The Lukewarm

Understanding Revelation 3:14-22

In a lesson on Revelation 3:14-22, Matthew Vander Els explores the well-known concept of being lukewarm, urging a deeper look beyond the surface. The passage speaks of being either cold or hot, but not lukewarm, lest the Lord vomit you out of His mouth. This teaching seeks to clarify what it means to be lukewarm and how it applies to modern believers.

Historical and Geographical Context

The message is addressed to the church in Laodicea, one of seven churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The Book of Revelation was written by John the Elder, who was on the island of Patmos. Laodicea was strategically located at a major crossroads, making it a significant commercial and banking center.

• Laodicea’s Water Supply: Unlike neighboring Hierapolis, known for its hot springs, and Colossae, with its cool, refreshing waters, Laodicea had neither. Its water was brought in through aqueducts, resulting in lukewarm water upon arrival.
• Economic Status: Laodicea was a wealthy city, known for its black wool and healing salve. The city’s residents felt self-sufficient, declaring they needed nothing.

The Problem of Lukewarmness

The message to Laodicea is harsh, with no commendation. The city is described as wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. This is not a literal assessment but a spiritual one, contrasting their material wealth with their spiritual poverty.

• Misconceptions of Hot and Cold: It’s common to view ‘hot’ as being on fire for God and ‘cold’ as being an unbeliever. However, the speaker suggests ‘cold’ can represent the refreshing nature of the water from Colossae and ‘hot’ as the healing waters of Hierapolis.
• Lukewarmness as a Lack of Distinctiveness: The issue isn’t the temperature itself, but the lack of any special quality. Like the lukewarm water of Laodicea, the Laodicean believers were not refreshing or healing to those around them.

Wealth and Western Mindset

The teaching addresses the Western perception of wealth as an unlimited entity achievable through hard work. In contrast, Eastern cultures, and the Bible, often view wealth as a limited resource. The pursuit of wealth, at the expense of others, is seen as sinful.

• Wealth and Self-Centeredness: The Laodiceans were criticized not for their wealth, but for their self-sufficiency and lack of concern for others. Their focus was on personal gain rather than serving the kingdom of God.
• Modesty and Immodesty: Paul’s teachings on modesty aren’t just about avoiding revealing clothing, but about avoiding dressing or behaving in ways that draw attention to oneself for the wrong reasons. The Laodiceans were more concerned with showing off their wealth than with genuine fellowship.

The Call to Action

The message to Laodicea ends with an offer of grace. Messiah stands at the door and knocks, inviting them to open their hearts and dine with Him. This is a call to repentance and a return to genuine faith.

• Buy Refined Gold: This means seeking true spiritual riches.
• Wear White Clothes: This symbolizes covering their nakedness with righteousness.
• Apply Salve to Their Eyes: This represents gaining spiritual insight.

Practical Applications

• Examine Your Motives: Are your goals aligned with the kingdom of God, or are they self-serving?
• Be Active in Your Faith: Don’t just go through the motions. Use your gifts to refresh and heal others.
• Care for the Needy: Follow the example of the sheep in Matthew 25, who cared for the hungry, thirsty, and imprisoned.
• Keep Torah with the Right Heart: It’s not just about following the rules, but about embodying the justice and righteousness of God.
• Don’t Be a Mercenary: Be a soldier for God, not a contractor driven by personal gain.

Conclusion

The message to the Laodiceans is a call to avoid spiritual complacency and self-centeredness. It challenges believers to examine their motives, be active in their faith, and care for the needs of others. The goal is to be either hot or cold—refreshing or healing—rather than settling for a lukewarm existence that lacks any distinctive impact.

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References

• Revelation 3:14
• Revelation 3:15
• Revelation 3:16
• Revelation 3:17
• Revelation 3:18
• Revelation 3:19
• Revelation 3:20
• Revelation 3:21
• Revelation 3:22
• Leviticus 19:18
• Colossians 3:2
• 1 Timothy 3:1
• 1 Timothy 6:7
• Matthew 25:31
• Psalm 52:7

Resources

• The Bible