Listen to last week’s sermon on the Church of Laodicea found in Revelation 3:14-22.

He reminded us last week, the challenge from Jesus to this ancient church is as fresh and urgent for us today as it was when John first penned the words of Revelation 3:14-22.

Why Laodicea Still Speaks

The Church of Laodicea is often preached about because its spiritual condition reflects a danger that every believer and church faces—lukewarmness. Pastor Eric’s prayer is that we wouldn’t just hear this message again, but truly let it challenge and change us.

“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.’” (Revelation 3:14)

The City of Laodicea

Laodicea was one of the wealthiest cities in the Roman Empire. It was famous for:

• Banking and Finance: A center of prosperity and commerce.
• Black Wool: Produced luxury garments prized across the empire.
• Medical Innovation: Especially known for its eye salve, manufactured locally.
• Self-Sufficiency: After an earthquake in 60 AD, the city rebuilt itself without any Roman help, demonstrating its independence and pride.

The church in Laodicea mirrored its city—self-sufficient, prosperous, but spiritually in need.

How Jesus Introduces Himself

Before addressing the church’s condition, Jesus uses four powerful titles:

1. The Amen: The ultimate “Yes” to God’s promises, the guarantee of all God has said.
2. The Faithful and True Witness: Jesus never lies, deceives, or disappoints; He reveals God’s truth perfectly.
3. The Beginning of God’s Creation: Not a created being, but the source, origin, and ruler over all creation.

Jesus has the authority and insight to judge His church rightly and to offer the help we truly need.

Jesus Knows Our Works

“I know your works.”
This phrase, repeated in the letters to all seven churches, is both comforting and sobering. Nothing escapes Jesus’ notice.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

You are God’s masterpiece, created for a purpose—His purpose!

The Problem: Lukewarmness

Jesus confronts Laodicea:

“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm… I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16)

What does “lukewarm” mean?

• Not hot: lacking spiritual passion or fervor.
• Not cold: not refreshing or life-giving to others.
• Lukewarm: Spiritually indifferent, complacent, and self-satisfied.

Why is this so serious?
The city’s water supply was literally lukewarm, piped in from hot springs in Hierapolis and cold springs in Colossae. By the time it reached Laodicea, it was tepid and unpleasant—just like their faith. A lukewarm church is neither healing nor refreshing. It is useless to God’s mission.

The Dangers of Self-Sufficiency

Jesus quotes the church’s own words:

“For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Revelation 3:17)

Self-deception is deadly.

Laodicea thought their material prosperity equaled spiritual health. Jesus saw the truth: their riches blinded them to their desperate need.

Pride is at the root.
Self-reliance, prayerlessness, and an unwillingness to receive help all indicate a heart that has drifted from God. When we think we have it all together, we are least likely to seek God’s help or accept correction.

Jesus’ Threefold Counsel

Jesus offers three remedies, each tailored to Laodicea’s context:

1. Buy from Me Gold Refined by Fire:
   True spiritual wealth comes only from Christ, not from earthly riches or success.

2. White Garments to Clothe Your Nakedness:
   Only Jesus’ righteousness can cover our spiritual shame. The city was known for black wool, but Jesus offers something better—His pure, white garments.

3. Salve to Anoint Your Eyes:
   Only Jesus can heal our spiritual blindness. The city was proud of its eye medicine, but spiritual sight comes from Him alone.

The Loving Discipline of Jesus

“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:19)

Jesus’ rebuke comes from love.
He disciplines to restore, not to punish. The call is simple: Be zealous and repent. Turn from complacency and return to passionate, wholehearted devotion.

Jesus at the Door: The Invitation to Fellowship

“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.” (Revelation 3:20)

This is not just an evangelism verse.
Its context is Jesus outside His own church, longing for restored fellowship. Lukewarmness and pride have pushed Him to the margins, but He knocks, waiting for someone—anyone—to open the door.Fellowship with Jesus is the answer to spiritual apathy.
He wants to be at the center, not the edge, of our lives and our church.

The Promise to Overcomers

“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.” (Revelation 3:21)

What does it mean to overcome?
To reject lukewarmness, to repent of pride, and to pursue passionate, dependent relationship with Christ.

The reward:
Intimacy, honor, and authority with Jesus both now and in eternity.

Listen to the sermon here: