The Church in Laodicea
February 21, 2021

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. I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 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. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 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. 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. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. —Revelation 3:14-22

Life in Laodicea

  1. Wealthiest of the 7 cities. Banking center of Asia. Refused Roman assistance to rebuild after earthquakes in AD 17 and AD 60 and rebuilt themselves.
  2. Produced high-quality clothing from rare black wool.
  3. Noted for its medical eye and ear salves.
  4. No local water source. Water delivered via aqueduct from hot springs six miles away.

Portrait of Christ: “I will complete your re-creation.”

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. —Philippians 1:6

Picture of the Church: “You have lost your spiritual usefulness because you have lost your spiritual need.”

And Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” —Matthew 19:23-36

Prescription for Faithfulness: “Live every day fully dependent on me.”

Promise for the Overcomer: “I will give you riches beyond comprehension.”

Pastor’s Challenge: Let Jesus in!