KBM Lukewarm

Today we will be finishing up our Impact 3:16 series with Revelation 3:16. If I have counted right that puts us at 41 books of the bible that have a 3:16 in them and I am thankful for all those that have gone on this study with me. I have a few ideas of what I would like to study with you all next but as I am still hashing that out I will hold off until our next episode to announce such. Let’s get into our text and we find ourselves in one of two chapters within this masterful book of the bible that is not symbolic (Revelation 1:1) but literal. John, the apostle of Christ, is writing to the seven churches in Asia (Revelation 1:4). Jesus, tells John to write in Revelation 2-3, to the churches directly a note from him that must be preached by “angels” or better translated “preachers.” This is where Jesus talks directly to each congregation pointing out what they have done well and where they need to improve. There were a couple of exceptions, such as the church in Smyrna not being told anything sinful they were involved in and the church at Laodicea where we find our text where they are told of nothing righteous they have done. Let’s read this entire note to the church at Laodicea.

Revelation 3:14–22 (NKJV)

14 “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: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 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—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. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 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. 21 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. 22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”

Here we have a congregation that was not doing anything really. They were not “on fire for God” nor were they “utterly against God” and herein lies the problem.

The unfortunate reality is many if not most Christians and the congregation therefore they attend here in America are in this situation. How do I know this, how can this be the case?

Most Christians never teach a single person outside of their immediate family, the gospel or good news of Jesus the Christ. Notice what I just said, “most Christians never teach anyone other than their immediate family the plan of salvation?

Now compare that to what we read in the bible.

Matthew 28:19–20 NKJV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Mark 16:15 NKJV

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Acts 8:1–4 (NKJV)

1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. 4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.

In all three of these passages we find the importance of teaching the lost around us the gospel plan of salvation and yet, most Christians today will never actually teach anyone the gospel. Yes, our text is talking about a congregation but if we are not doing about part not to be “lukewarm” than we too will be “vomited out of the mouth of Christ.”