The churches of Christ in The churches of Christ in the New Testament 10 of the New Testament 10 of

1818“The church in Laodicea”“The church in Laodicea”

Revelation 3:14-22Colossians 4:16

Don R. Taaffe,Gospel Preacher

Dunedin, FL12/13/2009

• 14 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation: 15 "I know your works; you are "I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot.neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, 'I am rich, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.' You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich; and white robes to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19 I reprove and I reprove and discipline those whom I love. discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. repent. 20 Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. 21 To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.what the Spirit is saying to the churches." (NRSV) Revelation 3:14-22Revelation 3:14-22

churches of Christ in the churches of Christ in the New Testament – 18 LessonsNew Testament – 18 Lessons• Origin of Lord’s churchOrigin of Lord’s church• The church in AntiochThe church in Antioch• The church in ColosseThe church in Colosse• The church in CorinthThe church in Corinth• The church in CreteThe church in Crete• The church in EphesusThe church in Ephesus• The church in GalatiaThe church in Galatia• The church in DunedinThe church in Dunedin• The church in The church in

JerusalemJerusalem

• The church in LaodiceaThe church in Laodicea• The church in Pergamum• The church in Philadelphia• The church in Philippi• The church in Rome• The church in Sardis• The church in Smyrna• The church in

Thessalonica• The church in Thyatira

The city of Laodicea

• Laodicea was situated in a valley, positioned 18 miles west of Colossae and 6 miles south of Hierapolis. One of the Chief cities of that area and had an abundance of wealth.

• Laodicea was the banking center of Asia minor, it’s vaults were filled with gold, and it was the garment industrial center of Rome, it’s black wool was treasured by many.

The city of Laodicea

• Laodicea had an excellent Noble medical school which produced and exported to the rest of the world, an excellent eye power.

• It lay in the Roman providence “Asia” a mile south of the river Lycus, in Maeander Valley between Colossae and Philadelphia.

The city of Laodicea• The wealth of this church ( arising from its

excellent wools) most likely led to a self-satisfied “Lukewarm” state in spiritual things, which we will see the Lord condemns.

• The epistle to the Colossians, written by Paul there is also “An epistle from the Laodicea” – Colossians 4:16Colossians 4:16

• The apostle’s epistles were publicly

read in every church – (Rev. 1:11Rev. 1:11)

Colossians 4:1616 And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter fromletter from Laodicea. Laodicea. (NRSV)

• Colossians 4:15-16Colossians 4:15-16• 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters in Laodicea,in Laodicea,

and to Nympha and the church the church in her house.in her house.

16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it read read

also in the church of the also in the church of the Laodiceans;Laodiceans; and see that you

read also the letter from from Laodicea.Laodicea. (NRSV)

The church of Laodicea

• The letters to seven churches; number seven symbolic of completeness.– Proverbs 9:1Proverbs 9:1

• Perhaps these seven churches from Asia represented the condition of all the churches of Christ at the time of these letters.

• Two churches were good, five were bad, the worst and last church mentioned

was Laodicea.

Proverbs 9:11 Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn her seven seven pillars.pillars. (NRSV)

The church of Laodicea

• The church is most likely established by Epaphras – Colossians 4:13Colossians 4:13

• Mentioned six times in the New Testament ( four times in Colossians and two times revelation)

• It was neither hostile towards Christ nor was it zealous towards Christ.

• We should note: the cities of Ephesus, Sardis, and Laodicea are only ruins

today!

Colossians 4:1313 For I testify for I testify for him him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. (NRSV)

The condition of this church

• Jesus completes the pattern of telling each of the seven churches that he “knows of their works”. – Revelation 3:15Revelation 3:15

• Jesus (God) knows our sins; but he also knows our temptations, our struggles, our sorrow, and our love – 1 John 3:201 John 3:20

• I am “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God” – Revelation 3:14Revelation 3:14

Revelation 3:1515 "I know your I know your works;works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. (NRSV)

1 John 3:2020 whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he he knows everything.knows everything. (NRSV)

Revelation 3:1414 "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the the AmenAmen,, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation: (NRSV)

The condition of this church

• We are in the habit of saying, “Amen” to conclude our prayers – but Jesus is the Amen?

• Jesus is the creative force behind all things in which the Laodiceans trusted – Colossians 1:15-17Colossians 1:15-17

• The Laodiceans had lost their fire and were going through the motions of playing church.

Colossians 1:15-1715 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 16 for in him all things ifor in him all things in heaven and on n heaven and on earth were createdearth were created,, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers — all things all things have have been createdbeen created through him and for him. through him and for him. 17 He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (NRSV)

The condition of this church

• LukewarmnessLukewarmness – (inactive and unconcerned). God threatens to vomit them out of this fellowship – Revelation Revelation 3:163:16

• The Laodiceans had knowledge without zeal. The Jews had zeal without knowledge – Romans 10:2Romans 10:2

• Consider the condition of Ephraim and Judah – Hosea 6:4Hosea 6:4

• The church could easily go either way.

Revelation 3:1616 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (NRSV)

Romans 10:22 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.not according to knowledge. (NKJV)

Hosea 6:44 "O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your faithfulness is like a morning cloud, And like the early dew it goes away. (NKJV)

The condition of this church• Many like them have a feeling of security

and self-satisfaction – saying “I am rich, have need of nothing” – Revelation 3:17Revelation 3:17

• Today, many think because they have obeyed and accepted the first principles of the gospel of Christ they are assured of salvation.

• But it just ain’t so! They are blind as the Laodiceans were to their real condition – “thou knowest not that thou art wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked” – Revelation 3:17Revelation 3:17

Revelation 3:1717 For you say, 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.' nothing.' You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. (NRSV)

Revelation 3:1717 Because you say,'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' — and do not know that you do not know that you are are wretched,wretched, miserablemiserable, , poorpoor, , blindblind, and , and nakednaked — (NKJV)

The condition of this church

• God has given us a spirit of power, love and a sound mind, and a sound mind is equipped to distinguish between truth and fiction.

• As the Laodiceans we are charged:

• ““Buy Christ’s Gold,Buy Christ’s Gold,

• White Robes,White Robes,

• Eye Salve”Eye Salve”• Revelation 3:18Revelation 3:18

Rev 3:1818 I counsel you to buy from Me gold buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments,white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, eye salve, that you may see. (NKJV)

The condition of this church

• ““Buy Christ’s Gold” –Buy Christ’s Gold” – earthly gold and money has no bartering power in heaven – but we are to lay up treasures in heaven –Luke 12:33-34Luke 12:33-34 (Matthew 6:19-21Matthew 6:19-21)

• ““White Robes” –White Robes” – blackish wool would be hideously out of place among the righteous in their white robes (penitence and faith) – Revelation 6:11Revelation 6:11

• ““Eye Salve” – Eye Salve” – their eyes salve only treated their eyes salve only treated physical vision – Christ Eye SaIve treats physical vision – Christ Eye SaIve treats spiritual vision – spiritual vision – Matthew 15:13-14Matthew 15:13-14

Luke 12:33-3433 Sell what you have and give alms; provide your-selves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in treasure in the heavens the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NKJV)

Revelation 6:1111 Then a white robea white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed. (NKJV)

Matthew 15:13-1413 But He answered and said, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch." (NKJV)

Lukewarmness of The Brotherhood

• Lukewarm congregations make up a lukewarm brotherhood

• About half the membership of any congregation will not attend Bible classes

• Many excuses are given but it simply boils down to lukewarmness and indifference towards the truth and towards the success of the cause of Christ.

• The reason we at Dunedin do not have gospel meetings is because of the lack of interest of its members

Lukewarmness of The Brotherhood

• Let us bring the discussion closer to home by talking about lukewarm elders and members!

• Most members of the church as well as the elders cannot get off ready

• Let me explain: I have sat in meetings where the members and/or elders spent 2 to 3 hours talking about where to move the clock, what color carpet to put in the building, etc. etc.

• These elders or members set themselves up as guardians of the “Lord’s money” instead of spiritual matters – 1 Peter 5:21 Peter 5:2

1 Peter 5:22 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain not for dishonest gain but eagerly; (NKJV)

Lukewarmness of The Brotherhood

• Let us talk for a minute about what the work of congregations should be?

• Ephesians 4:11-12Ephesians 4:11-12

• Evangelism – “building up the body of Christ”

• Edification – “edifying the body of Christ”

• Benvolence -- “the work of

ministry”

Ephesians 4:11-1211 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints the equipping of the saints for the work the work of ministry,of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,the edifying of the body of Christ, (NKJV)

Lukewarmness of The Brotherhood

• Evangelism – “building up the body of Christ” (including personal evangelism)

• Lukewarm preachers preach lukewarm sermons -- 2 Timothy 4:22 Timothy 4:2

• There are some preachers that never say “you”, but rather say “they”.

• I would rather be buffeted for well doing than for evil doing - 1 Peter 2:191 Peter 2:19

• Let us never forget that the power of salvation is “the gospel”– Romans 1:16Romans 1:16

2 Timothy 4:22 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching. (NKJV)

1 Peter 2:1919 For this is commendable, if because of conscience toward God one endures grief, suffering wrongfully. (NKJV)

Romans 1:1616 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. (NKJV)

Lukewarmness of The Brotherhood

• Edification – “edifying the body of Christ”

• I preach for a brotherhood of people who claim to be New Testament Christians, some spend more money on tobacco and alcohol than in teaching the gospel -- Matthew 28:18-20Matthew 28:18-20

• Things that hinder the growth of the church are lukewarmness, indifference, wickedness, guile, hypocrisy, envies, evil speakings -- 1 Peter 2:1-21 Peter 2:1-2

Matthew 28:18-2018 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (NKJV)

1 Peter 2:1-21 Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, (NKJV)

Lukewarmness of The Brotherhood

• Benevolence -- “the work of ministry”• There is a congregation in our area that

has over 100 members and spends less than a dollar a person on benevolence -- yet they would divide the church because other congregations spend more as individuals -- 2 Corinthians 8:12-14;2 Corinthians 8:12-14; (2 2 Cor. 8:3-5; 18-21; 1 Cor. 16:1-2Cor. 8:3-5; 18-21; 1 Cor. 16:1-2)

• Benevolence was a part of the mission of the early church – Roman 12:13; Roman 12:13; (15:25-15:25-27; 1 Cor.16:1527; 1 Cor.16:15)

2 Corinthians 8:12-1412 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; 14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack — that there may be equality. (NKJV)

Romans 12:1313 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. (NKJV)

In conclusion to Laodicea

• Many church members give the left over scraps to their dog, and they treat God the same manner. Spending more on their pets than in service to Christ.

• The Laodiceans were lukewarm but could repent and return to their first love!

• If you intended to correct your lukewarmness, then we must begin to reform our self today -- Matthew 7:1-5Matthew 7:1-5

• This church could be on fire if you become the spark, why not start today?

Matthew 7:1-51 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. 3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye'; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. (NKJV)

In conclusion to Laodicea

• If you haven’t been baptized, that’s the starting point -- Acts 22:16Acts 22:16 (Acts 2:38; Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16Mark 16:16)

• If you have been baptized, where’s the fire? -- Acts 5:28Acts 5:28

Every Soul inPinellas County

Acts 22:1616 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins,baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' (NKJV)

Acts 5:2828 saying,"Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!" (NKJV)