THE CHURCHES OF REVELATION BIBLE STUDY | THE CHURCH OF LAODICEA

7.  Laodicea — The Lukewarm Church (Revelation 3:14-22) -- the church with the lukewarm faith (3:16).

History of the City:

Laodicea was located in western Asia Minor, near the Lycus River, not far from the cities of Colossae and Hierapolis. It was one of the wealthiest cities in the region and an important center for banking, commerce, and trade.

The city was especially known for three things: its financial wealth, its production of a fine black wool, and its medical school, which was famous for producing an eye salve used throughout the Roman world.

Despite its wealth, Laodicea had one major weakness—it lacked a reliable local water supply. Water had to be brought in through aqueducts from nearby cities. By the time it reached Laodicea, it was often lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, which made it unpleasant to drink.

Like many cities in Asia Minor, Laodicea was also involved in pagan worship and emperor worship. The people of the city were self-sufficient and took great pride in their wealth and independence. After a devastating earthquake in A.D. 60, they refused help from Rome and rebuilt the city using their own resources.

The churches in Hierapolis, Colossae, and Laodicea were relatively close and seemed to have a relationship with one another. The apostle Paul instructed that his letter to the Colossians be read also in Laodicea (Colossians 4:16), and was encouraged by their strong faith in Christ (Colossians 2:5). Something seems to have changed, however, in the thirty years after Paul’s letter when John penned the book of Revelation. Wealth and independence had weakened their commitment to Christ.

This background gives deeper meaning to Jesus’ message to the church in Laodicea. Their lukewarm water reflects their spiritual condition, and their pride in wealth mirrors their spiritual blindness. Though they believed they had everything, they were, in reality, spiritually poor, blind, and in need of true riches found only in Christ.

Jesus’ Message to the Church

• Revelation 3:14 — “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;”

Jesus introduces Himself with powerful and authoritative titles. He calls Himself “the Amen,” meaning the One who is certain, unchanging, and the final authority. He is “the faithful and true witness,” declaring that everything He speaks is completely trustworthy and true.

He is also described as “the beginning of the creation of God,” not meaning that He was created, but that He is the source and origin of all creation—the One through whom all things were made.

This introduction sets the tone for the message to Laodicea. Before addressing their condition, Jesus reminds them of who He is—true, faithful, and sovereign—so that they understand His words carry absolute authority and must be taken seriously.

• Revelation 3:15-16 — “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

Jesus rebukes the church in Laodicea for being spiritually lukewarm. They were neither cold nor hot—neither completely against Him nor fully committed to Him. Instead, they existed in a state of spiritual indifference.

Many may say it’s better to be hot or cold than lukewarm - better to be sold out to God or not at all. But, I don’t believe that’s the point Jesus is trying to make, there are only two points to be made: those who follow Jesus and those who don’t.

Jesus makes a striking statement: “I would thou wert cold or hot.” This shows that luke-warmness is more offensive to Him than either extreme. A cold heart may recognize its need for change, and a hot heart is fully devoted—but a lukewarm heart is comfortable, complacent, and unaware of its true condition.

Because of this, Jesus says He will “spue” (vomit) them out of His mouth. This strong language reveals just how serious spiritual complacency is in the eyes of God. It is not enough to simply go through the motions or claim belief—God desires a heart that is fully surrendered and on fire for Him.

The church of Laodicea represents many people in this generation. They value worldly wealth more than spiritual wealth. They are seeking worldly riches in the name of blessings showing-off how blessed they are but in reality, they are poor, miserable, and naked.

This message is a warning to all believers. We must examine our lives and ask ourselves: Are we truly committed to Christ, or have we become comfortable and indifferent? God is calling us out of luke-warmness and into a passionate, wholehearted relationship with Him.

THE DANGER OF BEING LUKEWARM

A lukewarm Christian is one who shows up for church but does not live a sold-out life for Christ. Even more dangerous, a lukewarm Christian often does not realize that they are lukewarm. This is not someone who is simply mildly passionate about God—rather, it is someone who has lost their dependence on Him.

In their heart, they begin to rely on themselves. In subtle pride, they believe they have no need of Christ’s righteousness because they think they have enough of their own. When we begin to trust in our own moral goodness, we fall into the same dangerous condition as the Laodiceans. We become like lukewarm water—neither fully committed nor completely turned away.

We forget that all our righteousness is as filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6). This kind of spiritual pride is deeply offensive to Jesus. He warns that He will “spue” out of His mouth those who believe they are rich in their own works.

If we are not careful, our hearts can become drawn toward a mindset of salvation by works. We may begin to wear our good deeds like spiritual merit badges, thinking we can impress God with our actions. Like the Pharisee in Luke 18, we may begin to take pride in the fact that we are not like others. We fast, we tithe, we read our Bibles, and we serve in the church—but all the while, our hearts may be drifting.

If we are not careful, our labor can become a substitute for love. It is deadly to relate to Jesus based on our works and efforts rather than on His love and grace. And it is just as dangerous to grow comfortable in a life of spiritual mediocrity.

 

RICH IN THIS WORLD, POOR IN SPIRIT

• Revelation 3:17 — Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:”

Jesus exposes the true condition of the church in Laodicea. They believed they were rich, successful, and in need of nothing. Outwardly, they had everything—but inwardly, they were completely lacking.

 

They did not realize their true spiritual state. Jesus describes them as “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” This shows a complete contrast between how they saw themselves and how God saw them. They trusted in their material wealth and self-sufficiency, but they were spiritually bankrupt.

 

This is a warning for us today. It is possible to have everything in this world and still be empty before God. When we rely on our possessions, achievements, or even our own righteousness, we become blind to our need for Him.

 

True riches are not found in what we have, but in our relationship with Christ. Without Him, no matter how much we possess, we are still poor.

 

THE REMEDY FOR SPIRITUAL POVERTY

• Revelation 3:18 — “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see.

After revealing their true condition, Jesus lovingly offers a remedy. Though they believed they were rich, He shows them how to obtain true riches.

He tells them to “buy… gold tried in the fire,” which represents genuine faith that has been tested and purified. This is the kind of faith that cannot be shaken—a faith that comes only through a true relationship with Him.

We do not begin the Christian life rich in ourselves and then grow into the riches of our own righteousness. Rather, we begin spiritually bankrupt. As we grow, we come to understand even more the depth of our sin and our great need for a Savior. It is only when we recognize our poverty and neediness that we can truly become rich in Him.

Jesus tells them to purchase “white raiment” from Him so that the shame of their nakedness would not appear. White is a symbol of purity and holiness. We are called to be holy because He who called us is holy (1 Peter 1:15–16). It is also a symbol of righteous acts (Revelation 19:7–8).

“He that overcometh shall be clothed in white raiment” (Revelation 3:5). We must adorn ourselves in purity and holiness—this “white raiment”—to overcome the sins of this world. Again, he that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment.

Finally, He tells them to “anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see.” The Laodiceans were known for their physical eye salve, yet spiritually they were blind. Jesus offers them true spiritual sight—the ability to see their condition clearly and to understand their need for Him.

This verse shows us that Jesus does not just rebuke—He restores. No matter how far we have drifted, He provides everything we need to be made right again. We must come to Him, receive what He offers, and allow Him to open our eyes.

REBUKE IS A SIGN OF LOVE

• Revelation 3:19 — As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent.”

In this verse, Jesus reveals the heart behind His correction. His rebuke is not meant to condemn, but to restore. He says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten,” showing that correction is a sign of His love, not His rejection.

Just as a loving parent disciplines a child, Jesus disciplines those who belong to Him. If He did not care, He would not correct. His rebuke is an invitation to return—to turn away from sin and come back into right relationship with Him.

He then gives a clear command: “Be zealous therefore, and repent.” To be zealous means to be earnest, passionate, and intentional. This is the opposite of being lukewarm. Jesus is calling them to move from indifference to urgency—from complacency to commitment.

Repentance is the turning point. It is not just feeling sorry, but making a deliberate change—turning away from sin and turning fully back to God.

This verse reminds us that when God corrects us, it is because He loves us. Instead of resisting His correction, we should respond with humility, passion, and repentance, allowing Him to restore us completely.

AN INVATATION TO FELLOWSHIP

• Revelation 3:19 — “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent.”

Jesus gives a personal and loving invitation. Even after rebuking the church, He does not turn away from them. Instead, He stands at the door and knocks. He does not force His way in—He waits to be invited.

Though the church was treating Him with mixed feelings and had, in a sense, shut Him out of their hearts, He does not reject them. Instead, 

He stands patiently at the door and knocks, desiring to be welcomed back in.

This shows us that Jesus desires a relationship, not just religion. He is seeking fellowship with us. If anyone hears His voice and opens the door of their heart, Jesus promises to come in and “sup” with them—meaning He will restore full fellowship and communion.

This invitation is for anyone who will respond. No matter how far someone has drifted, the door is not locked—Jesus is still knocking. All that is required is a willing heart to hear and respond.

This is a call to open our hearts fully to Him—not just partially, not occasionally, but completely. When we do, we enter into a relationship with Him that is personal, intimate, and life-changing.

PROMISE TO THE OVERCOMER

• Revelation 3:21 — “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne.”

In this final promise, Jesus offers something incredible to those who overcome. He says they will sit with Him on His throne, just as He overcame and now sits with the Father on His throne. This speaks of authority, victory, and eternal fellowship with Christ.

To “overcome” means to remain faithful—to endure, to repent, to turn from luke-warmness, and to follow Him fully to the end. It is not about perfection, but about persistence in faith and obedience.

 

This promise reveals the greatness of what awaits those who remain true to Him. Not only will they be saved, but they will share in His reign. What an honor—that those who were once lost, weak, and in need of grace will be raised up to sit with Christ in His glory.

 

This brings the message to Laodicea full circle. Though they were lukewarm, blind, and self-sufficient, Jesus still offered them restoration, relationship, and reward. The same is true for us today. If we will respond to His call, repent, and overcome, we too will share in His victory.

 

This is a phenomenal promise to give a church that is known for being lukewarm and mediocre.

This is a phenomenal promise to give a church that is known for being lukewarm and mediocre.

 

FINAL CALL

• Revelation 3:22 — “HE THAT HATH AN EAR, LET HIM HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAITH UNTO THE CHURCHES.” 

*Personal thought: In the last four churches, the promise to the overcomer comes before the call to hear, as if the Lord is saying, “Here is what comes to those that listen—now listen carefully and respond.”

 

What It Means

 

This is Jesus’ closing statement to each of the seven churches. It is not just directed to one church—it is a universal call to all believers.

 

• “He that hath an ear” → Anyone who is willing to listen
• “Let him hear” → Not just hear, but truly understand and obey
• “What the Spirit saith unto the churches” → The message is from the Holy Spirit and applies to all churches, in all times

 

The “Final Call” is Jesus saying: “This message is for you—pay attention, take it seriously, and respond.”

It reminds us that:

• These warnings and promises are not just historical
• They apply to us today
• We are responsible for how we respond

LESSONS FOR US:

The message to the church of Laodicea is one of the most sobering warnings in all of Scripture. It reminds us that it is possible to think we are right with God, yet be completely blind to our true spiritual condition.

We must guard against becoming lukewarm—comfortable, self-sufficient, and indifferent toward God. A lukewarm heart is dangerous because it no longer feels its need for Him. When we begin to rely on our own righteousness, our works, or our material blessings, we become spiritually poor without even realizing it.

Jesus calls us to examine ourselves honestly. Are we truly on fire for Him, or have we grown comfortable in routine and religion? Are we depending on Him daily, or have we begun to trust in ourselves?

We are reminded that true riches come only from Christ. We must seek Him for genuine faith, for righteousness, and for spiritual understanding. Without Him, we are blind, poor, and in need—even if we think we have everything.

This message also shows us the heart of Jesus. Even when the church had shut Him out, He still stood at the door and knocked. He did not walk away—He invited them back into fellowship. This shows His great love and patience toward us.

We must respond to His call. Be zealous. Repent. Open the door. Let Him back into every area of your life.

To those who overcome, there is an incredible promise—to sit with Christ in His throne and share in His victory.

So let us not grow cold. Let us not settle into complacency. Let us not trust in ourselves.

Let us stay humble, stay dependent on Him, and stay on fire for God.

 

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Discussion Questions – The Seven Churches of Revelation

Laodicea – The Lukewarm Church

 
1.    What are signs of luke-warmness in a believer’s life?
 
2.    Have you ever been spiritually complacent? What caused it?
 
3.    Are you depending on God daily, or relying on yourself?
 
4.    What does it look like to be “on fire” for God in practical ways?
 
5.    Is there any area of your life where Jesus is knocking, waiting to be let back in?