Following Jesus 118

Following Jesus: What kind of church are we? 

“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. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:14-22 ESV)

The lukewarm church needs Jesus Christ. Vs. 14. What does the lukewarm need from He is called the Amen, the faithful and true witness and the Creator? The lukewarm church needs Jesus Christ’ correction, vs. 15-17. However, the lukewarm church also needs Jesus’ counsel. Vs. 18. 

Finally, the lukewarm church needs Jesus Christ’s challenge. Vs. 19-22.  The first challenge is for godly and zealous repentance. This is a command for deep commitment to turn from sin and to have a change of life and living. It is for this deeply committee repentance that Jesus refers to the image of Him standing at the door of the individual believer and the church. The idea is one of deep fellowship and communion. 

The second challenge is to live godly lives. To be a victor over sin. A conqueror. There is promised a great reward of responsibility for the one who is a victor over sin. 

In what ways are you “lukewarm” in your walk with Jesus Christ? Our works confirm or deny the presence of genuine salvation (James 2:14). Jesus said “you will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:16; Romans 2:6-8). How may you evidence the fruits of the Spirit in your life today (Galatians 5:22-23)?

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