Jesus' Letter to a Lukewarm Church (Rev. 3:14-20)

The Text in Context

J. Hampton Keathley, III, "The Message to Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22)" from the series Studies in Revelation.

https://bit.ly/2vO9e9j

"St. John the Evangelist at Patmos" by Tobias Verhaecht. 1598. Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia.

The Book of Revelation, pt. 1.

An excellent animated introduction to the Book of Revelation produced by The Bible Project.

https://bit.ly/2v38Sfu

1. Realize…

1. Realize our desperate condition.

Revelation 3:14-16 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: The Book of Revelation was written to offer hope and encouragement to Christians undergoing persecution. It begins with a series of messages from Jesus addressed to seven churches in Asia Minor. Read Revelation chapters 2-3. How are these churches both like and unlike churches today? How does knowing the social and historical background of today's text help in its interpretation? Why does Jesus tell the church at Laodicea that he is about to spit (literally vomit) them out of his mouth? What have they done, or failed to do, that accounts for this? Has your faith ever grown lukewarm? Why? Is it lukewarm now? Why or why not?

2. Recognize…

2. Recognize the ironic cause of our condition.

Revelation 3:17 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: What is the ironic cause of this church's desperate condition? In what ways can wealth and self-sufficiency lead to spiritual poverty? What sets, teachings, parables, etc. can you recall that speak to the spiritual dangers of wealth and self-sufficiency? Why would the Laodiceans be puzzled/shocked by being seen as "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked" by Jesus?

3. Receive…

3. Receive what Jesus alone has to offer.

Revelation 3:18 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: What are some things that Jesus alone has to offer us? How do the images of gold, white clothes, and eye salve reflect the social/historical context of the Laodiceans? How does they speak to the gifts and blessings that only Jesus can give?

4. Respond…

4. Respond to Christ as a beloved child of God.

Revelation 3:19 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: Jesus' words to the Laodicean church and its members are harsh, but they serve a positive purpose. How do they reflect the deep love Jesus has for his church? Why is it important to know that the Lord who rebukes us is the Lord who loves us?

5. Reconnect…

5. Reconnect with the living God.

Revelation 3:20 NIV

For Reflection/Discussion: Revelation 3.20 is frequently used as an effective evangelistic tool to help unbelievers open their hearts to Jesus. To whom are these words actually addressed? While the letter is addressed to a lukewarm church, Jesus stands at the door and knocks, waiting for individual believers to open the door to him. In what way are you and your faith contributing to or detracting from the spiritual health and missional effectiveness of your church family? If everyone in the church attend the way you attend, prayed as you pray, give as you give, and serve as you serve would the church be better or worse for it? What are the most important thoughts, attitudes, and actions you are taking away from this week's message?