Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; [15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.[16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.[17]Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: [18]I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.[19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. [20] Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.[21] To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. [22] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
How do you know if you are lukewarm? Ask yourself these questions:
- Are you committed to evangelism and missions?
- Are you committed to living a holy life?
- Are you committed to your local church fellowship?
- Are you committed to spending time in prayer, worship and the Word?
- Are you committed to other believers in the Body of Christ?
- Are you actively supporting God’s work with your finances?
Spirit of Pride (Revelation 3:14–17, 21)
Revelation 3 also issues a charge to the church at Laodicea. This city was a wealthy and prosperous one. So vast was their wealth that when an earthquake destroyed the city, they required no outside help to recover! Tacitus, the Roman historian, recorded, “Laodicea arose from the ruins by the strength of its own resources.”
Laodicea: Lukewarm and Laid-Back
The charge against the Laodiceans is their lukewarm attitude (Revelation 3:16). Their wealth and prosperity foster an attitude of worldliness. They are lukewarm about the Truth, obedience to the commandments and their mission to preach the Gospel. They are very independent, and have “need of nothing” (Revelation 3:17
The lesson of Laodicea is urgent: Wake up before it is too late and ask God to open your eyes to see your own spiritual condition—repent of complacency, compromise, materialism and stubborn independence; respond to the leadership of Jesus Christ and do not lose your reward!