In the blessed name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—welcome. Today, by the grace of God, we’ll explore an urgent and crucial message from Scripture: how to escape the spiritual lukewarmness that characterizes this present age.
In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, Jesus gives personal messages to seven historical churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). While these churches were real congregations, they also symbolize seven distinct periods or “ages” of church history—a view held by many conservative theologians and prophetic scholars.
These churches include:
Many Bible scholars interpret that we are currently in the Laodicean era—the final phase of the Church before the return of Christ (also known as the Rapture).
Let’s read Christ’s rebuke to Laodicea from Revelation 3:14–22 (ESV):
“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.’”
Jesus introduces Himself with divine titles:
His words carry absolute authority.
Jesus says, “Because you are lukewarm… I will spit you out of my mouth” (Rev 3:16). This metaphor comes from Laodicea’s geography: its water supply, piped in from hot springs and cold streams, arrived lukewarm—useless and nauseating.
Spiritual lukewarmness means half-heartedness—people who:
God prefers hot (zealous faith) or cold (honest unbelief) to spiritual pretense.
“For you say, I am rich… not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Rev 3:17)
The Laodicean church mistakes material prosperity for spiritual success, a trap many fall into today. Theologically, this is a denial of the doctrine of total depravity—we often think too highly of ourselves and forget that righteousness comes only through Christ (Romans 3:10–18).
Jesus offers true riches:
“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline” (Rev 3:19)
Discipline from God is not rejection but an expression of His love (see Hebrews 12:6–11). Christ’s rebuke to Laodicea is a call to repentance—to turn away from sin and lukewarmness and back to wholehearted devotion.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” (Rev 3:20)
This verse is not just an evangelistic appeal, but a call to a straying church—Jesus wants fellowship with His people. The table fellowship reflects intimacy and restoration (cf. John 14:23, Luke 24:30–31).
Ephesians 6:11–12 (ESV) teaches:
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness…”
There are hierarchies in the demonic realm, and the spirit behind Laodicean lukewarmness is not weak. It is a high-ranking, deceptive spirit, empowered by Satan to seduce entire generations.
2 Corinthians 11:14–15 (ESV) says:
“Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness…”
This spirit of lukewarmness tells people:
The only way to overcome this spiritual deception is through:
Acts 3:19 (ESV): “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.”
Romans 8:13–14 (ESV): “If by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”
John 14:15 (ESV): “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith…”
Wearing the mask of Christianity while living in unrepentant sin is dangerous. Jesus said in Matthew 23:25–26 (ESV):
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup… but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.”
To those who live this double life, Jesus says:
“I will spit you out of my mouth.”
If you see signs of lukewarmness in your life:
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