Revelation 3:14-22

THE MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH IN LAODICEA

Revelation 3:14-22

From the Life Application New Testament Commentary: "At the end of the route was Laodicea, about forty-five miles southeast of Philadelphia. The problem in this church was self-sufficiency, which caused believers to forget their need of pure love and faith in the Savior."

In other words the church was on autopilot and they were content with that.

 Rev 3:14  "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: Rev 3:15  "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! Rev 3:16  But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth!

The church of Laodicea was one where the city had become rich and powerful. They had made a rare black wool that was desired and a medical school that had developed an eye salve that was used. They were on two trade routes so their wares were sought after. The church was founded by Epaphras (Col_4:12). The Angel was instructed to say that they were neither hot not cold. The Life Application New Testament Commentary says that means " Many have thought that this cold and hot refers to spirituality—and that Christ would rather have “cold” people (without faith at all, or without any sort of growth) than “lukewarm” believers (who believe some). They take the word “cold” to be negative and “hot” to be positive, with “lukewarm” in between. Instead, both “cold” and “hot” should be taken as positive. Christ wished that the church had cold, refreshing purity or hot, therapeutic value, but it had neither."  I am not sure if I agree with that definition but either way it was not good for the Laodiceans.

Rev 3:17  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.

The city had made it. They had wealth and they had a good Christian society so what is the problem. If you are wealthy, healthy and wise you have it all right? The church had put it stock into itself. They didn't act as though they needed God, they were the opposite of  the church of Smyrna (Rev_2:9) a church that was poor.

Rev 3:18  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.

God is warning them that He is the true gold and where they were with him was not where they should been. He was the one who furnished the white garments that were spoke of in verses:

Mat_17:2  As the men watched, Jesus' appearance was transformed so that His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light.

Mat_28:3  His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow.
Mar_9:3  and His clothes became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly bleach could ever make them.
Mar_16:5  When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked,
Luk_9:29  And as He was praying, the appearance of His face was transformed, and His clothes became dazzling white.
Joh_20:12  She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying.
Act_1:10  As they strained to see Him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them.
Rev_1:14  His head and His hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And His eyes were like flames of fire.

White is purity and anyone associated with God showed up in white.

Rev 3:19  I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. Rev 3:20  "Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the  I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Also Mat 7:7  "Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

Revelations 3:20 is well known by most Christians. There have been many versions of painting s but the meaning is the same.  

Knocking at your door

Rev 3:21  Those who are victorious will sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat with My Father on His throne.

Rev 3:22  "Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches."

Agape

Dave