Pursuing Resilience in Revelation | Power to be Seated with Christ

Revelation 3:14–22 NASB 2020

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Origin of the creation of God, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything,” and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to apply to your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline; 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 will dine with him, and he with Me. The one who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father on His throne. The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”

Intro

Author: The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God's creation. The recipient: The church in Laodicea.

Laodicea was famous for being a center for banking in the Roman Empire as well as being a hub for the medical industry and the clothing industry. It was a very wealthy community. The occasion: To rebuke, exhort, and encourage the church to conquer rather than to be conquered by the world.

Discover

What is God saying through His word?

I. Christ has the final say over everything in His creation. (14) II. Christ has no room for lukewarm followers. (15-16) The lukewarm Christian follows Christ in name only, but his life resembles little of Christ if at all. III. We become refreshing to Christ by selling our stock in the world and buying into Christ. (17-18) Too many churches and Christians today are more concerned about being relevant to the culture than about being holy and pleasing to the Lord. Is our repentance real? Are we followers of Christ in truth who are actively doing battle against our sin nature, or are we followers of Christ in name only? IV. God's rebuke is a sign of His love. (19-20) Love is truth. V. If we concur this world with Christ, we will reign with Christ. (21-22)

Nurture

How can the gospel take root in my heart?

Who is God? He is the sovereign Lord who has the final word over all things. What has God done? He has created us, known us, and done everything necessary for us to have a place at His table. He offers that place to us should we accept it. Who are we? We are people for whom Christ has opened the door for repentance leading to true wealth and well-being in Him. What will we do? We will put aside everything relating to worldliness in our lives, refusing to miss Christ by preferring the pollution and diluted of Adam and Satan.

Act

What is God calling me to do?

Have you taken your place at Christ's table?