Indifference or Intention
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Introduction
Introduction
Elders asked me to speak
I have enjoyed our discussions on Wednesday nights (James)
What truth of Scripture do I need to be reminded of?
Faith/Works relationship on my mind (study,prayer,blogs)
Eschatology Class, Revelation, Similar (Familiar) Passage
Jesus to Seven Churches in John’s Day
God’s final exhortation to the church - significant b/c it is timeless
Words of encouragement for God’s people as they
Endure Suffering
Defend Doctrine
Resist Apathy
Resist Apathy and Indifference
Message For - All People, All Time, All Places
There have been or will be times that we may face these same problems personally or corporately
So each of us (myself included) should receive what is said as a means of examination and encouragement
Often as we study Scripture
Can
Often as we study Scripture
God is not revealing some truth we never knew about him (God hides in plain sight)
God is reminding us to continue to trust/pursue Him in the truth he has already given
B/C we are like the man in James, looking in the mirror, walking away w/o addressing what we just saw
So our prayer as we think through the message
God convict us of our sin
God remind us of your provision
God encourage us in our mission
Book of Revelation - Begins with Jesus addressing seven churches established in John’s lifetime
Offered Commendation and Encouragement
Enduring Suffering
Defending Doctrine
Enduring Suffering
Becoming Indifferent
Ephesus had strayed from a passionate pursuit of God
Endurance/Patience of Ephesus
Smyrna was facing increasing persecution
The Riches
Pergamos was combating false doctrine
Thyatira was overlooking immorality
Sardis had become dead and lifeless
Philadelphia was facing ridicule and slander
The letters to the seven churches are a remarkably complete treatment of problems that face the church today. The recurring dangers of losing their first love, of being afraid of suffering , doctrinal defection , moral departure, spiritual deadness, not holding fast , and lukewarmness (what I will call apathy or indifference) are just as prevalent today as they were in first-century churches. Because these letters come from Christ personally, they take on significance as God’s final word of exhortation (encouragement/promise) to the church down through the centuries. The final appeal is to all individuals who will hear. People in churches today would still do well to listen.
John Walvoord
Often Scripture doesn’t reveal to us something new
Many times it reminds us to continue to trust and pursue the truth we have already been given
We are often guilty of being like the man described in James, we stare into the mirror, but when we walk away we quickly forget what we looked like and what needed to be addressed
My prayer is that as the body of Christ we will be encouraged in our mission and resolved in our approach
“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.
I often find myself saying this as I preach because it is true, that often when we approach Scripture we are not presented with some new never-before-seen revelation, but we are reminded and encouraged to continue to pursue, trust and rest in the truth we have already been given. For the most part we are often guilty of being like the man mentioned in James who stares in the mirror, but then upon leaving quickly forgets what needed to be addressed.
I. Jesus is speaking to the Pastor of the Church
Jesus has a message for the leader of the Church in Laodicea
Angel (ἄγγελος) angel or messenger - one responsible for care of the church
In Laodicea - most likely Archippus
Mentioned in
The person or persons responsible for the care of the church
Paul - Have this letter read also by the Laodiceans, and say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you recieved in the Lord.”
As you pray for the elders and for your pastor
Pray for their ability to guide (vision/direction)
Pray for their ability to guard (protect the flock)
Also pray for their
Side note, this may have been Archippus
Jesus’ message here has to do with both areas
Mentioned in Colossians 4:17
Have this letter read also by the Laodiceans, and say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you recieved in the Lord.”
The Church in Laodicea was a real Church
Laodicea - “rule of the people”
Well Known throughout the Roman Empire
Wool
Fertile Land - Green, Lush Pasture
Bred Sheep w/ glossy black wool (high demand)
Medicine
Temple of Asclepius - god of medicine - (Symbol Staff and Snake)
Ear Ointment - Made from Spices (infections and disease)
Greek god who held the familiar staff and snake symbol
Ear Ointment - Made from Spices (infections and disease)
Eye Salve
Phrygian Powder - Ground Mineral Rock/Stone
Mixed with oil —> made a dough like salve
Touted as a miracle cure for blindness / vision loss
Wealthy City
Located along Romes extravagant road system
Their developments brought in commerce, opportunities for trade and wealth
Earthquake 60 AD
Rome was sending aid throughout the empire
Laodicea - Thanks, but no thanks, we got this
Known as, “The City that Made Themselves”
Jesus addresses them — describing himself as:
Amen - (faithful and true) witness - Trust my observation/testimony/case
From Jesus - The Amen
Faithful and True (witness) - Trust my observation, my testimony
Beginning of Creation
This is not that Jesus was the first Creation
But that all things have been created by Jesus - He is the origin
So his message is - trustworthy and carries weight (authority)
“ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
I Know Your Works
He doesn’t say get to work
Let me add some more context here, Laodicea
Well-known, Wealthy, Booming “textile” and “medical” industries
But they lacked one - precious resource - WATER!
The city was built based on the Roman road system, not based on resources
So they had no source of water - essential - only survive three days…important
They used aqua-ducts to pipe in their water supply (Stone pipe ran for miles 3 feet wide)
They had two choices (Two other cities nearby had an abundance of water)
Within 6 miles of Laodicea, you could see the city of Hierapolis to the South and Colossae to the East.
Hierapolis - Known for its Hot Mineral Springs (Healing Properties)
Colossae - Know for it’s Cold Refreshing Natural Spring Water (Shatley Springs)
The Problem - Regardless of where it came from it arrived TEPID
No longer offered the warm healing properties of a hot bath
No longer offered the promise of a cold refreshing drink
Couldn’t use it for coffee
No longer Hot
OTHER EXAMPLES
Sure, it was wet, but it had lost its distinction
It was no longer Hot
Sure, it was wet, but it had lost its distinction
In Therapy - Dr prescribes either heat or ice…a heated whirlpool (not the kind with foam....gross) or ice bath…they dont prescribe just lukewarm water...
Don’t miss this picture
Jesus’ observance of his people in this city
You work all day you draw a warm bath to ease muscles
Summer you long to cool off, be re energized in the pool
Think about advertising...
On a cold morning, who wants room temperature coffee?
Swiss Miss - They show the snow, kids outside, snowman, coming in for HOT chocolate, so warm your hands get heat from the mug as you hold.
After a long day working in the heat,
Gatorade - Hot and sweaty, pick up game, tired…you reach into the cooler… wipe the ice off the lid…ahhhhh, so refreshing.
Gatorade - Outside in the heat, playing a pick up game, sweating, tired…you want a cooler, you want to have to wipe the ice off the lid…that hits the spot.
When your cold or sick you want a warm bowl of soup
When your hot and sweaty and exhausted, you look for something cold and invigorating
Jesus - These people offer no healing, they offer no refreshment…no benefit
Double-Take
Expecting sweet tea, but they poured you lemonade
and it makes God nauseous
There’s that face you make, that moment where you have to decide....can I swallow this?
What did I just drink??!?!
Jesus is more intense - you’re lukewarm, you make me nauseated.
The word spit or spew is ἐμέω (emeō)
Where we get the word emit - LED Light emitting Diode
An “emetic” is a mixture that a Dr. gives someone to make them vomit.
Think of that one food or taste that when you think about it…it actually creates this physical reaction, this gag reflex within you.
For me, gotta be really ripe bananas....the brown spotted ones…not happening
Something about these people were creating that gag response in Jesus
So we ask
What is Jesus seeing in the lives of these people?
What is it that makes him double-take / sick?
For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
Rev 3:
Thought they had it all, Material and Spiritual Wealth
No Specific Examples, but these people were beginning to rest in their self-sufficiency
I am rich, I hav
I am rich, I have prospered
e prospered
A
Self- Sufficiency in Scripture
Allusion to
As an assembly - Nice Facilities, Little Debt, Notable Speakers
Great Building Program, Little Debt, Latest Technology, Notable Leaders
As
Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich; I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.”
Thanks God, I’ll take it from here…
Attitude of “I have arrived” “I’ve checked all the boxes”
My career is going well
My kids are behaving
My marriage is fine
My sin is manageable
Thank’s God, I’ll call if something major comes up
Self-Sufficiency leads to apathy and indifference
We get really comfortable and casual
No longer passionate about what Jesus had done
No longer pursuing him to something better
Jesus gives us gives us an illustration of what this looks like
“True, holy Father,” said Thomas, “and neither can it say to the lame any more, ‘Arise and walk.’ ”
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
You don’t put
Salt that had lost its flavor
Salt was not as refined then, mixed with other compounds....moisture would take out the sodium and leave a white tasteless powder
Rather than season,flavor - affect - their city, they were bland
Similarly (water) - they were wet, but offered no healing and no refreshment
They were a people without purpose, without passion, and without power
They were a people without purpose, without passion, and without power
They were a people without purpose, without passion, and without power
Thomas Aquinas
Thomas Aquinas once called upon Pope Innocent II. The pope was counting a large sum of money. “You see, Thomas,” said the pope, “the church can no longer say, ‘Silver and gold have I none.’ ”
“True, holy Father,” said Thomas, “and neither can it say to the lame any more, ‘Arise and walk.’ ”
2. Your comfort has left you numb (ironic)
You don’t comfort has left you numb (ironic)
You have material wealth, but you’re spiritually poor
You make this wool, but you’ve been exposed
Miserable
You make this eye salve, but you still can’t see
Pitiful
Poor
Blind
Naked
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.
“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.
“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”
“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.
This Is What You Need
For true riches - that don’t decay, that cannot be stolen - that lead to a rich and full life… is more of Jesus
Become rich in me - I will be your treasure
“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.
iii. Honestly Ask Yourself this: What do I spend the majority of my time pursuing?
1. Usually answering that will answer where I find my comfort, security and joy
2. Money, Career, Sex, Hobbies, Reputation, House, Car
a. My Career - climb ladder, big retirement
b. My Hobbies
3. Ecclesiastes - Solomon had it all, it is all vanity/meaningless
When our joy is found in things, we constantly pursue the promise of something better and are never satisfied.
When our joy is found in Christ, we are constantly satisfied by the promise that there is nothing better to pursue.
b. Be Clothed in My Righteousness
(“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”)
Rev
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.
i. Han’s Christian Anderson - Emperor’s New Clothes
a. Let me not think for a minute…that I have this thing.
Colossians 3:5-
b. If I am honest, I’m still a horrible person, my righteousness (apart from Christ) never ceases to be filthy rags
c. If I think I’m ok without the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, I am immediately exposed…naked, put to shame
d. Those times where I react, where I don’t allow time for the Holy Spirit to filter and work and interact… I’m a jerk
e. The FRUIT of THE SPIRIT is love, joy, peace, patience, suffering, gentleness, meekness....it’s not my fruit
f. I need him, always....I am dependent on him
As the old song goes… I need thee every hour
ii. But now, put on the new
c. Let me open your eyes (4 things we need to see)
i. I need to see God’s glory....majesty, his beauty
i. Look
ii. I need to see my sin, my continual dependence (grace/mercy)
iii. I need to see that the fields are white and ready for harvest
iv. I need to see that God is faithful in His promises…listen to this!
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ”
Rev 3:19
ii. I need to see God
We Have a Father that wants to give us His best
A good father, teaches and corrects his children, guiding them to a life, decisions, desires that will bring them joy
We need to thank God for his correction
The alternative is that he leaves us to pursue something that won’t satisfy, even something that would destroy us
God is concerned with our joy, and our joy is complete in God
The Westminster Confession
The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever
Piper - “to glorify God by enjoying him forever”
What Greater treasure, gift, joy can we receive from God apart from God himself?
Jesus not only loves us, he’s standing right out side the door waiting to come in
had riches
huge house
big parties
food
women
John Calvin -
iii. See the
For Salvation
He kept
It’s not about church attendance or membership or being good enough to deserve his love
If you don’t have a rel
If you have knowledge, but you don’t
“man never achieves a clear knowledge of himself unless he has first looked upon God’s face, and then descends from contemplating Christ to scrutinize himself”
i.
We are guilty before a Holy and righteous God and the only thing we can bring to him are empty hands…nothing, just trusting in the perfect sacrifice and gift of his Son on our behalf
Passionate Fellowship for the Church
Zealous - marked by passion and interest
If we pursue him, he comes in the house!
James - If you lack wisdom ask
Jesus- Ask, Seek , Knock the door will be opened
What does this look like?
Reading/Study
Revealing His Character, Plans, Promises
Ephesians 3:16
that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Revealing our sin, leading us to maturity
Prayer
THIS IS WHAT HE PROMISES....THIS IS WHY HE KNOCKS!
We will seek his will, his direction, influence
Selwyn Hughes writes, “We are made for big and are restless in our littleness. We cannot be content this side of God’s purpose”
We will rest in his provision, in his
You want to be a Christian with a life marked by Christ?
You want to live a life of distinction?
You want to live a life that shows the hope of healing and restoration?
You want to offer other refre
You want to live in a way that leads others to refreshing, living water?
Then let him in… passionately pursue him, seek him and savor him
I need to add more to this conclusion of what that looks like…examples, illustration