Church of Laodicea

Revelation 3:14-22

Christ’s Introduction: The Amen, the faithful and true witness, and ruler of creation.
Reveals: Christ has the final say so. He is one that will always speak the truth. He is the one with authority and control over all creation.

Affirmations: None concerning their works, but He did show his love to them through rebuke and discipline vs19

Faults/sins: Not hot or cold. No zeal. Works were ineffective. vs. 15,16 They were deceived in believing they were blessed when they were not in a righteous position to be blessed. They were self-satisfied and indifferent to their need for authentic discipleship and ministry. The Laodiceans were puffed up in their self-sufficiency. Their faults were obvious to everyone but themselves. They were blind to their own deficiencies. vs. 17,18

Penalties/Instructions: They were soon to be excluded from the Lord’s presence if they did not change.vs16 Christ counseled them to obtain gold, white raiment, and eye salve from Him; rather than the material wealth that they possessed. In doing so they would cover their shame with purity and their eyes would be open to discern the truth. vs. 17,18 With His rebuke he exhorted them to be sincere in their repentance.

Promises: To the repentant who invited Him in, Christ would enter and engage in sweet fellowship. Vs19 The overcomer would receive the right/privilege to reign and rule w/Christ.

Link of intro w/penalties &promises: Christ has all authority to enforce penalties or grant rewards. He is the One who speaks to God on behalf of the people.

Application: Self-reliance =Self-satisfaction=self-deception. Self-deception leads to loss of zeal and complacency. Complacency leads to ineffective service and lack of progress. If a church is not maturing it is going backward. Rather than leading others to salvation it will pull others into it’s deception.

This church could be characterized as magnet of materialism for those having no incentive to actually work in and for the kingdom. One with an 'anything goes' message requiring no commitment.
Additional reference: Luke 16:15 NIV “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.