Come and Dine
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Transcript
Introduction
We have reached the last of the seven churches in the book of Revelation. If you remember we talked about the number seven representing completeness. Meaning that these churches can and will represent any church in any generation. Many commentators, scholars, and preachers believe that the church at Laodicea represents the church of the last age. I believe there have been churches like Laodicea in every age, but in our current age churches are predominately like Laodicea. I want us to read this text and then look at the same characteristics we have examined in the other passages: Jesus’ appearance, the review of Jesus, response, reward, and then healthy application. Revelation 3:14-22
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 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—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. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”
The Description of Jesus.
The Description of Jesus.
He is the Amen, Faithful and True Witness.
To get a picture of what is being said about Jesus here, lets look in the Gospel of John. John 17:1-5
Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was.
What is Jesus saying throughout this prayer? I have been faithful in all that you have given me to do. He is also pledging His faithful to the end — the cross.
When we think of faithfulness, Jesus is the ultimate example. His faithfulness is our confidence.
He is also the beginning of the Creation of God. The source of everything!
Jesus created and sustains the world by the power of His word (Hebrews 1).
Jesus created and sustains the church. Matthew 16:18
And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
So many more passages speak of His headship, empowerment, equipping, and sustaining of the church.
Now, we cannot supernaturally empower the church, but we can be faithful and true. And by doing so we will be empowered by the Spirit.
We’ll see soon that the church at Laodicea is the opposite of Christ example of faithfulness and true.
The Review of Jesus.
The Review of Jesus.
Jesus said that they are neither cold or hot, but rather lukewarm.
In other words, they have no passion, nor complaint. They are apathetic. Apathy is an interesting word. It mean no feelings.
Jesus was comparing them to their water supply. By the time it reached them it wasn’t cool and refreshing, nor was it hot and soothing. It was just the temperature that made it difficult to drink. History documents well that the water in Laodicea was terrible.
The church condition wasn’t much better. It made the Lord want to vomit. Their complacency was sickening. What caused their apathy or complacency?
Robert Mounce notes that Laodicea prided itself on three things: financial wealth, an extensive textile industry, and a popular eye salve that was exported around the world.
Laodicea was the wealthiest city in Asia Minor. In 60 AD they had a major earthquake that devastated most of the Asian cities. Out of all of them only Laodicea refused imperial subsidy and rebuilt on their own.
Tacitus, the Roman historian, tells us: ‘Laodicea arose from the ruins by the strength of her own resources, and with no help from us.’ ”
David Guzik
They felt they needed nothing or nobody.
This is a commentary of today’s church. We have a business model that works, technology, and programs, but we lack real spiritual power. We are severed from the vine.
We think we can do with our ingenuity and appeal what only God can do with the Gospel.
The Response to Jesus.
The Response to Jesus.
They needed to realize that when it comes to the things or God and the work of the church, they were unworthy, poor, blind, and naked.
They have nothing to offer God from their material wealth and human abilities. They were desperately in need.
They needed to invest in Christ. Find their treasure in him Colossians 3:1-4
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
They needed to lay down their pride and receive Jesus’ loving rebuke and correction (v. 19).
They needed to repent and open the door to Jesus rather than rely upon their wealth and ability. Jesus couldn’t work in the church because of their self-sufficiency.
The Reward of Jesus.
The Reward of Jesus.
He promises them real lasting prestige and honor.
They will sit with Jesus on His throne.
If they humble themselves then they will be exalted.
Those who saw their wretchedness, poverty, sickness and blindness here would rest in the sufficiency, health, prestige, and prosperity of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 2:9
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Healthy Church Application:
Healthy Church Application:
How do we buy Gold refined by the risen Christ?
How do we buy Gold refined by the risen Christ?
I believe the admonishment here is to recognize our sinful self-sufficiency and our need for dependence upon Christ. There are many passages that speak of our dependence upon Christ for ministry strength but this passage came to mind. Sometimes we need reminded of our weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
I believe we have to continually resist self-sufficiency. That doesn’t mean that we walk without confidence, just that our confidence is in Jesus.
Complete weakness and dependence will always be the occasion for the Spirit of God to manifest His power.
Oswald Chambers
Will We allow Jesus to Lovingly Rebuke and Correct Us?
Will We allow Jesus to Lovingly Rebuke and Correct Us?
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
When I read this I think of reform. The church must seek to be in constant step with Jesus.
We must be willing to hear His rebuke and correct our course.
Can I take a moment to say that when we view ourselves as customers and the church like a business, we lose sight of the fact that Jesus is the one all of us should be trying to please.
Members begin to protect what is dear to them and leaders try to please as many members as they can and we all miss out on plan and power of Jesus.
Can we be dependent (humble) enough for Jesus to correct us?
Do We want Jesus on the Inside or on the Outside?
Do We want Jesus on the Inside or on the Outside?
The pride and self-sufficiency of the Laodiceans had excluded Jesus from the fellowship. This is a terrifying thought.
Similar to today an offer to come and join someone for a meal was an expression of friendship. To offer to dine in your house was the ultimate expression of intimacy because you were part of the family.
The offer is extended but they must respond in humility to open the door.
The invitation is given to the church. Do you want close, powerful, intimate fellowship? Open the door!
The invitation is also available to individuals.