Who Are We – The Lukewarm Church?

Who Are We: The Lukewarm Church? – Revelation 3:14-22
Sunday, November 14, 2021

Pastor Chris Laughlin

Introduction

In the proverbial line up of life, who would pick you out as a follower of God amongst those around you? When you’re challenged to stand out and be a light in darkness, how bright are you? We are to reflect the image of a perfect Savior, Jesus Christ. That is a daunting task and one we all fail daily. But even the greatest artists have a first draft; the most talented athletes miss a shot; the world’s most intelligent scientists have a process called trial and error. Perfection will not be found until the day we reach Heaven, but do we reflect Jesus here on earth where others can confidently say, “That person follows God.”

September 26 – Who Are We – The Loveless Church?

October 3 – Who Are We – The Persecuted Church?

October 10 – Who Are We – The Compromising Church?

October 17 – Who Are We – The Corrupt Church?

October 24 – Who Are We – The Dead Church?

November 7 – Who Are We – The Faithful Church?

November 14 – Who Are We – The Lukewarm Church?

IMPACT Church 101 E. First Ave. Parkesburg, PA 19365
(610) 857-3887 [email protected]

1.  The church of —History and Background

A wealthy city 90 miles east of Ephesus, 45 miles SE of Philadelphia, 10 miles from Colossae and 6 miles from Hierapolis.

2. Recognize who the is. (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.” Revelation 3:14

a. The

For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20

b. The and witness

Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war. Revelation 19:11

c. The beginning of the of God

¹⁵Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, ¹⁶for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. Colossians 1:15-16

Notes:

3. God is fully aware of our . (3:15,16)

God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. Ecclesiastes 12:14

a. Our deeds determine our .

⁶He will judge everyone according to what they have done. ⁷He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. ⁸But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. Romans 2:6-8

b. God prefers cold or hot, not .

²⁴So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. ²⁵Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. ²⁶Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. James 2:24-26

c. Indifference makes God .

 But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. Romans 2:5

Notes:

4. God warns against . (3:17)

But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 2 Timothy 3:13

a. Deception causes .

The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished. Proverbs 16:5

b. Deception causes

 It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5

c. Deception causes of Christ.

“For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones.”  Matthew 24:24

Notes:

5. Deception is corrected by the . (3:18,19)

³¹ Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. ³² And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

a. Truth is found in His .

 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”  John 3:16

b. Truth is found in His .

16All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

c. Truth is found in His .

“For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” Hebrews 12:6

Notes:

6. Jesus desires passionate . (3:20-22)

“For the hearts of these people are hardened, and their ears cannot hear,
and they have closed their eyes—so their eyes cannot see, and their ears cannot hear, and their hearts cannot understand, and they cannot turn to me and let me heal them.” Matthew 13:15

a. His entrance is by only.

For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:10

b. This results in fellowship.

 Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them.” John 14:23

c. We will be given the seat of .

 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

Notes:

Closing: Are you hot/cold or lukewarm?

Your answer may determine your eternal destiny!