121. Beholding Christ | Studies in Revelation Part 16: Church #7 - Laodicea

Revelation 3:14-17

 

This final church is a cautionary tale to modern Christianity, because we struggle with the same apathy and lukewarmness that they are accused of by Christ. Today we start to get a glimpse of this church and the problems Jesus points out. May we have soft hearts to hear His rebukes to us and to repent.

 

Laodicea: the Lukewarm church

  I. The Location (literal local church)

• • Their water came from aqueducts and was lukewarm by the time it reached the city in contrast to Hierapolis had hot springs and Colossae had fresh cold water from the mountains
  • Also known for their wealth due to its location on major trade routes (capable of rebuilding itself after an earthquake in AD 60 without Roman aid)
  • They produced rich black wool from their sheep and also had some significant medical advancements such as their eye salve

 II. The Likeness of Christ

• • Christ addresses the individual people
  • He calls himself the (1) Amen - the final commendation of God’s will, (2) faithful and true witness - the representation of God to man, and (3) beginning of creation - the beginning that started all things.

III. The Letter to the church (merits and warnings)

• • Christ knows these people and their works
  • They are lukewarm, they make Jesus sick (hot is cleansing and cold is refreshing, but they were neither)
  • They were deluded about their own condition

We will continue to look at this church next week.