JESUS AT THE DOOR: AN INVITATION TO INTIMACY
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THEIR CONDITION
THEIR CONDITION
“ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!
I KNOW
I KNOW
“I know” means more than awareness. He knows what they have done but he also knows why they have done it. The word “works” could also be translated as witness. What was the condition of their witness
So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
Our passage contains significant clues that unveil the gravity of their spiritual condition. While some of these indicators are readily apparent, there exists one, a pivotal one, which may not be immediately discernible.
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
To rightly grasp the essence of this frequently misinterpreted text, we must delve into the context provided by geography and history.
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
Laodicea, a city steeped in wealth owing to its abundant natural resources, was renowned for its production of black wool and eye salve. It had also evolved into a flourishing financial and banking center.
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
Yet, amidst this prosperity, Laodicea faced a critical deficiency in a vital natural resource—water. To address this need, the city ingeniously constructed a complex system of aqueducts to channel this life-sustaining resource from two neighboring cities: Hierapolis and Colossae.
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
Hierapolis, situated eleven miles to the south, was celebrated for its calcium-laden hot springs. The therapeutic properties of its hot water were esteemed far and wide for their healing virtues.
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
Colossae, on the other hand, lay six miles to the west and was renowned for its cold, refreshing water. Beyond quenching thirst, cold water was known for its invigorating and revitalizing qualities.
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
In our exploration of this historical and geographical backdrop, we discover profound theological parallels. The hot water of Hierapolis symbolizes the spiritual healing and transformation offered by Christ, akin to the medicinal properties of the hot springs.
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
WHAT WAS CAUSING THEIR CONDITION?
Conversely, Colossae's cold water serves as a metaphor for the rejuvenating nature of genuine faith and wholehearted devotion to our Lord. It stands in stark contrast to the lukewarmness plaguing the Laodicean church.
THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION WAS A CONSTANT REMINDER OF GOD’S PURPOSE FOR HIS PEOPLE.
THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION WAS A CONSTANT REMINDER OF GOD’S PURPOSE FOR HIS PEOPLE.
Laodicea spiritual issue was the same as their physical issue, location to the source.
Laodicea spiritual issue was the same as their physical issue, location to the source.
WHAT CAUSED THEM TO MOVE?
WHAT CAUSED THEM TO MOVE?
For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
They were wealthy. They were self-sufficient. They had prospered through financial institutions. Their prosperity was so great that they rescinded money to Rome after experiencing a natural disaster.
WHAT CAUSED THEM TO MOVE?
WHAT CAUSED THEM TO MOVE?
Their textile industry was flourishing and clothing was plentiful. They had become the center for ophthalmology. People traveled far and wide seeking treatment for eye disease.
WHAT CAUSED THEM TO MOVE?
WHAT CAUSED THEM TO MOVE?
They were rich and in need of nothing. This condition produces lukewarmness. It’s pride and arrogance. We may not be so bold as to say those words out loud but our life bears witness to it reality.
YOUR WEALTH WILL EITHER KEEP YOU FROM JESUS OR CAUSE YOU TO KNEEL BEFORE HIM.
YOUR WEALTH WILL EITHER KEEP YOU FROM JESUS OR CAUSE YOU TO KNEEL BEFORE HIM.
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’ ”
And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.”
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Never equate physical and financial prosperity to spiritual prosperity.
Never equate physical and financial prosperity to spiritual prosperity.
What a sad spiritual state to find yourself?
What a sad spiritual state to find yourself?
To live as you need nothing while being wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. If we do not stay down wind of ourselves we will fall into the pit of self-sufficiency and thereby into lukewarmness.
THE CURE
THE CURE
ADMIT YOUR CONDITION
ADMIT YOUR CONDITION
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.
BELIEVE HE CARES
BELIEVE HE CARES
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
COME TO CHRIST
COME TO CHRIST
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.