Lesson 9

Journey through Revelation Concentrate on Jesus’ Character and Power (3:14)

Our Lord introduces Himself to this church as “ ‘the Amen’ ” (3:14b). The word transliterated Amen (AMĒN) is the Hebrew word for truth and refers to that which is fixed, unchangeable, and trustworthy. The phrase “ ‘the faithful and true witness’ ” (3:14c) simply explains the title Amen. More than seventy times in the gospels Jesus uses the word truly, or “verily,” (AMĒN). One of the most important times is in John 3:3. Write it below:

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Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Journey through Revelation Concentrate on Jesus’ Character and Power (3:14)

Jesus is also “ ‘the beginning of God’s creation’ ” (Rev. 3:14c). This means He is the “Origin” or “Source” of creation. In his gospel, John tells us the Word [Jesus] … was in the beginning with God (Jn 1:1–2, explanation added). Then, what does John write in verse 3?

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3All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Journey through Revelation Eliminate Self-Righteousness (3:15–17)

As with the other churches, Jesus says, “ ‘I know your works’ ” (3:15a). He then usually has words of praise. However, our Lord has nothing good to say about the church at Laodicea. Therefore, what does He say in 3:15b?

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15“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.

Journey through Revelation Eliminate Self-Righteousness (3:15–17)

Therefore, Jesus says he wishes they were “ ‘either cold or hot’ ” (3:15c). Because they are lukewarm, what does our Lord say to them (3:16c)?

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16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Journey through Revelation Eliminate Self-Righteousness (3:15–17)

Our Lord gives us a description of their nauseating self-righteousness: “ ‘For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing’ ” (3:17a–b). The self-righteous Laodiceans thought since they were rich, they didn’t need anything, not even the righteousness found only in Christ (Rom. 10:3). However, how does Jesus describe them (3:17c)?

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17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—

Journey through Revelation Evaluate Jesus’ Offer (3:18–19)

Jesus exhorts them to buy from Him gold refined by fire. Spiritually, they only have “fool’s gold,” but His gold is genuine because it has been refined by fire. It represents genuine salvation that has been proven genuine through testing (1 Pet. 1:7). If they accept Jesus’ offer, what does He promise (3:18b–c)?

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18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

Journey through Revelation Evaluate Jesus’ Offer (3:18–19)

Christ tells the Laodiceans that He has salve to put on their eyes so they can see their spiritual condition (3:18d). In the Bible, blindness often represents being blind to spiritual truth and one’s spiritual condition. The reason lost people can’t understand spiritual truth or see their true spiritual condition is found in 2 Corinthians 4:4a. What is it?

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4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Journey through Revelation Participate in Jesus’ Invitation (3:20–22)

Many people who attend church every Sunday are like the Laodiceans because they are not true believers. Therefore, every churchgoer needs to obey what command in 2 Corinthians 13:5a?

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5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.