention. He will "rebuke" first. The meaning of this word is "to convict or correct." He will discuss our circumstances with us. John 16:7–11 says that He will send His Word and use the ministry of the Holy Spirit to convict us in our hearts. He will welcome us if we approach Him. He will employ more direct means if we ignore His warnings. The meaning of the word "chasten" is "to correct with blows." He could use any aspect of life to get our attention; He could even resort to death, 1 Cor. 11:30. Life will be difficult for those who refuse to follow God's path, Pro. 13:15; Jer. 2:19; Pro. 15:10. 3. A Word of Advice: "Be zealous...and repent." The word "zealous" is the root of the adjective "zesty." It means "to boil over." This church is being urged by Jesus to "get on fire for Him." They will show genuine repentance when they recognize their need and turn to Him. Keep in mind that the definition of repentance is "a change of mind that results in a change of direction." They would awaken to the Lord and His presence in their church if Laodicea repented. The cross and the plight of the lost sinner would move them. (Note: In this time, we need to turn from our sins and listen to the voice of the Lord. We must beg the Lord to allow us to see ourselves in our truest form. We require the ability to perceive Him as He truly is. We must "boil to a boil"; to get ablaze for Himself and apologize of our aloofness, our disregard our absence of conviction and concern. 1 Peter: God, help us get to Him before He judges us. 4:17.) I. Laodicea's Issues in Part II The Solution For Laodicea III. Verse 20 and 21: THE PROMISES TO LAODICEA (Illinois) Our Lord concludes this letter with a number of truly blessed promises. The miserable truth is that Laodicea has removed Jesus Christ from their congregation. He is standing outside and trying to get in.) A. v. 20a A Present Promise: "I stand at the door and knock" refers to Jesus' attempt to rejoin this church by knocking on the door. The present tense is used in these verbs. It could be said, "Behold, I am always standing at the door, and I am always knocking on the door..." He never gives up trying to get into the lives of the people He loves. (Ill. I'm glad He never abandoned me!) B. v. 20b A Personal Promise: "if any man hear my voice, and open the door..." Jesus does not need the entire church to catch fire in order for Him to enter; He only requires one individual to hear him and open the door. Jesus is an upright man! He will thump and He will call, yet He won't separate the entryway. It must be opened by willful action. (Ill. Holman Hunt's well-known painting, which shows Jesus holding a light in His hand outside a door. He is at the door and knocking. A man looked at that painting when it was first finished and said to the artist, "You made a mistake." "Where is the error?" asked Holman Hunt. "You forgot to paint a handle on the outside of the door," the critic stated. Chase answered, "There is no mix-up. On the inside, there is a handle. Jesus comes knocking, but you have to open the door! C. v. 20c: "Sup with him...and he with me": The ancient Greeks ate three meals a day. They normally had an enormous breakfast, a lot more modest lunch, and afterward a comfortable night feast, which they called "dinner". The family would take their time, talk, and enjoy each other's company at this evening meal. The family had a time of closeness at this point. According to jesus, "In the event that you will simply open the entryway, I will arrive in a have cooperation with you!" (Note: It's possible to be a member of a defunct church, but you don't have to be. Jesus will enter your life if you open the door for Him. While everyone else is dormant and apathetic, you can experience revival in your life. Do not attribute your dry condition to anyone else; Jesus can enter if the door is opened!) D. v. 21 A Strong Commitment - This section is a commitment that every one of the advantages of salvation will be given to the individual who survives. The person who converts will identify with Jesus; His heaven-bound home and heavenly father. It is promised to those who come to Jesus that they will one day reign and rejoice with Him in His heaven. That is an impressive assurance! When Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea, He is speaking to a lost congregation. He is pleading with them to be saved and is promising that their visit to Jesus will be worthwhile. (Note: I'm glad He made that offer to me and gave me the grace to accept it one day. Are you saved now? If He is calling you to come to Him, you can be! Conc: Where did you find this message? Is His grace what has saved you? Are you devoted to the Lord and His work with zeal? Or are you uninterested and uninterested in the Lord's work? Is His voice calling to you? View, I stand at the entryway, and thump: If anyone opens the door and hears my voice, I will enter and have supper with him and him. Is there a way in? Is it necessary? He desires our closeness to Him; Has He got it?