By The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Leggett
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sermon Series: Jesus’ Message to the Churches
Sermon Text: Revelation 3:14-22
Sermon Theme
Jesus has nothing good to say about the church in Laodicea. He affirms his authority over them in the strongest terms. The church appears to have had problems going back to the time of the apostle Paul (Colossians 4:15-17). Laodicea was probably the wealthiest of the cities mentioned in Revelation. The church itself may well have been wealthy. They were content and satisfied. Jesus rebukes them for being neither hot nor cold but lukewarm (Revelation 3:15-16). Yet he will not abandon them. He will come to them as a bridegroom (Song of Solomon 5:2, Luke 12:35-38). This church represents both a warning and a promise.
Sermon Outline
- Complacent. The city of Laodicea was extremely prosperous. It was a banking and financial center. It was also famous for manufacturing clothing. The sheep that resided in Laodicea were famous for their soft, black wool. In addition it was a medical center renowned for a salve that could cure eye ailments. They were also noted for their engineering in constructing a pipeline which brought the water from the hot springs of a neighboring city five miles away. The city was so wealthy that after a devastating earthquake they refused any outside assistance and rebuilt the city out of their own resources. The church apparently shared in this prosperity. If they were wealthy it had to have been because God was blessing them. Yet the church had become indifferent to the things of Christ. They existed comfortably alongside the idols and false gods of the city. As far as they were concerned they were content and happy.
- Correction. Jesus begins by showing nothing but scorn for the complacent, self satisfied attitude he finds in the church of Laodicea. Jesus emphasizes his authority in unmistakable terms. He is the Amen (II Corinthians 1:20), faithful (I Thessalonians 5:24) and true (I John 5:20), the beginning of all things (Colossians 1:15-16). According to an ancient church document Archippus was the first bishop of Laodicea. Paul called on him sternly to “complete the task you have received in the Lord” (Colossians 4:17). This was thirty years before the present letter. Things had not improved. Jesus rebukes the church for being neither hot nor cold. He is on the verge of spitting them out of his mouth. Like Israel of old they are indifferent, uncommitted and silent (cf. I Kings 18:21). Jesus uses all their so-called accomplishments against them. Quite simply they are “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17). They don’t see themselves as they actually are. This is a danger we all face.
- Community. Jesus however will not abandon them. He will give them the things they thought they had: gold, white (not black) robes, and his salve to anoint their eyes spiritually so that they can see the truth. Jesus will discipline them. This is a sign of his love for them. He will not punish them. Still less will he abandon them. He comes to them as the Bridegroom knocking on the door suggesting both the Song of Solomon (5:2) and the parable of Luke 12:35-38. In that parable the servants are called to be ready for their master. When they open the door to him he not only comes in and eats with them, he also serves them. There are times when Jesus needs to discipline us. We need a “reality check.” The purpose of this discipline is for our own benefit (Proverbs 3:11-12). The New Testament reminds us again and again that we are in a spiritual war (Luke 22:31-32, Ephesians 6:11-12, I Peter 5:8-9, Revelation 12:17). In this war neutrality is not an option. Jesus calls us to conquer in his name (Romans 8:37). As a result he will give us a place on his throne. This is the greatest promise Jesus makes to any of the seven churches. We need to be both humbled and encouraged when we realize he makes this promise to the church that was the most conspicuous failure. But this is what Jesus is all about. He calls failures and turns them into victors (I Corinthians 15:57).
Questions for Us
- Why do you think it is that we tend to become spiritually complacent when things are going well in our lives (Deut. 32:15)?
- When Elijah asks the people to choose between Baal and the Lord they simply don’t answer (I Kings 18:21)?
- Why are we often silent, being neither hot nor cold?How do we experience the Lord’s discipline? Do we recognize that discipline is and expression of his love for us?
