TO THE CHURCH IN LAODICEA: THE HISTORICAL SETTING

Revelation 3:14a

A. They were affluent and popular, self-sufficient, self-satisfied, and self-righteous John 16:8-11

B. Laodicea had three pillars of commerce that bolstered their false assessment of themselves: banks, soft glossy raven-blackwool, and a very reputable medical school that produced a special eye-salve from Phrygian powder

C. In 60AD an earthquake destroyed the city and they refused help from Rome

THE AMEN, FAITHFUL, AND TRUE WITNESS: BEGINNING OF GOD’S CREATION

Revelation 3:14b

A. As Messiah He is the sole righteous representative for the human race, as well as the only pattern of which we may overcome, specifically obedience by way of the cross.

B. As the Creator, He is able to both save and destroy

1. as in the flood—the wicked were destroyed and Noah’s family was saved

2. the exodus—Egypt was judged, and Israel born as a nation Exodus 4:22

3. Finally, in the Day of wrath—a new earth and heavens will be established and the wicked will be eternally condemned. 2 Peter 3:10-13

I KNOW YOUR DEEDS…NEITHER HOT NOR COLD

Revelation 3:15

A. This was the one church who received ZERO affirmation from the gracious Son of God

B. They were seen as useless and disgusting to Jesus and compared to the tepid water condition of the city.

1. Hierapolis, to the north, had a hot spring that flowed toward Laodicea, and Collosae to the east had snow-capped mountains providing fresh cold water that met with the hot spring , creating a foul tasting, lukewarm, and mineral infested water source.

SO BECAUSE YOU ARE LUKEWARM…I WILL SPIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH

Revelation 3:16-17

A. Similar to Jesus warning against losing the savor of our saltiness and being only fit for the manure pile Luke 14:34-35, the church in Laodicea had lost their usefulness and were on the verge of judgment.

1. Many of the city would probably have memories of having been disgusted with the condition of their water and had themselves spit it out. My kids have a gag reflex to swallowing squash. Jesus has a gag reflex towards neutrality and lukewarmness!

2. Our selfish ambition is not concealed. He is fully aware of our truly desperate condition.

I ADVISE YOU! DO COMMERCE WITH ME! YOUR MONEY HAS NO TRUE VALUE

Revelation 3:18-19

A. ‘Buy Gold’ 1 Peter 1:3-8, 1 Peter 5:10-12

B. ‘White Garments’ Matthew 22:11-1

C. ‘Eye Salve’ John 9:39

THE MERCIFUL JUDGE GIVES A FINAL PLEA

Revelation 3:20-22

A. The alternative to being spit out has no comparison! He stands at the door as the Righteous Judge, Matthew 24:33, James 5:9

B. Yet, He knocks in His mercy in this age, before entering in wrath.

1. He desires mercy, yet His wrath upholds Him.

2. ‘I will come into Him’ John 14:23, the Millenial dwelling.

3. ‘Dine with Him’ Marriage supper of the Lamb Revelation 19:9

C. ‘He who overcomes as I overcame…He who has an ear’