Laodicea, The Lukewarm Church
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. 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 dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit 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.” Revelation 3:14-22
Laodicea was the wealthiest city in Phrygia during Roman times. It was widely known for its banking establishments, medical schools and textile industry. But the city always had a problem with its water supply. At one time an aqueduct was built to bring water to the city from hot springs. By the time the water reached the city, it was neither hot nor refreshingly cool, only lukewarm. The believers had become as bland as the tepid water that came into the city.
Have you ever had lukewarm water? It makes a very disgusting drink, especially if you just came out of the hot sun. The believers in Laodicea had become lukewarm and thus distasteful and repugnant. Believers in that city didn't take a stand for anything. Indifference led to idleness. It is just like today's society. They attend their brick and mortar church on Sundays and Wednesdays and call it being faithful to the King. There is nothing more disgusting than a halfhearted, in name only, self-stated believer, who believes he is self-sufficient. He has money and is comfortable. He doesn't feel dependent on God.
The believers in Laodicea supplied neither healing for the spiritually sick nor refreshment for the spiritually weary. Have you noticed what the Lord Christ stated? "I will vomit you out of My mouth." My advice to all who claim to be Kingdom citizens is don't follow the Lord Christ halfway. Believe me when I say, you will have to answer for your life. Read and study His Word every day. Give Him the time He deserves in your life. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. I Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
Comfort can make us lukewarm, even indifferent to the things of God. We may think we don't need Him as much. Many leaders who are financially secure, and think that they own what they have, but in reality God only gives us access. He owns it all. We are merely stewards--good or bad--of His possessions. The leaders at Laodicea took great pride in their financial wealth, an extensive textile industry and a famous eye salve. Just as in today's society, some believers falsely assume that numerous material possessions are a sign of the Lord Jesus' spiritual blessings. Now, where do you think they got that from? Laodicea was a wealthy city and the members of the church were also wealthy. They were full of the world, comfortable and feeling self-sufficient. They thought they were doing just fine without Him. Their church was a religious ritual. They felt no hunger or need for God. They felt no conviction to obey Him or spread the Gospel. They were content, complacent and disgustingly lukewarm.
The closer we get to the world, the more distant we become to the Kingdom. You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. James 4:4 NLT
Please get a clear picture of the situation of the church in that era. The church back then was made up of believers meeting in their homes, not a church building as it is in today's society. Today, all too often in organized religion, there is more focus on money and buildings than on God's Word and discipling believers. Laodicea was a wealthy city and the church (meaning the believers) was also wealthy. What the Laodiceans could see and purchase (the carnal) became more of a priority than what was unseen and eternal. Sad to say, there isn't much difference between then and now. Wealth, luxury and ease can cause people to feel confident, satisfied and complacent. But no matter how much you possess or how much wealth you gather, you have nothing if you do not have a close relationship with the King.
The city was very proud of its cloth and dyeing industry, but the Lord told them to purchase white garments from Him(His righteousness). Also, Laodicea prided itself on its precious eye salve that healed many eye problems. But the Lord told them to get medicine from Him to heal their eyes so they could see the Truth. And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” John 9:39
The Lord Christ was presenting to the Laodiceans that the true value wasn't in material possessions, but obeying His Word. That is the right relationship. Their possessions and achievements were valueless compared to the everlasting future of Christ the Lord's Kingdom. The Lord made this statement, Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12 And the ambassador Paul made this statement: But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. I Corinthians 11:32 Notice he says that we will not be condemned with the world. If you are a son, expect to be disciplined. Again, Paul made it clear to the Hebrew believers. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:5-11
Again, the Lord stated "to him that overcome" they will sit with Him on His throne. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. 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 dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:19-21
How can we read these scriptures and be lukewarm and indifferent to the Lord God and His all His promises to us in His Constitution? Either we do not really believe, or we have become so familiar with the "routine". We don't enter into His presence with awe and gratefulness at all He IS in our lives. Sometimes we need to remind our self just how awesome our Lord and King is. If you are feeling lukewarm toward the Lord God and His Kingdom, stir up your passion today. Meditate on His goodness! God is awesome in His sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. Praise be to God! Psalm 68:35 NLT Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29 NLT
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:9-11
Always remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the Lord God's Word.
All scriptures are NKJV unless noted
W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you
Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. 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 dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit 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.” Revelation 3:14-22
Laodicea was the wealthiest city in Phrygia during Roman times. It was widely known for its banking establishments, medical schools and textile industry. But the city always had a problem with its water supply. At one time an aqueduct was built to bring water to the city from hot springs. By the time the water reached the city, it was neither hot nor refreshingly cool, only lukewarm. The believers had become as bland as the tepid water that came into the city.
Have you ever had lukewarm water? It makes a very disgusting drink, especially if you just came out of the hot sun. The believers in Laodicea had become lukewarm and thus distasteful and repugnant. Believers in that city didn't take a stand for anything. Indifference led to idleness. It is just like today's society. They attend their brick and mortar church on Sundays and Wednesdays and call it being faithful to the King. There is nothing more disgusting than a halfhearted, in name only, self-stated believer, who believes he is self-sufficient. He has money and is comfortable. He doesn't feel dependent on God.
The believers in Laodicea supplied neither healing for the spiritually sick nor refreshment for the spiritually weary. Have you noticed what the Lord Christ stated? "I will vomit you out of My mouth." My advice to all who claim to be Kingdom citizens is don't follow the Lord Christ halfway. Believe me when I say, you will have to answer for your life. Read and study His Word every day. Give Him the time He deserves in your life. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. I Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
Comfort can make us lukewarm, even indifferent to the things of God. We may think we don't need Him as much. Many leaders who are financially secure, and think that they own what they have, but in reality God only gives us access. He owns it all. We are merely stewards--good or bad--of His possessions. The leaders at Laodicea took great pride in their financial wealth, an extensive textile industry and a famous eye salve. Just as in today's society, some believers falsely assume that numerous material possessions are a sign of the Lord Jesus' spiritual blessings. Now, where do you think they got that from? Laodicea was a wealthy city and the members of the church were also wealthy. They were full of the world, comfortable and feeling self-sufficient. They thought they were doing just fine without Him. Their church was a religious ritual. They felt no hunger or need for God. They felt no conviction to obey Him or spread the Gospel. They were content, complacent and disgustingly lukewarm.
The closer we get to the world, the more distant we become to the Kingdom. You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. James 4:4 NLT
Please get a clear picture of the situation of the church in that era. The church back then was made up of believers meeting in their homes, not a church building as it is in today's society. Today, all too often in organized religion, there is more focus on money and buildings than on God's Word and discipling believers. Laodicea was a wealthy city and the church (meaning the believers) was also wealthy. What the Laodiceans could see and purchase (the carnal) became more of a priority than what was unseen and eternal. Sad to say, there isn't much difference between then and now. Wealth, luxury and ease can cause people to feel confident, satisfied and complacent. But no matter how much you possess or how much wealth you gather, you have nothing if you do not have a close relationship with the King.
The city was very proud of its cloth and dyeing industry, but the Lord told them to purchase white garments from Him(His righteousness). Also, Laodicea prided itself on its precious eye salve that healed many eye problems. But the Lord told them to get medicine from Him to heal their eyes so they could see the Truth. And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” John 9:39
The Lord Christ was presenting to the Laodiceans that the true value wasn't in material possessions, but obeying His Word. That is the right relationship. Their possessions and achievements were valueless compared to the everlasting future of Christ the Lord's Kingdom. The Lord made this statement, Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12 And the ambassador Paul made this statement: But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. I Corinthians 11:32 Notice he says that we will not be condemned with the world. If you are a son, expect to be disciplined. Again, Paul made it clear to the Hebrew believers. And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.”
If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:5-11
Again, the Lord stated "to him that overcome" they will sit with Him on His throne. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. 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 dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:19-21
How can we read these scriptures and be lukewarm and indifferent to the Lord God and His all His promises to us in His Constitution? Either we do not really believe, or we have become so familiar with the "routine". We don't enter into His presence with awe and gratefulness at all He IS in our lives. Sometimes we need to remind our self just how awesome our Lord and King is. If you are feeling lukewarm toward the Lord God and His Kingdom, stir up your passion today. Meditate on His goodness! God is awesome in His sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to His people. Praise be to God! Psalm 68:35 NLT Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping Him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:28-29 NLT
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.” Revelation 4:9-11
Always remember, your greatest asset is your faith in the Lord God's Word.
All scriptures are NKJV unless noted
W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you
