Revelation #13

Today we will look at the final church of the seven:



Revelation 3:14-22



To the Church in Laodicea

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.

15"'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 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. 18I 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. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20Behold, 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. 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. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.'"



In church history this church represents the time period of WWI- Now. As you will see that Jesus is not pleased with the church during this time. As you look at the church as a whole today you can see why! The city of Laodicea was a center for banking. It also had great industry and garment makers. They were known for eye salve. They had great wealth! In verse 14 Jesus introduces Himself in the letter in the most basic way which is a sad commentary to the church! "The Amen" represents Jesus being a reliable and true witness of God. He also reminded them He has been ever since the beginning of God's creation. In verse 15 Jesus tells the church basically they are fence walkers by saying He know "their works are neither hot nor cold". Jesus wants us either on fire for Him or nothing at all....lukewarmness makes Him want to vomit us out of His mouth as verse 16 tells us! WOW! Stop here for a moment and think...are you on fire for Jesus? Or are you making Him sick? In verse 17 Jesus tells us how the church thinks they are pretty well off. It is clear they are relying on self not Jesus. He then reveals to them their true condition...wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Folks this is the picture of the church today! In verse 18 Jesus tells the church how to get right! Get out impurities removed as they do with gold...repent!!!! Get rich in Christ the true treasure of the world. Clothe our selves with purity (white garments). Put some salve on our eyes so they will be opened up spiritually!!! Remember that salve was produced locally so this would have really hit home with them. In verse 19 Jesus reminds us He corrects those He loves so repent. Verse 20 tells us they had left Jesus standing outside and He wants back in! If the church will let Him back in He will gladly come and fellowship with us....oh church we must open the door! In verse 21 is a great promise from our Lord...if we overcome this world....we will sit on the throne with Christ! WOW think on that for a while. In verse 22 Jesus once again says listen!



Are we listening this morning church??? That is the question!



Tom