Rev. 3:14-22
.. LUKEWARM.. You Spiritually YOUR
A city of Asia Minor situated in the Lycos valley in the province of Phrygia., approx. 40 miles from Ephesus (Coast) and 11 miles from Colossae. (Modern Turkey) Founded by Antiocus II around (246 B.C.) Industries: Wool, Medicine, Banking.
Founded in the 50 s The church met at Nympha(s) house (Col 4.15). The city was not evangelized by Paul, but possibly by his disciple Epaphras. (Col. 1:7; 4:12)
The Christian community in the city seems to have been closely connected with the Christians at Colossae (also in the Lycus valley). Laodicea is mentioned four times in the New Testament s epistle to the Colossians (Col. 2:1; 4:13,15,16).
Archaeology shows Laodicea had an aqueduct that probably carried water from hot mineral springs some five miles south. Volcanic region; Earthquake (before 66 A.D.) destroyed the city. Rebuilt without financial aid
Wool Industry Laodicea was famous for its black wool industry; it manufactured garments from the raven-black wool produced by the sheep of the surrounding area.
Medicine According to the Greek Geographer Strabo (12.8.20) there was a medical school in the city, where a famous ophthalmologist practiced. The city also lies within the boundaries of ancient Phrygia, from where an ingredient of eye-lotions, the so-called Phrygian powder, which was supposed to have originated.
Banking Located on a major trade route, Laodicea became a leading banking center. *Success in banking meant they did not need to depend upon any aid from Rome. Laodicea was thus a kind of Bank of America, Wal- Mart and Mayo Clinic all rolled into one. *RE. Earthquake
Col 2:1-3 - For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf, and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and {attaining} to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, {resulting} in a true knowledge of God's mystery, {that is,} Christ {Himself} in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Col 3:1-3 If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. Col 3:23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men
Col 4:12-13 - Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.
Col 4:15-16 - Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. And when this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter {that is coming} from Laodicea.
Jesus visits the church at Laodicea He sees it s present condition He sees it s present delusion He speaks directly to their needs.
Jesus makes it clear in Rev. 3:15-16, that Laodicea was just lukewarm. Lukewarmness is the worst form of blasphemy. Jesus said, When I think of your complacency, it makes me vomit. (Rev. 3:16).
The name AMEN (Rev. 3:14) solemnly testifies that Jesus is the great Confirmer; His Will is immutable, and His Word is Forever. He is 'the Amen' in all His promises.
He is also called- The True Witness (Perfect Judge) The Beginning of the Creation of God, says (Originator)
Rev 3:15-16 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I would that you were cold or hot. 'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
Rev 3:17 'Because you say (to yourselves), "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are (really)
wretched (as opposed to faithful) miserable (as opposed to happy) poor (in matters of the Spirit) blind (to their own indifference) naked (before God)
Rev 3:18 - I advise you to buy from Me gold (truth) refined by fire, that you may become rich, and white garments (purity), that you may clothe yourself, and {that} the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and [My] eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. (my mirror)
Adam needed to know he was LOST! Laodicea needed to know she was LOST! You need to know that UNLESS you obey the Gospel and live a sincere hot life for Christ, you will be LOST! Solution?
Rev 3:20-21 Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with Me. 'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
Rev 3:19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Do you know?
Do you know? Be honest! Are you Lukewarm?
Your Talk more impressive than your Walk. Your physical fleshly life taking precedence over your Spiritual Calling? Do you Recognize that staying in this condition will lead to your Destruction
1 st You need to be Baptized for the remission of your sins. 2 ndly - You need to live a faithful life. 3 rdly - You need to repent when you do sin, and recommit yourself to living the righteous life, the committed life, the Spirit-led life.
.. LUKEWARM.. You Today