Lukewarm Faith: What Jesus Wants from the Church of Laodicea
The church in Laodicea is perhaps the most famous of the seven churches addressed in Revelation. Their story hits uncomfortably close to home for many modern Christians, especially those of us living in prosperous nations like America.
As we examine Jesus' words to this wealthy but spiritually bankrupt congregation, we discover a powerful message about what truly matters in our faith journey.
The Danger of Dusty Bibles and New iPhones
There's a convicting song by Christian artist Josiah Queen called "Dusty Bibles" that perfectly captures the struggle many of us face:
"We're too busy and we just can't find the time... We've got dust on our Bibles but brand-new iPhones, no wonder why we feel this way."
How often do we reach the end of our day and realize we've spent just a few minutes in God's Word but hours scrolling through social media, watching shows, or pursuing other distractions? Where are we really placing our treasure and priorities?
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
Laodicea was a wealthy city about 9 miles from Colossae. From the ruins of one city, you can actually see the other. Both churches struggled with similar issues, primarily stemming from their prosperity.
The fundamental problem was that these believers were looking for salvation in their wealth, power, and abilities rather than in Christ. They were caught up in a heresy that denied Jesus' divinity and attempted to change the path to salvation.
How Does Jesus Introduce Himself?
Jesus begins His letter with three powerful descriptions of Himself:
"The Amen" - Jesus is the answer to all things and the ultimate authority. He is truth itself.
"The faithful and true witness" - While the Laodiceans were unreliable, Jesus is completely reliable and truthful at all times.
"The originator of God's creation" - Jesus is fully God, never created, but the creator of all things.
This introduction is intentional, showing how well Jesus knows this church and their desperate need for Him, especially how He is completely truthful and authoritative at all times.
What Was Wrong with the Church in Laodicea?
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I'm going to vomit you out of my mouth."
Many interpret this as simply not being "on fire" enough for God. But there's a deeper geographical context that helps us understand Jesus' words.
Near Laodicea were two springs: a hot spring known for healing properties and a cold spring that provided refreshing drinking water. The gospel itself is both healing and refreshing - it repairs the brokenness that entered the world as a result of sin, and it offers refreshing truth in a world of lies.
The problem wasn't that the Laodiceans weren't enthusiastic enough - it was that they weren't bringing the healing and refreshing truth of the gospel to the world around them. They were completely forgettable, existing without impact.
Why Does Jesus Use Such Strong Language?
Jesus says He will "vomit them out" because they are lukewarm. This isn't just a figure of speech - it's a serious warning. Like lukewarm water that makes you want to spit it out, this church leaves a sour aftertaste in the Lord's mouth.
They have all the money but nothing else. All the lights but no life. They had the equivalent of the newest iPhone but dust on their Bibles and no fruit to show for their lives.
What Did the Laodiceans Think About Themselves?
"For you say, 'I'm rich, I've become wealthy and need nothing.' And you don't realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."
The Laodiceans had bought the lie that their money made them better than other believers. They thought they were incredible, but Jesus saw their true spiritual condition.
It's easy for us to fall into the same trap - looking at our comfortable lives, church family, homes, cars, and jobs and thinking, "I've got everything I need." But Jesus may see something very different.
What Solution Does Jesus Offer?
Jesus advises them to buy:
"gold refined in the fire" - Put their worth in Christ, not earthly wealth
"White clothes" - Receive purification and a new identity in Christ
"Ointment for your eyes" - Allow the Holy Spirit to change how they see things
Jesus isn't telling them to switch financial advisors - He's calling them to build their identity on Him rather than on earthly possessions or accomplishments!
Our true identity comes from Christ. Here are three helpful reminders of who Jesus has made us to be:
"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17)
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20)
"You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession" (1 Peter 2:9)
Why Does Jesus Rebuke Those He Loves?
"As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent."
Jesus rebukes these believers because He loves them. The word used here is "phileo" - caring love. He's not calling them out because He hates fun, but because He genuinely cares about them.
Like a coach correcting a player to help them reach their potential, Jesus corrects us because He wants us to walk closer with Him!
What Does It Mean to Be "Zealous and Repent"?
Jesus calls them to wholeheartedly turn away from what they're currently doing. If they're putting all their worth in earthly wealth, they need to stop and turn completely toward Jesus.
This isn't about cowering in shame but about making a decisive change in direction - away from a man-made identity and toward a Christ-centered life.
What Is Jesus' Promise to This Church?
"See? 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."
Though often applied to non-believers, this verse is actually addressed to believers in the church of Laodicea. Jesus is knocking on the hearts of Christians who have drifted away, inviting them back into intimate fellowship with Him.
The image of eating together was especially powerful in Middle Eastern culture, where hospitality was a core value. Jesus isn't offering to come in and boss them around - He's offering friendship and communion.
Following Jesus isn't just about having a "get out of jail free" card - it's about walking with our Savior who loves us and is our friend.
What Is the Ultimate Promise?
"The one who conquers, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I also conquered and sat down with my father on his throne."
The church in Laodicea wanted power and position - that's why they pursued wealth and influence. Jesus makes it clear that true power and position only come to those who follow Him.
The ultimate reward isn't a promotion at work or a seat on a committee - it's ruling with Jesus forever in His kingdom.
Life Application
How can we apply this powerful message to our lives today?
1. Refresh and Repair
The gospel both refreshes and repairs. If you haven't put your faith in Jesus, He invites you to let Him repair the brokenness in your life. If you're already a believer, remember how the gospel refreshes:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest... For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
Instead of carrying the weight of the world's expectations, come to Jesus for refreshment rather than Instagram. Come to the cold water of the gospel rather than the empty promises of the world.
2. Reorder Your Life
"For you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:20)
It's easy to gradually put other things ahead of our walk with God until we're only opening our Bibles on Sunday mornings. We need to reorder our lives to run after Christ rather than earthly desires.
A practical way to start is by examining our time management. When you find yourself with five minutes to spare before a meeting or appointment, instead of scrolling through social media, take that time to pray. Pray for specific ministries, for Bible study leaders, for students, for the lost around you.
3. Return to the Mission
We need to bring the "hot and cold" of the gospel to the people around us. Our world desperately needs this hope.
Remember the 5 instructions that Jesus gives us in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20):
Go (we all go somewhere every day)
Make disciples (help others follow Jesus)
Baptize them (help new believers publicly declare their faith)
Teach them (show others what it means to follow Jesus)
Remember Jesus is with you (mission can be lonely, but you're never alone)
Mission isn't comfortable, but it's worth it. Even when you feel like the only Christian in your classes or office, Jesus is with you always.
Questions to Consider:
Where am I finding my identity - in my possessions and achievements or in Christ?
How much dust has accumulated on my Bible compared to how much I use my phone?
Am I bringing the healing and refreshing truth of the gospel to those around me?
What five-minute gaps in my day could I repurpose for prayer instead of scrolling?
Where is Jesus knocking on the door of my heart, inviting deeper fellowship?
Let's learn from the church in Laodicea and wholeheartedly, zealously run after God, bringing people both the healing and refreshing truth of the gospel.