The letter to the church in Laodicea: A lukewarm church.
The book of Revelation • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 16 viewsThe church in Laodicea is an example of a church that has pushed Christ away and became self-sufficient. Christ first rebukes the church then calls on the church to let Him back in.
Notes
Transcript
Intro
Intro
In chapter one we learned that John was given specific instructions to write down what he saw in a book and send it to the seven churches in Asia minor—to Ephesus (the loveless church); to Smyrna (the persecuted church); to Pergamum (seduced by false teacher); to Thyatira (the church who tolerated sin); to Sardis (the lifeless church); to Philadelphia (a church with an open door for effective witness); and finally to the church in Laodicea (the lukewarm church).
The fact that these churches existed lets us know that John wrote to real people during a real time. During the time these letter were written, believers were suffering from persecution, (from both political and social adversaries) and the threat to compromise their faith. Christ reminds believers of His sovereign authority over the kingdoms of the world, His overcoming victory over death and the grave. Therefore, believers are encouraged admits their trials and persecutions. Believers are also given hope that they will one day be rewarded for their perseverance.
We learned that the contents of these letters are not just for the seven churches in Asia minor, but for the catholic church throughout history, as they represent church during various times throughout history. Christ warnings and rebukes are lessons to any church who are tempted to compromise with sin. The promise of eternal salvation provide the church with hope.
This evening we conclude our study of John’s letters to the seven churches with the letter to Laodicea. Laodicea was located in Phrygia’s Lycus Valley, north of Colossae. Christianity spread to Laodicea within a generation of Jesus’ death. This may have been due to the evangelistic efforts of Epaphras, who took the gospel to the Lycus Valley (Col. 1:6-7).
Paul
Laodicea is mentioned five times in Colossians (Col. 2:1; 4:13, 15, 16). The Apostle Paul indicates that he had not personally visited Laodicea (Col. 2:1). He also mentions a “letter from Laodicea”—that is, a letter that will be forwarded to the church at Colossae by the Laodicean believers, not a letter written by them (Col 4:16; Heil, Colossians, 198). This letter is unknown, but it has been suggested (on little evidence) that it is the letter to the Ephesians (Aune, Revelation 1–5, 250). Paul also refers to Nympha, a woman whose home served as the meeting place for the Laodicean church (Col. 4:15).
The first-century geographer Strabo reports that Laodicea’s economy thrived due to its textile industry, which was renowned for its raven-black wool (compare “white clothing” in Rev 3:18; Strabo, Geography 12.8.16). The textile factories manufactured sleeved tunics, hooded cloaks, and carpets (Wilson, Victor, 163). The city’s commercial success was due in part to its position at the junction of two roads. One road ran from the Aegean coast through the Meander River valley and on to the Euphrates. The other originated at Pergamum and ran to Sardis, Perga, and Attalia. The Romans and Attalids were dedicated to building and maintaining these main highways (Hemer, Letters, 180).
Laodicea is the only church that did not receive any praise. Sardis though a lifeless church, had the hope that there were some who had not been compromised (Rev. 3:4). They are a warning to any church who would become self-sufficient, rather than depending on Christ for all their spiritual needs.
Exposition of Rev. 3:14-22
Exposition of Rev. 3:14-22
Rev. 3:14
Rev. 3:14
As usual, John is instructed to write to the angel (messenger) of the church in Laodicea. We talked about the two possible meaning’s of the word “angel.”
Christ is introduces as the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.
Amen (Gk. truly). Usually paraphrased at the end of sentence, “so let it be” (2 Cor. 1:20). The Hebrew equivalent for “Amen” means “faithful and true.” The only other place it used as a name is found in see Isaiah 65:16. According to G.K. Beale, the blessing of this “God of truth” is the creation of the new heavens and the earth in the next verse Isa 65:17—of which Christ in His resurrection is the beginning.
16 so that he who blesses himself in the land shall bless himself by the God of truth, and he who takes an oath in the land shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten and are hidden from my eyes.
faithful and true witness… recalls John’s description of Christ in see Rev. 1:5. The mention of the firstborn of the dead is a reminder of John’s vision of the Son of Man in Rev. 1:18 where Christ speaks of His resurrection: “and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades.”
5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood
He is faithful and true and so are His judgments Rev. 19:11
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
His words are trustworthy Rev. 22:6
6 And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.”
beginning of God’s creation… Not that Christ was the first creation. The word “beginning” (Gk. arche) also “ruler.” Paul also described Christ as the beginning God’s creation in connection to His resurrection.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
By His resurrection, Christ is the beginning of God’s new creation.
Summary
Summary
Christ self-introduction to the Church in Laodicea is a reminder that He is faithful and true. He is unchanging, unlike them. He is the beginning of creation, more specifically, the new creation. All eschatological promises are fulfilled in Him; and Him being the firstborn of the dead is a reminder of His resurrection power!
Rev. 3:15-16
Rev. 3:15-16
As we have seen, Christ as sufficient knowledge of His church. He is able to see clearly their spiritual condition. Here, He criticizes the Laodiceans as being “lukewarm.” Note this church receives only blame and no praise.
They are neither hot nor cold. History reports that the city of Laodicea had a reputation for having bad water source, unlike their two neighbors, Hierapolis and Colossae. Hierapolis was known for having hot waters which possessed medicinal effects (also bathing), while Colossae was known for having cold water, which was also thought to be healthy—i.e. cold a refreshing. Laodicea, on the other hand, had to have their water piped in. By the time the water had arrived, it was lukewarm and dirty, good for nothing but spitting out.
Would that you were either cold or hot… Christ wishes they were refreshing (cold water) or hot (medicinal). They were neither. They were nasty and unpleasant as lukewarm water. As a result, Christ threatens to spit (lit. vomit) them out of His mouth.
Summary
Summary
The spiritual condition of the church in Laodicea was not better than their water situation. They had lost their effectiveness in witnessing. Their lives did not have a healthy effect on people and nor were their lives pleasing to Christ. So, unless they change, Christ will have nothing to do with them.
Rev. 3:17-18
Rev. 3:17-18
The Laodiceans got their assessment wrong on their spiritual condition. They indeed assumed they were rich, but in reality they were spiritually bankrupt, blind and naked!
I am rich… Like Israel, the church in Laodicea had become rich through their idolatry and business practices. Like Hosea, Christ exposes the truth.
8 Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich; I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.”
The words, “rich and wealthy” are used in the book of Revelation in relationship to those who have linked themselves with the corrupt and ungodly world systems.
15 Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains,
16 Also it causes all, both small and great, both rich and poor, both free and slave, to be marked on the right hand or the forehead,
3 For all nations have drunk the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality, and the kings of the earth have committed immorality with her, and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxurious living.”
15 The merchants of these wares, who gained wealth from her, will stand far off, in fear of her torment, weeping and mourning aloud,
19 And they threw dust on their heads as they wept and mourned, crying out, “Alas, alas, for the great city where all who had ships at sea grew rich by her wealth! For in a single hour she has been laid waste.
blind… They are also “blind.” The city of Laodicea was known for its wealth, textiles, and eye medicine. No medicine on earth can fix their spiritual blindness.
naked… a result of their idolatry
3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered, and your disgrace shall be seen. I will take vengeance, and I will spare no one.
36 Thus says the Lord God, Because your lust was poured out and your nakedness uncovered in your whorings with your lovers, and with all your abominable idols, and because of the blood of your children that you gave to them,
5 Behold, I am against you, declares the Lord of hosts, and will lift up your skirts over your face; and I will make nations look at your nakedness and kingdoms at your shame.
Christ offers a solution
I counsel you… lit “advise.” Christ advises them to 1. buy gold. Spiritual riches in Christ are for “those without money” Isa. 55:1
1 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
purchased through abandoning self-righteousness and self-dependency Php. 3:7-8.
Only in Christ are true spiritual riches. Matt. 13:44
44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
white garments… symbolizes purity and the righteousness of Christ. Those who overcome will receive at the Messianic Banquet Rev. 19:8.
salve… Only Christ can open the eyes of the spiritually blind
39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” 40 Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, “Are we also blind?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, ‘We see,’ your guilt remains.
18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,
Summary
Summary
The church in Laodicea had the wrong view of themselves. They said they were in need of nothing, not realizing their own spiritual bankruptcy. Christ advises them to buy from Him what they need, rather than depending on themselves. Note, all the material wealth in the world does not compare to the riches in Christ!
Rev. 3:19
Rev. 3:19
Despite their poor and miserable spiritual condition, Christ responds in a way that lets them know He hasn’t given up on them. His rebuke is to show them not to despair but to take it as a token of good.
Those whom I love… see Heb. 12:6
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
zealous…repent… Nothing but a wholehearted response will do.
Summary
Summary
So, Christ responds by letting the Laodiceans know His harsh rebuke is done out of love. Their only response is to repent!
Rev. 3:20
Rev. 3:20
The gravity of the situation is further communicated by another illustration. Jesus is standing outside of the church and knocking. They have left out of their affairs.
stand… denotes longsuffering. It is in the active voice; this is something Christ is doing right now.
knock… Christ alludes to Song. 5:2. Note there we see an image of husband wanting to enter the house to be with his woman (the imperative there suggest he is urgent or perhaps pushy). The image of Christ “knocking” suggest Christ wants back in to a sleeping church.
2 I slept, but my heart was awake. A sound! My beloved is knocking. “Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my perfect one, for my head is wet with dew, my locks with the drops of the night.”
eat with him and he with me… Christ desires to restore fellowship. A possible reference to the Messianic Banquet.
30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”
Summary
Summary
The image of Christ standing and knocking at the door, illustrates how bad things have gotten. The self-sufficient church has pushed Christ out of their affairs, and Christ is seeking to renew the relationship. If they would but hear His voice and repent!
Rev. 3:21
Rev. 3:21
As usual, Christ gives promises of eternal rewards to those who overcome. The promise here is similar to the one given to the church in Thyatira Rev. 2:26-27
26 The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27 and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.
throne… a symbol of authority and honor.
4 Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;
26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
This reward of kingdom reign has already begun
5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
9 I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
as I have conquered… Jesus Himself is the model for all believers. He overcame and sat down at the right hand of the Father where is currently reigning as king. The church in Laodicea must overcome before they will be exalted!
Rev. 3:22
Rev. 3:22
Summary
Summary
The church in Laodicea are given the promise of shared authority, and honor in Christ kingdom as their reward for overcoming. They must look to Christ their model who overcame and was exalted to the right hand of the Father!
Conclusion/Application
Conclusion/Application
