What does being "neither cold nor hot" signify in our spiritual walk? Setting the Scene Revelation 3 records Jesus’ personal letters to seven churches. To Laodicea He says: “I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth!” (Revelation 3:15–16). Laodicea, situated between hot springs (Hierapolis) and cold, refreshing water (Colossae), perfectly illustrated a tepid, useless temperature. The Lord uses that picture to expose a spiritual condition. Lukewarm Faith Defined • Lukewarm is spiritual indifference—professing Christ yet lacking true passion or opposition. • Cold represents open unbelief; hot represents fervent devotion. Lukewarm hovers in complacent middle ground, offering no refreshment to the lost nor healing warmth to the hurting. • Jesus does not commend neutrality; He finds it repulsive, “about to vomit” (v. 16). His words are literal and urgent. Signs of Lukewarmness Today • Routine church attendance without heartfelt worship (Matthew 15:8). • Selective obedience—choosing comfortable commands, ignoring costly ones (John 14:15). • Prayerlessness or mechanical prayers lacking expectancy (James 1:6–8). • Neglect of Scripture, replacing daily bread with worldly input (Matthew 4:4). • Half-hearted service—serving only when convenient rather than sacrificially (Romans 12:11). • Compartmentalized faith—Christ honored on Sunday, sidelined the rest of the week (Colossians 3:17). Spiritual Consequences • Loss of fellowship intimacy—Jesus stands outside, knocking (Revelation 3:20). • Ineffectiveness in witness—salt that “loses its saltiness” (Matthew 5:13). • Self-deception—thinking “I am rich… I do not need a thing,” while actually “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17). • Risk of severe discipline—“whom I love I rebuke and discipline” (Revelation 3:19). God’s Remedy for Lukewarmness • “Buy from Me gold refined by fire” (Revelation 3:18) – Pursue genuine faith tested by trials (1 Peter 1:7). • “White garments” – Embrace Christ’s righteousness rather than self-righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). • “Salve to anoint your eyes” – Seek spiritual sight through the Spirit and the Word (Psalm 119:18). • “Be earnest and repent” (Revelation 3:19) – Turn decisively from complacency to wholehearted obedience. Encouraging Promises • He still loves and disciplines His own (Revelation 3:19). • He stands ready to restore fellowship: “If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in” (Revelation 3:20). • Overcomers will “sit with Me on My throne” (Revelation 3:21), sharing in His victory. Practical Steps to Rekindle Zeal 1. Examine yourself in the light of Scripture (2 Corinthians 13:5). 2. Confess indifference; receive forgiveness and cleansing (1 John 1:9). 3. Cultivate daily time in the Word with an obedient heart (Joshua 1:8). 4. Pray fervently, asking the Spirit to “fan into flame” the gift of God (2 Timothy 1:6). 5. Engage in vibrant fellowship; stir one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25). 6. Serve sacrificially, discovering renewed joy in meeting others’ needs (Acts 20:35). 7. Keep eternity in view—remember the soon return of Christ (Revelation 22:12). Hot devotion honors Christ, blesses others, and yields eternal reward. Lukewarmness, though once tolerated by men, never satisfies the risen Lord. Choose zeal. |
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