Invitation to Fellowship

An Invitation to Fellowship

Introduction:

The city of Laodicea was a wealthy, independent, and influential city with a significant Jewish population. Despite its prosperity, it had a major problem—its water supply. The city’s water was lukewarm, neither refreshing like cold water nor useful like hot water. This physical condition reflected its spiritual state, and Jesus used this imagery to deliver a powerful message to the church in Laodicea.

Jesus, the Amen, the Source, and the Truth Amen—so be it—it is done. Jesus declares, “I am the Amen,” the One who is faithful and true, the One who accomplishes all things. He is not saying He was the first created being, but that He is preeminent above all creation. He is the source of all things, the beginning and the end.

Revelation 3:15 – The Lukewarm Church “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.”

Just as Laodicea’s water was lukewarm, so were the hearts of the people. They were spiritually indifferent, straddling the fence, refusing to be fully committed to Christ yet unwilling to fully embrace the world. They played it safe, seeking comfort in the middle ground. But Jesus rebukes this lukewarm state—a state of empty religion, where outward appearances deceive. Even the tax collectors and harlots were more receptive to Jesus than the religious elite.

A lukewarm Christian has just enough Jesus to satisfy a craving for religion but not enough to inherit eternal life. The apostle John was on fire for Christ, but Judas was lukewarm—following Jesus just enough to blend in with the other disciples.

Jesus’ Desire: A People on Fire Jesus desires that we be hot—fully devoted and passionate for Him. Lukewarmness offends Him because it blurs the lines and distorts true faith. Lukewarm prayers mock God. Have you considered His sacrifice for you? Lukewarm lives turn people away from Christ rather than drawing them to Him.

Elijah once declared, “If Baal be your god, serve him; but if the Lord is God, serve Him.” The question remains: Who will you serve? Will you serve your flesh, seeking comfort in the mundane, or will you wholeheartedly serve God?

A lukewarm church prays, but few attend the prayer meetings. When they do attend, they are passive, afraid to be too radical for Jesus. But the time for complacency is over.

Revelation 3:17 – A Lack of Spiritual Awareness Laodicea lacked spiritual awareness. They were materially rich but spiritually poor, and they didn’t even recognize it. Jesus confronts them, exposing their blindness.

Revelation 3:18 – Seeking True Riches in Christ Jesus counsels them to seek their true riches from Him, rather than from worldly sources. He offers white garments to cover their shame and anointing to heal their spiritual blindness. The world cannot give you the validation, significance, or identity that only Christ can provide. While the world demands that we prove our worth, Jesus freely offers us our true identity in Him.

Revelation 3:19 – A Call to Repentance “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent.”

Jesus disciplines those He loves. He invites us to turn back to Him with zeal, urgency, and passion.

Revelation 3:20 – Jesus Knocking at the Door “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him.”

This invitation, though initially given to the Laodicean church, is extended to all—believers, unbelievers, and seekers alike. Jesus stands at the door of our hearts, knocking, waiting. Though He has every right to force His way in, He does not. In His sovereignty, He desires a willing response. He asks, “Will you open the door?”

To hear His voice is to respond. If we open the door, He will come in—not for a brief visit, but for deep and abiding fellowship. Jesus is not playing games. He desires to sit with us, to commune with us, to transform us.

Revelation 3:21 – The Reward for Overcoming “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

If we overcome self-reliance and lukewarmness, there is a great reward! Jesus promises a place with Him for those who choose Him fully.

Conclusion: Do You Have Ears to Hear? Tonight, I ask you: Do you have ears to hear what Jesus is saying to the church?

There is more Laodicea in us than we want to admit. We want freedom from shame and condemnation, yet we must acknowledge our need for Christ. But take heart! Romans 8:1 declares, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”

The invitation stands. Jesus is knocking. Will you open the door?