Element Christian Church
Never Read A Bible Verse*
*without context
Week Twelve: Jesus Knocking
We live in a time and place of significant material blessings. Because of this, it can be deceptively easy for us to live as if we don’t really need anything from God—to live as practical atheist—becoming complacent and self-reliant in our relationship with God. This is what happened to the Church in Laodicea. They trusted in wealth rather than in Jesus, and in doing so, they lost their zeal and fellowship with Him. Jesus is shown on the outside of the church, standing at their door knocking; this is an invitation to believers, not unbelievers. Jesus is speaking to His church that became self-sufficient and complacent. They have become lukewarm rather than being hot or cold. They’ve become ineffective for God’s kingdom. They are blind to their true condition.
Revelation 3:20 ESV
Revelation 3:14 ESV
Colossians 1:15-17 ESV
Revelation 3:15-16 ESV
Revelation 3:17 ESV
John 15:5 ESV
Revelation 3:18 ESV
Isaiah 55:1 ESV
Matthew 5:3 ESV
Revelation 3:19 ESV
Revelation 3:20 ESV
Revelation 3:21-22 ESV
Zephaniah 1:12 NIV
In love, Jesus shows them spiritual poverty and calls them to repent and renew their zeal. This knock is a knock of discipline and reproof to a church that has forgotten its mission. It’s an invitation to enjoy intimacy and communion with Jesus that transforms us into His image.
Discussion Starters
• Why does God prefer that we are either "cold or hot?"
• Why is lukewarmness so distasteful to God?
• How can those who are “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” buy from Jesus the gold, garments, salve?
• What currency do we have?
• What is God's remedy for the lukewarm heart? Is this verse a call to salvation or fellowship?
• What does true zeal for God look like (and how is it different than fanaticism)?