VII #9: Message to the Church in Laodicea

Concordadmin   -   November 5, 2023

Sermon 9: Message to the Church in Laodicea

Key Verse: Revelation 3:14-22

Being wealthy is a wonderful blessing. We can care for our family, help those who are less fortunate, and provide a long legacy of generosity. But being wealthy also has many risks. One of those risk is convincing ourselves we don’t really need to daily rely upon God. Such was the case at the Church of Laodicea. Not only was the city financially prosperous (it was a major banking center for Rome), so were the members of this church. But Jesus is not impressed so much with financial success as He is obedience. Luxurious living can often diminish our moral fortitude. Jesus gives a stark warning to these congregations- and the modern church in America should pay very close attention to His words.

Discuss:

What are the blessings and risks of material wealth?

Into the Text

1. Jesus is the ruler and what He says is certain (v. 14)
   1. Amen- a Hebrew word of confirmation, or so be it!
   2. Ruler- (also beginning point- thus leader)
   3. Jesus has the right to rule because He is right in His rule
2. Jesus is disgusted with the state of things in this church (v. 15-18)
   1. Hot and Cold water? What is this referring to?
      1. Laodicea did not have it’s own water supply
      2. But nearby there were two key sources of water
         1. Cold water from the mountains near Colossae
         2. Hot water from the springs of Hierapolis
         3. But Laodicea did not have any of those advantages
         4. In today’s English language, he is telling the self-satisfied church in Laodicea: “I want what water that will refresh me, but instead you remind me of the water you always complain about. You make me want to puke.” Craig Keener
      3. Why is Jesus disgusted with this Congregation?
         1. They are more dependent upon their wealth than they were on God (v. 17)
         2. They were spiritually impoverished (v. 18)
            1. They had not been refined by trials (v. 18)
            2. They had not taken seriously the righteousness of Christ imputed to them (v. 18)
            3. They were spiritually blind (v. 18)
         3. Jesus rebukes and disciplines this church because He loves this church (v. 19-22)
            1. Jesus practices tough love, because He really does love His church
            2. Be real and repent – What really moves the heart of Jesus is an honest moment of self-reflection that leads to repentance
            3. Jesus is standing at the door ready to fellowship with you

Why is this important? Because one day, we will take a leadership part in Jesus’ new community (Rev. 1:6, 5:10, 20:4, 6; 22:5).

Application:

• Identify how your relationship with your money could disrupt your relationship with God?
• Is there anything you need to repent from?
• Know that Jesus is always ready to sit down with you

_______________________________________________

Table Talk Cards