Jesus’ Letter To The Church In Laodicea: Repent!

Revelation 3:14–22 (ESV)

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

“ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so 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 eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”

Introduction:

Last week we look at the church of Philadelphia

Which Jesus Commended them for having:

little strength

Kept His word and not denied His name

Kept His command to persevere

Jesus said He would:

Make those of the "synagogue of Satan" (unbelieving Jews)

to worship before their feet and come to know that Jesus loved them (His disciples at Philadelphia)

Keep them from the hour of trial that was coming

Promising to him those who overcome:

He would make a pillar in the temple of His God

Write on them the name of His God, the city of His God, the New Jerusalem, and His new name

This morning we come to the seventh and final letter, which is written to the church in Laodicea

Some background information...

The historical context of the city will be important for us to understand the imagery our Lord uses in His criticism and correction

Laodicea was located in the Lycus Valley along with the cities of Hierapolis and Colossae

It was approximately three hundred miles east of Athens and six hundred miles northwest of Jerusalem

Two important imperial trade routes converged here

Laodicea was known for banking

the manufacturing of clothing (especially black wool),

and a famous medical school with ointments for the ears and the eyes

So wealthy was the city that following a devastating earthquake in AD 60

Laodicea rebuilt itself without any assistance from Rome

The city and church were alike. They saw themselves as self-sufficient

They did not need the help of anyone, including God

Despite its prosperity, the city did have one major weakness

it lacked a good water supply

it got its water either from the hot springs of Hierapolis that cooled to lukewarm

or from a cooler source in Colossae that warmed to lukewarm

The water was so distasteful that visitors, not prepared for its tepid flavor, would often vomit after drinking it (Johnson, Revelation, 1983, 62; also Swindoll, Insights, 78)

The Bible does not reveal when or how the church began

It is likely it was planted by Epaphras

whom Paul may have evangelized on his third missionary journey while ministering at Ephesus

Still, the origin of the church at Laodicea remains a mystery

To this church, and those like it, Christ has significant criticism

Main Idea: The Lord attends the church in Laodicea and rebukes them for their spiritual apathy, reminds them of its cost, and offers them the gift of repentance and His abiding presence.

Before we consider what trouble them, let's first notice...

The Lord’s Self-Designation v. 14

Revelation 3:14 ““And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.”

The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness

1. "The Amen"

This is a Hebrew expression meaning "so be it"

Twenty-five times in John's gospel Jesus prefaced His remarks with "Amen”

the NKJV translates it as "Most assuredly”

“Amen” is a Christological title

and it is always the appropriate human response to divine word and action

The title is unique and reflects

Isaiah 65:16 “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.”

2. “ The Faithful and true witness”

Coupled with "The Amen", Jesus emphasizes the truthfulness of His message to them

It affirms what is certain, reliable, true to reality

Look back at Revelation 1:5 “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”

In applying this title to Himself, Christ affirms He is the answer to all the promises of God

2 Corinthians 1:20 Pauls says, “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.”

This description stands in contrast to the condition of Laodicea

He is reliable, they are not

He is faithful, they are not

He is the true Witness; but this church has no real witness at all

We can count on and trust what the Lord says! Jesus is the great Physician who can be trusted.

The beginning of God’s creation

If we can trust what He says, then we can trust what He starts

The Greek word translated "beginning" is arche

Which carries the concept of the 'beginning, origin, active cause

The Lord is over both the material and the spiritual realms

He is its beginning, its Creator, its Originator.

Whether it be creation or the church, He is Lord, Ruler, Chief

Colossians 1:15 “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.”

He is first in time and position.

Laodicean Christians either forgot or ignored the exalted and preeminent place that belongs only to Jesus.

They lost sight of who He is

and what He has done and is doing

What He starts He will complete.

What He begins He will finish.

The Laodicean Christians may have stopped before completing their task, but Jesus did not and does not.

What He has created and what He has saved He will stay with and sustain to the end

Can this be said of us? both individually and has a church

As the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Preeminent One and Creator of all things

Jesus now speaks strong words of judgment to the church at Laodicea...

The Lord’s Condemnation vv.15-17

The Lord knows what we are doing

Revelation 3:15-16 ““ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

I want to us to think about their context here:

Their Water:

The not hot spring water and the not cold spring water

Laodiceans did not drink the water from the nearby Lycus River, for it was dirty and unfit to drink.

A channel brought water from hot springs 5 miles (8 km) away

but by the time the water arrived in Laodicea, it was lukewarm.

Cold water from nearby Colossae was likewise lukewarm upon arrival in Laodicea.

Hot water is a healing tonic

and cold water is refreshing

both representing what is good and pleasant

But lukewarm water is repulsive. You don’t desire to bath in it or drink it.

The hot spring wasn't hot nor healing = Their spiritual temperature is not aflame - their Christianity wasn't appealing but nauseating

The Cold Water is neither cold nor refreshing = Their spiritual life brought no comfort nor encouragement to those around them.

There was no hospitality in their visible life

Jesus is not teaching he’d rather you be a hell-bound rebel than a luke warm believer.

He is teaching true believers are not lukewarm.

All Christians are characterized by a life that is both zealous and comforting

both passionate and merciful

both faithful and kind

Laodicea was also an extremely wealthy city that needed no one's help but rather people came to them for help

Remember, Laodicea was devastated by an earthquake in 60 AD

Because they were so wealthy they refused government Aid

and they rebuild the city on its own power and strength

Laodicea had become famous for three reasons in particular:

1. Their Wealth

First, for all practical purposes they were the Swiss bankers of antiquity, which meant that it was a city of considerable wealth;

2. Their Wool

Second, they were famous for a breed of sheep that produced an extremely fine and desirable black wool

3. Their Health

Third This was a location of one of the Loadacian gods were called men (later Asklepios) and it was there that they provides medical salve to help people's eyes.

the Laodiceans felt they did not need help from man

or God

they even felt that God has given all this and we deserve it!

The reality is that cultural norms creep into the church

because we live in the same world everyone else does and so the Lord speaks into His Church

The Lord knows who we think we are v.17

revelation 3:17 “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.”

The city was economically prosperous

and the church believed they were flourishing spiritually as well.

They thought they had arrived, that they didn’t need anything.

They felt as if economic prosperity = God’s agreement of their lives thru blessing

They characterized themselves as spiritually rich

and certainly didn’t think they were lukewarm.

Jesus’ words must have come as a shock

Let me give just a brief Example:

We all say… I’m good when we're not good but sometimes we think we're good when we're not.

It is to be given a diagnosis of cancer and convince yourself its not in there eating you alive

You see they were self-deceived.

They didn’t realize they were far from God’s blessing

they were as Jonathan Edwards said, “ Hanging over the pit of Hell by Sovereign grace.”

The words are piled up to unmask their weakness:

wretched, in desperate need of mercy, poor, blind, and naked.

To the “Swiss bankers” your poor & Pathetic (Wretched)

To those who made the finest black wool -you are naked

To those who gave salve for peoples eyes - you are blind

The city was known for its medical facilities, especially concerning eye disease

But they couldn’t perceive that they were spiritually blind and naked

The Warning v.16

Revelation 3:16 b I will spit you out of my mouth.”

We are reminded of how the Canaanites were “vomited” out of the land for their evil (Lev. 18:25, 28).

The picture of Jesus’ spitting people out of his mouth is shocking

but it represents the truth that Jesus would have nothing to do with the Laodicean church if it remained in its current state

They had no warrant for assurance of salvation if they continued along the path they were walking.

A life characterized by blindness to the truth of Scripture

unrighteousness in life

that treasuring what the world treasure is not a believer individually  nor the Church of Jesus Christ  corporately

“Sustained irony runs through verses 17 and 18”

The arrogant attitude of the Laodicean Christianity is confronted

It’s countered with counsel

that they make specific purchases from Jesus in precisely those areas where they are so certain they have no need

Every church should receive this as a personal word

So should every Christian

The Lord’s Counsel vv.18-19

Revelation 3:18-19 “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.”

Jesus sternly instructs them:

“I counsel you”or your translation may say “ I advise you”

I counsel you…(Present active = I counsel and keep on counseling you)

Buy from me…So you don’t experience…

Spiritual poverty

Follow the illustration of the Lord’s teachings

These are business men

He is not saying salvation is for sale

but contrasting their lives now with an authentic Christian life in Christ.

Since they were spiritually poor, they needed to buy gold from Jesus to become wealthy

The currency of that purchase is always the same:

faith, trust, radical dependence on Him and only Him

They were seeking wealth in the wrong place—material prosperity—

when they should have been finding their wealth in Christ, that is, knowing Christ and making him known

Listen to Isaiah 55:1-2 ““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. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.”

This is certainly possible, but I would suspect the church had both believers and unbelievers, and the cure for their spiritual poverty is the same

First comes faith for salvation;

then follows faith for sanctification

As Paul said in Romans 1:17, salvation is “from faith to faith.”

Hebrews 12:2 “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Spiritual nakedness

Jesus tells the church they need “white clothes so that [they] may be dressed and [their] shameful nakedness not be exposed.”

In contrast to the beautiful glossy black wool the Laodiceans were so proud of

Jesus offers a garment of white that will cover the shame of their nakedness

White clothes symbolize the imputed righteousness of the Savior and the righteous acts of the saints

Nakedness in the ancient world was a sign of judgment and humiliation

The truth is: Sin brings shame

To receive fine clothing was a symbol of honor and acceptance

Laodicean Christians walk about spiritually naked

completely unaware of their humiliation and need for the pure white righteousness that is available only in Jesus

Before the One whose “eyes are a flame of fire” (1:14),

we are stripped naked and exposed for who we really are

We dare not stand in the filthy rags of our own righteousness and good deeds

We desperately need the righteousness of Jesus

Spiritually blind

This is somewhat of an encouraging part of Christ’s discipline:

“As many as I love …”

Amazingly Christ loves Laodicean Christians and churches

Their sin does not quench His love. “.… rebuke and discipline,” says the Lord Jesus.

Christ corrects and disciplines, as with a child, those He loves

This echoes Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”

1 Cor 11:32 “But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world.”

Love is never cruel, but it can be tough

The point of all three illustrations is that the believers need to depend upon Jesus for everything

to humble themselves and realize that they cannot accomplish anything on their own

Revelation 3:19 “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.”

The Lord says, I only correct those I love, so repent!

Discipline that educates and brings about repentance and change is what our Lord extends to Laodicean churches and to us today

If we reject His discipline

He will spit us out.

If we receive it

He will come in and stay with us as the next verse beautifully promises

Our expected response is crystal clear:

“Be committed [ESV, “zealous”] and repent.”

Be fervent, and turn now and daily.

Keep on, with fire in your soul, turning from sin.

Turning from sin once is not enough.

It must become the daily practice and habit of our life.

Listen: A community of daily repenting sinners characterizes a healthy church and healthy Christians

The Lord’s Promises vv.20-22

The Lord and the Laodacian church are not in fellowship - v. 20

Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

V.20 is often quoted as an invitation and promise to the person outside the community of faith

In the context of the Laodicean letter, however, it is self-deluded members of the church who are being addressed

The gravity of the situation is communicated by another illustration.

Jesus is standing at the door of the church and knocking

He is outside their lives, the business affair, and their worship

The believers must hear his voice

which requires repentance and open the door to him or in other words bring him into every facet of their lives, worship, and ministry

If they do so

he will sit down and feast with them.

Perhaps the meal in view here is the messianic banquet of the end time (Isa. 25:6; Luke 22:30; cf. Rev. 19:9)

Listen to Revelation 19:9 “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.””

The Lord's promise of fellowship now and forever - v. 21

Revelation 3:21 “The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.”

Jesus promises the one who is a “victor,” an overcomer, a conqueror, the privilege of sitting with Him on His throne, just as He has sat down with His Father on His throne (v. 21)

To sit “with” Jesus means any and every blessing we receive in kingdom life we receive by virtue of our union with Christ

And we are victors because of the victory He won

As the Son shares the throne of His Father, we share the throne of the Son

It is astonishing!

Because of our union with the victorious Lamb, we not only get heaven; we also get a throne

So What?

What is our spiritual temperature?

The Dangerous deception of Self-sufficiency

2 Cor 3:4-5 “Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God,”

Has my own self-sufficiency become the idol I devote my time, energy, and effort?

Do I get too much out of my career, my titles, my accomplishments, my work…?

Do I have a tendency to keep people at arm's length so I don't have to share my limits, my fears, my struggles and so I don't have to allow them to help me carry my burdens?

Do I pride myself in being a self-made man or woman?

How Do I know that I unknowingly am bowing down before the idol of self-sufficiency?

prayerlessness rather than prayerfulness

Consumer-driven rather than gospel generosity

I can order something from Amazon and get it tomorrow!

Why wait? Why trust the Lord to provide thru His people?

Sunday attendance with no real community involvement with others.

This causes us to be Mission-less rather an active disciple-maker

The Promised blessing of God-centered dependence - Matt 5

Blessed are the poor in Spirit

Blessed are the meek, Who mourn, Who are persecuted

In other words, Christ delights in satisfying those who humbly realize their desperate need for Him.

Hosea 2:23 - “I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I say to Not My People, You are my people.”

The question is will you repent and return to the God who loves you and The God you desperately need.