Intro: We have finally reached the final of Revelation's seven churches, though it has taken some time. Several these houses of worship have been great, however a look all things considered of these temples uncovers a few difficult 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. It is to a great extent the congregation as we see it in this present reality. 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.
· This city was established by Antiochus II at some point before 253 BC. Laodice, his wife, was its name.
· The city was situated on a high level and was extremely secure from foe assault.
· The one guarded issue in Laodicea was the way that there was no prepared wellspring of water in the city. 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. This reality will be significant as we move into the entry.
· Laodicea was obliterated by a tremor in 61 Promotion. 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. We should likewise check whether there is a word here for our congregation and for us as people.
I. v. 14–17, "THE PROBLEMS IN LAODICEA" (Ill.): Jesus doesn't say a word of praise to this church. As He considers their works and their way, He has no good thing to share with them by any means. He essentially comes to them and spreads out the issues as He sees them.)
A. v. 14: The Possession Problem: Pay attention to the phrase "the church OF the Laodiceans." In the event that you will pause for a minute to take a gander at every one of different letters in Disclosure 2 and 3, you will see the words, "the congregation OF or IN… ", and afterward 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"; it is His congregation!
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! Our obligation is to teach 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. We really want no other Master except for Jesus. 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? Water from the underground aquifers in Hierapolis six miles away was brought into the city by reservoir conduits. When it arrived at Laodicea, the water was at this point not hot; It was just okay. Additionally, cold water from Colossae was piped in; when it arrived at Laodicea, this water was tepid too. This lukewarm, tepid water made getting reward in Laodicea troublesome.
The church had also lost its enthusiasm. This indicates that they had lost their enthusiasm for the Lord's work. They had become uninterested and impassive. They had arrived where they were making a cursory effort, however they were unaffected by the things of the Ruler. Clearly, they were uninterested toward the cross of Jesus; the Expression of God; also, the state of the lost individuals around them. These individuals were neither completely stifled nor fervent in their devotion to Jesus. They were some in the middle between. Jesus gets sick from their condition!
(Note: Isn't this also the state of the contemporary church? Individuals are making a halfhearted effort, yet there is no consuming energy for the things of the Master!
The cross no longer inspires today's churchgoers! They read about the execution, they catch wind of it, and they sit unaffected! Church individuals in our day are unaffected by the predicament of the lost! They realize individuals are lost and they realize that lost individuals are going to Damnation; be that as it may, 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 have no regard!
The typical church in our day is a concentrate in disregard! They are not precisely dead since they are asking, teaching, singing, and so forth. In any case, they are not precisely ablaze by the same token. What they are doing, who they serve, and what they hear exude neither excitement nor passion. They are some place in the street. That is where the advanced church is! When people enter the church, they sit down, raise their arms, and exclaim, "Bless me if you can!" They never want to go to a special raised area to supplicate. 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 figure there should be a few indications of something going on under the surface; some demonstration of feeling; Some suggest that the word of God, the Holy Spirit, and God's work influence the spirit. Where is our enthusiasm for Lordly pursuits?
There are a few significant issues with a congregation that arrives at this point.
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. It's hard to take this kind of apathy! 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! On the off chance that people are saved, fine. It is acceptable if they are not. Great if the sermons are effective! If not, that's fine as well. That is an extreme demeanor to deal with!
3. This sort of chapel distorts the Master. Jesus was a Man of enthusiasm! His life and ministry showed that He was ablaze. His supporters were energetic men and they carried on with lives getting overwhelmed with emotion for the Master 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! Aloofness and lack of care are not choices with regards to Jesus Christ! 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 makes a case for your life and mine! When it comes to Jesus, no one can stray from the path of least resistance! You are either for Him, or you are against Him! Either you will stone Him or you will accept 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 a crazy person - fair and square with a man who says he is a poached egg - or he would be Satan of misery. You must select your option. Either this was, and is, the Child of God, or probably a maniac or something more regrettable. 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 Issue Of Discernment - When individuals in Laodicea took a gander at themselves, they saw the ideal church. They were powerful, wealthy, and believed to have everything they required. They declared, "We have arrived!" as they examined their position, possessions, and power. There they sat, detached, unresponsive, and unaffected and they assumed they were looking great.
The issue with this mentality is that it is situated in visual impairment. Jesus lets them know that they are absolutely off-base about what they have and where they are. We will examine His words to them shortly. For the present, we want to recall that how we see ourselves and how He sees us might be two distinct things through and through.
(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 that we never arrive at that spot! The sad reality is that some people get more excited about bank money than about souls on the altar. They become more worked up about a major number on a board than they do about earnest love of the Ruler. 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 a considerable lot of the things we spot such extraordinary worth in: We require Jesus and His abilities to help us! I would prefer to have Him, His presence and His power than anything material you can name! We want Him! We should look for Him! He must be welcomed by us! He deserves our worship!
Ill. A church is similar to an airplane in some ways. A plane is about the main vehicle that doesn't have brakes. An airplane begins to descend when it stops moving forward. The equivalent is valid with a congregation. 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 say it once more: 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 is trust! Jesus appears to provide them with relief from their condition.)
His treatment takes the form of... A. Verse 14: A Divine Appearance – Pay attention to how Jesus visits this lost church.
1. He Comes As The Affirming One - He comes as the "So be it". This is a Jewish word that signifies "So be it; Make it so; or then again it is so". Communicating the thoughts of steadfastness and truth, Isa was utilized. 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 an expression of affirmation and conclusion.
Heb., Jesus comes to this church as the final word from God to humanity. 1:2. In fulfillment of all of God's promises, he arrives, 2 Cor. 1:20.
Jesus comes to tell them the truth and to rule over Laodicea, regardless of how this church saw itself.
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 declaration lied about Him and He has come to put any misinformation to rest.
3. He Comes As The Controlling One - He is likewise called "the start of the production of God". Jesus is thus identified as the controller and creator of everything. Without His permission, nothing in the universe can move. He has full command. 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 do us well to recollect What jesus' identity is! He is as yet God's last word to the congregation. 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 Heavenly Declaration - He has a word for this congregation.
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 waters were lukewarm and unfortunate.
Jesus lets His congregation know that He maintains that them should be by the same token "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 congregation ought to be a recuperating spot and it ought to be a position of reward. One of our men referred to Calvary Baptist as an "oasis," as I recall. 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 tells this church that they make Him want to vomit them out of His mouth like a drink of lukewarm water. This is what he means: He can't and will endure their lack of interest and aloofness! I would rather not be a piece of any congregation that carries nausea to our Master!
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 glad for their accomplishments. They are referred to by Jesus as "wretched," which means "troubled"; and the word "miserable," which means "to be pity."
They were pleased with their riches. Jesus reveals to them that they are in fact "poor." This word signifies, "desperate and decreased to asking."
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 extremely proud of their exquisite clothing and fashions. Jesus lets them know that they are "bare". 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 Heavenly Notice - Jesus tells this congregation precisely where they can find all they need.
1. They will experience true riches if they come to Him, prioritize Him, and live according to the Bible. He calls them to get on the "profound highest quality level" and experience a certifiable confidence before a lost 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 For Otherworldly Garb - He welcomes them to enhance themselves in profound pieces of clothing. This is an encouragement to come to Him for salvation. They are sinful, naked, and lost. Assuming that they will come to Him, He will fabric them in robes of honorableness and they will be at this point not bare an uncovered in that frame of mind of God, Isa. 61:10; Rev. 19:8.
3. Come For Profound Vision - He welcomed them to come to Him with the goal that He can reestablish their otherworldly 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 address us in our condition. He will send His Statement and He will convict us in our souls through the service of the Essence of God, John 16:7-11. He will welcome us if we approach Him.
On the off chance that we neglect to regard His reproaches, He will utilize more straightforward strategies. 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.
The people who won't stroll in God's way will experience inconvenience in their lives, Master. 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." At the point when they see their need and go to Him, it will show itself in veritable contrition. Keep in mind that the definition of repentance is "a change of mind that results in a change of direction." If Laodicea somehow happened to apologize, they would wake up to the Master and His presence in their congregation. They would be moved by the cross and by the situation of the lost heathen.
(Note: In this time, we need to turn from our sins and listen to the voice of the Lord. We really want to request that the Master let us see ourselves as we truly are. We require the ability to perceive Him as He truly is. We really want to "reach boiling point"; to ignite our love for Him and confess our lack of concern, conviction, and indifference. 1 Peter: God, help us get to Him before He judges us. 4:17.)
I. The Issues In Laodicea
II. The Treatment Plan for Laodicea III. v. 20-21 THE Vows TO LAODICEA
(Sick. Our Master shuts this letter for certain genuinely honored guarantees. The sad truth is that Jesus Christ has left Laodicea's church. He is standing outside and trying to get in.)
A. v. 20a A Current Commitment - He says "I stand at the entryway and thump" - In His work to get once more into this congregation, Jesus remains there and thumps. These action words are in the Current state. It very well may be expressed along these lines, "Observe, I'm ceaselessly remaining at the entryway, and I'm consistently thumping on the entryway… " He never surrenders in His endeavors to enter the existences of those He adores. (Sick. I'm happy that He never abandoned me!)
B. v. 20b An Individual Commitment - "assuming any man hear my voice, and open the entryway… " - Jesus doesn't require for the entire church to get ablaze so He can come in; He only requires one individual to hear him and open the door. Jesus is an upright man! He will call and knock on the door, but He will not open it. 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. The pundit said, "You neglected to paint an idea about the beyond the entryway." The reply from Hunt was, "There is no mistake. On the inside, there is a handle. Jesus comes knocking, but you have to open the door!
C. v. 20c A Valuable Commitment - "Sup with him… and he with me" - The old Greeks delighted in three feasts. They typically consumed a substantial breakfast, a much smaller lunch, and a leisurely evening meal that they referred to as "supper." 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, "Assuming you will simply open the entryway, I will arrive in a have cooperation with you!"
(Note: You can be an individual from a dead, dry church, yet you don't need to be that way yourself. Assuming you will make the way for Jesus, He will come in to you. While everyone else is dormant and apathetic, you can experience revival in your life. Try not to pin your dry condition on others; Jesus can enter if the door is opened!)
D. v. 21—A Powerful Promise—This verse makes the promise that the overcomer will receive all the benefits of salvation. The person who converts will identify with Jesus; His great Dad and His magnificent Home. The people who come to Jesus are guaranteed that they will reign with Him and cheer with Him in His paradise sometime in the future. 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 happy that He made that proposal to me one day, and I'm happy He gave me beauty to acknowledge Him. 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 on the other hand, would you say you are impassive and unresponsive toward the things of the Master? Is His voice calling to you? Observe as I approach the door and knock: If anyone opens the door and hears my voice, I will enter and have supper with him and him. Is the entryway open? Is it necessary? He needs our association with Him; does He have it?
