Seven Churches(7): Message to Laodicea Revelation 3:14-22 I. Introduction. A. The city of Laodicea.(Resources: Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia and Pictorial Bible Dictionary). 1. Ninety miles east of Ephesus. 2. On a great commercial route. 3. Founded by king Antiochus II(cBC 250). a. Named for his sister. b. Settled by Syrians and Jews. 4. Citizens had great wealth. a. Commerce promoted(leading banking center). b. Produced world famous black wool. c. Home of a medical school. 5. Great earthquake in 60 AD. a. So wealthy(prosperous) refused help from outside: rebuilt city with their own resources. b. Obtained hot water from nearby springs through cubical blocks of stone(right for health baths when reached city). 6. The ruins can still be viewed. B. Note how a congregation can be like their environment. 1. The world and its ways can have a tremendous influence on Christians and churches. 2. Note: II Corinthians 6:17. 3. Unfortunately, Laodicea did not avoid defilements. C. One writer identified Laodicea as the church with a closed door. 1. The Lord was knocking: they were not opening. 2. The lethargy and complacency of the city infected the church. 3. This church lacked a consciousness of sin. 4. The Lord was "disgusted" with them. II. Body. A. The faithful and true witness speaks: v. 14-15. 1. "I know thy works." a. The Lord's knowledge is unlimited: Psalm 139:8. b. The brethren may not know, but the Lord does. c. There is no way to hide actions and thoughts from God. d. The Lord is disgusted with these brethren. 2. "Thou art neither cold nor hot." a. "We are all good people here in Laodicea." b. "Spiritual lethargy" was the problem. c. Easier to "deal with a frozen church" than one like Laodicea. d. No enthusiasm, no compassion, no zeal. e. Contrast with Corinth: II Corinthians 7:11; 9:2. 3. "I would thou wert cold or hot." a. Better to be on one side or the other. b. Ever met someone who will not take a position on anything and does not care? c. One can deal with opposition or support, but not with indifference. B. The consequence: v. 16. 1. Tepid: could not hold in mouth. 2. These folks were distasteful to the Lord. 3. The unsaved person might be touched by the truth and warm to the gospel. 4. One observed that "lukewarm" disciples do harm to the church: "inconsistent and hypocritical" exercise a "deadly influence" upon those outside (and some inside). 5. The lukewarm deceive themselves: I Corinthians 10:12. C. Boasting versus reality: v. 17b. 1. What they said is not what they were. a. Self-deception: Galatians 6:3. b. Their appraisal of themselves was false. 2. Riches give a false sense of security. a. Jesus said: Matthew 19:24. b. Note: James 1:9-11. c. Wealth is not a sign of God's approval. 3. Riches cause people to become so independent they believe they need nothing. a. The rich farmer's thinking: Luke 12:19. b. You cannot take it with you, but you can send it on ahead by good works. 4.The reality: wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked were these folks. a. But...they did not know it! b. Our society does not recognize its true condition. c. Some "Christians" fail to see their own needs: trust in the material rather than the Lord. d. One can possess great riches and still be a "pauper." D. The Lord's counsel: v. 18. 1. Note their needs: gold refined by fire, white garments, eyesalve(discuss connection with surroundings). 2. They lacked purity, enthusiasm, compassion, etc. 3. They were blinded by their own shortcomings. 4. The Lord was giving them an opportunity. 5. Hence: II Corinthians 8:9. E. The Lord still cared for them: v. 19. 1. His love would allow them to change. 2. Repentance would lead to a "change in conduct." 3. Chastening would bring repentance to the sincere: Hebrews 12:7-8. 4. The Lord does not give up as quickly as men. F. A door is open to those who repent: v. 20. 1. After the rebuke, the invitation. 2. The Lord opens and the repentant one walks into the path of righteousness. 3. The church in Laodicea had everything but the Lord: now they can have Him. 4. Any change, however, is up to the individual. G. For changing their attitudes and actions, the Lord would reward them: v. 21. 1. They could take their place with the Master. 2. All faithful Christians share with the Lord this honor. 3. The rewards would be lost if one does not overcome. 4. A description: Revelation 21:3-4. III. Conclusion. A. The letters to the seven churches offer warning and hope. B. The reactions to the messages were in the hearts and lives of those who heard. C. Laodicea had everything but what they needed most: a love for Christ and His word.-jy