Summary
From the church at Laodicea we learn three “temperatures” of the Christian life—cold, lukewarm, or hot. The Lord prefers cold or hot over lukewarm. “Lukewarm” religion can run on routine without Jesus at the door being welcomed in. Pastor Terry urges believers to reject a compromising convenience and pursue a “concentrated” Christianity—hearts that burn within as the Word is opened, service that’s joyful, and obedience that’s intentional, intense, and immediate.
Introduction
Before we read, a quick thought from that special: many battles are won or lost in the heart and mind—the very ground where the devil attacks. Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” Victory often comes to the believer who refuses to quit and keeps fighting for the cause of Christ. David’s courage still inspires us.
Scripture Reading — Revelation 3:14–19
“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;
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.
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:
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire… white raiment… and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”
Setting the Scene at Laodicea
Revelation 3 addresses a real church in Asia Minor. Laodicea was well-known for wealth, textiles, and a medicinal eye-salve—ironically, the Lord says they are spiritually poor and blind. Their condition is summed up in one word: lukewarm. They could run their services and schedules without noticing Jesus standing at the door (v. 20). God sees through appearances: “wretched… miserable… poor… blind… naked.” There is no hiding from Him.
Three Temperatures of the Christian Life (Rev. 3:15–16)
1) Cold Christianity
This is a heart that’s unresponsive to God—no outreach, no song, no service, stubborn and resistant to the Spirit. It’s “I’ll do what I want,” rather than “Speak, Lord.” Cold hearts don’t warm to Scripture, song, or sermon. God says, “I would thou wert cold or hot.” At least when one is cold, everyone knows where he stands—there’s no pretending.
2) Lukewarm (Compromising) Christianity
This is convenience religion: have it your way. “Fake it till you make it” has replaced repentance and reality. Public praise on Sunday, carnal talk on Monday. Sacrifices are made only if they cost nothing, and decisions at the altar don’t follow us home. This makes the Lord sick—“I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
3) Hot (Concentrated) Christianity
This is the Christianity God delights in—devoted, joyful, zealous. Think Luke 24: “Did not our heart burn within us… while He opened to us the Scriptures?” Revival meetings, missions conferences, seasons of daily Scripture and prayer—these kindle holy fire. Hot Christians love God’s house (“I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD,” Ps. 122:1), serve gladly, witness boldly, and carry a holy zeal (John 2:17).
Applications
- Thermometer or Thermostat?
Thermometers reflect the room; thermostats set it. Cold and lukewarm believers drift with the environment. Hot believers choose to set the spiritual temperature—at home, at work, at school—by speaking of Christ and serving with joy. - Break Up the Fallow Ground
If your heart feels hard or numb, ask God to till the soil (Jer. 4:3). Come to church prayed-up, not just present. Cultivate responsiveness: Scripture, prayer, obedience. - Repentance & Zeal
The Lord’s counsel is loving: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” There’s still time to turn the temperature up.
Invitation / Conclusion
Laodicea had three choices; so do we. Cold, lukewarm, or hot. Which will you choose? The Lord is knocking—open the door, turn from complacency, and pursue a concentrated, Christ-centered life that burns within as He opens the Word.
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