Week 6
Series
Description
Since the beginning of humanity, evil forces have been at work, and God’s people have suffered persecution and corruption. Yet the Church endures, and nothing can extinguish its light. And a day is coming when God’s plan will come to fruition. Jesus will return and deal with all sin and brokenness for good. As we explore the book of Revelation, we cast our eyes to King Jesus, who has the power to triumph over evil and usher in a Kingdom of everlasting peace and glory.
Main
Passage
Revelation 3:14–22
The Message to the Church in Laodicea
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:
“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me: gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.
“Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”
Related
Passages
Revelation 3:14–22's indictment of the lukewarm Laodicean church resonates throughout these passages, revealing the danger of wealth-induced spiritual blindness. Christ, the "firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15–20), offers what Isaiah 55:1–13 describes as true satisfaction "without money." The rich young ruler's struggle (Matthew 19:16–30) parallels the Laodiceans' choice between earthly and heavenly treasure. As John 5:21–40 demonstrates religious leaders missing Christ despite Scripture study, so Hosea 12:6–10 shows Israel trusting in worldly wealth at the expense of fidelity to God. Hebrews 12:1–29 completes the picture: God disciplines those he loves, calling them from comfortable blindness to vision through refining fire.
Sermon Series Page
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