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! 16 So, 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. 18 I 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. 20 Behold, 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.’” Revelation 3:14-22
A. The Head of the Church in Laodicea
1. He is the authentication of the truth: Rev. 3:14; John 1:14-17; Eph. 4:21
2. He is the authoritative voice and person of truth: Rev. 3:14; Rev. 19:11-13
3. He is the source and sustainer of the church and truth: Rev. 3:14; Col. 1:15-19
B. His condemnations
1. Spiritually worthless: Rev. 3:15
2. His disgust with them: Rev. 3:17
3. Spiritually self-deceived: Rev. 3:15; James 1:22
C. His warnings at Laodicea
1. His abandonment of them: Rev. 3:16
2. His firm discipline: Rev. 3:19; Hebrews 12:5-6
D. His promises to the church at Laodicea
1. Of salvation and fellowship: Rev. 3:21; Romans 8:16-17
2. Of a place with Him of prominence: Rev. 3:10-11; Matt. 28:19-20
LESSONS LEARNED
FROM THE USELESS CHURCH AT LAODICEA
1. Ensure the foundation for the church is truth – Word, Jesus
2. Guard against a lukewarm heart
3. Be aware of self-deception due to lack of self-examination
4. Submit to the discipline of the Lord