Stop Acting

Revelation 3:14-22

Revelation 3:14–22 NASB95

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning 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 spit you out of My mouth. ‘Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and 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 that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. ‘Those whom I love, I reprove 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. ‘He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down 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.’ ”

We have now reached the seventh of the churches in Asia that Yahweh has addressed. Laodicea was situated approximately forty-five miles southeast of Philadelphia and about one hundred miles east of Ephesus. Alongside Colossae and Hierapolis, it was one of the prominent cities within the fertile Lycus Valley. The major Roman road extending inland from the coast of Asia traversed directly through its center, establishing Laodicea as a significant hub for trade and communication. Furthermore, its prosperity was derived from the production of high-quality black wool. The city’s banking prominence is evidenced by the fact that Cicero cashed large bank drafts there. The inhabitants were so affluent that, following the devastating earthquake of A.D. 17, they declined imperial assistance in the reconstruction of the city.

Laodicea was renowned for its distinguished medical school and a distinctive ointment known as “Phrygian powder.” The city gained fame for its effective treatment of ocular conditions. The worship of Asclepius and Zeus was prominent in the city. Laodicea did not stand out for excessive achievements or remarkable excesses; rather, its inhabitants were known for their ability to compromise and adapt to the needs and desires of others. Despite its affluence, Laodicea suffered from an inadequate water supply system, relying on aqueducts to deliver their water source. Remember this when we get to the hot or cold.

Jesus divided this warning into two sections. The first section pertains to their self-perception versus His assessment of their true nature. The second section addresses methods to amend their misconduct. This week, we will focus on the first section: their pretense of the role.

Cease behaving as though they are followers of Christ. The initial three verses delineate three specific actions. The first action, 'stop acting,' involves a comprehension of the identity of Jesus. The second action entails avoiding lukewarmness. The final action is to refrain from boasting.

Jesus’ Identity:

First, Yahweh describes Himself as the AMEN. This unique title is used only here in Scripture to describe Christ. He is the perfect Human, obedient response to the divine promise (Isaiah 65:16), where Yahweh is twice called the “God of truth [Hebrew, Amen]. Amen is a transliteration of a Hebrew word meaning “truth, affirmation, or certainty.” It refers to that which is firm, fixed, and unchangeable. Amen is often used in Scripture to affirm the truthfulness of a statement (Neh. 8:6; Rom. 16:27). Where the underlying Greek word “amen” is rendered “verily” in the KJV and “truth” in the NASB. Whatever God says is true and certain; therefore, He is the God of Truth. Paul writes concerning Jesus (2 Cor. 1:20) that it is through the person and work of Christ that all God’s promises and covenants are fulfilled and guaranteed.

Isaiah 65:16 NASB95

“Because he who is blessed in the earth Will be blessed by the God of truth; And he who swears in the earth Will swear by the God of truth; Because the former troubles are forgotten, And because they are hidden from My sight!

Nehemiah 8:6 NASB95

Then Ezra blessed the Lord the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

Romans 16:27 NASB95

to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.

2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB95

For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.

The subsequent title of Jesus is “Faithful and True Witness.” This designation further clarifies the concept articulated in the initial title. He is entirely trustworthy, flawlessly precise, and His testimonies are consistently dependable (John 14:6). This constitutes an exemplary manner of addressing Laodicea, as it confirms that Christ had accurately evaluated their unredeemed spiritual state.

John 14:6 NASB95

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.

The subsequent title is “Beginning of the creation of God.” The English translation appears somewhat ambiguous and potentially misleading. Consequently, some false teachers, seeking to deny Christ’s deity, have attempted to utilize this verse as evidence that He is a created being. However, there is no ambiguity in the Greek text. Archē (Beginning) does not imply that Christ was the first entity created by God; rather, it signifies that Christ Himself is the source or origin of creation (cf. Rev. 22:13). Through His power, all things were created (John 1:3; Heb. 1:2). Archē actually means ruler as well as beginning. This letter to the Laodiceans has much in common with Paul’s letter to the Colossian church. Colossae was not far from Laodicea, so it is likely that the same heresy plaguing the Colossians had made its way to Laodicea (cf. Col. 4:16). That heresy, a form of incipient gnosticism (from the Greek word gnōsis, “knowledge”), taught that Christ was a created being, one of a series of emanations from God. Its proponents also claimed that they possessed a secret, higher spiritual knowledge above and beyond the simple words of Scripture. Combating that heresy, Paul wrote of Christ,

Revelation 22:13 NASB95

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

John 1:3 NASB95

All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.

Hebrews 1:2 NASB95

in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

Colossians 4:16 NASB95

When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (Col. 1:15–17)

Colossians 1:15–17 NASB95

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

The term “Firstborn” (prōtotokos) does not solely denote the first-born in chronological order; rather, it signifies the supreme or preeminent one, the individual who receives the highest honor (cf. Ps. 89:27). Accordingly, Christ is the source (archē) of creation and holds the position of the supreme person (prōtotokos) within it. This heretical misconception regarding the nature of Christ was instrumental in rendering the Laodicean church spiritually lifeless. Their erroneous Christology led to the formation of an unregenerate congregation. Additionally, false teachings concerning Christ, particularly the denial of His deity, remain characteristic of contemporary cults.

Psalm 89:27 NASB95

“I also shall make him My firstborn, The highest of the kings of the earth.

Avoiding Lukewarmness:

Recall the previous instruction regarding their inadequate water system and the necessity of aqueducts for water transportation. Colossae was situated to the south, while Hierapolis lay to the north. Hierapolis, located approximately seven miles north of Laodicea, was renowned for its hot springs. Conversely, Colossae, situated less than ten miles to the south, possessed a spring of cold water. The city of Laodicea sourced its water from these two locations. By the time the water arrived at Laodicea, it was neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm.

The expression employed by Jesus pertains to their zeal or their usefulness for Christ. It is advantageous for us not to interpret these descriptions as indicating either spiritual coldness [unsaved or hostile] or spiritual fervor [alive and fervent]. Firstly, it is inconceivable that Christ would desire that individuals be spiritually cold or unsaved. Moreover, the application of “hot” and “cold” to spiritual temperature, although familiar to us, would have been entirely unfamiliar to first-century Christians. These two adjectives, cold or hot, should be understood to refer to lukewarmness. They represent a state of complacency, self-satisfaction, and indifference toward the essential issues of faith in Him and discipleship.

He disapproved of their attitude of compromise, which seeks facile accommodation and peace at any expense. To be a Christian is to be of service to Christ; otherwise, He will reject you completely.

Refrain from Boasting:

When individuals indulge in self-boasting, they elevate themselves above God’s authority. They hold a higher opinion of themselves than Christ’s perspective. It is important to recognize that boasting is rooted in pride and results in EGO (edging God out). Such individuals are unable to perceive their true selves, nor do they recognize the Lord standing outside the church door. Additionally, they fail to see the opportunities that are readily available. Their focus on establishing their own kingdom has caused them to become lukewarm in their faith.

The world, together with false teachers, will proclaim that God desires for individuals to be wealthy, renowned, joyful, to boast about their capabilities, and to display all their achievements. They suggest that He wants individuals to experience their best lives presently and to be accepted by all. ALL OF THOSE ARE LIES! We are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked without the covering of Christ. What is good in me? JESUS!!!!

There is no individual within this church who can claim praise for what God is accomplishing. I wish to be entirely candid. I am uncertain how we transitioned from the end of May, when His plan was to establish a school, to tomorrow's occasion of opening the doors and welcoming more than 80 students. Satan has endeavored relentlessly to obstruct the divine work. Even last week, we were advised against proceeding with the opening. The discouragement was instigated by the adversary; however, God assured us, 'Did I not tell you to be strong and courageous' (Joshua 1:9).

Joshua 1:9 NASB95

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Even though they were spiritually dead, Christ’s love and patience with them and us are unwavering. He will give five directives to return to Him. There is always hope in Jesus!