Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context:The term "lukewarm" is most prominently associated with the message to the church in Laodicea found in the Book of Revelation. In a biblical context, being lukewarm refers to a state of spiritual indifference or complacency, lacking fervor and commitment in one's faith and relationship with God. Biblical Reference: The primary scriptural reference to being lukewarm is found in Revelation 3:14-16. In this passage, the risen Christ addresses the church in Laodicea through the Apostle John: "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation. 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" . Historical and Cultural Background: Laodicea was a wealthy city known for its banking industry, medical school, and textile production. Despite its prosperity, the city had a poor water supply, relying on aqueducts to bring water from hot springs and cold sources. By the time the water reached Laodicea, it was lukewarm, neither refreshingly cold nor therapeutically hot. This physical reality served as a poignant metaphor for the spiritual condition of the Laodicean church. Spiritual Implications: Being lukewarm is depicted as a serious spiritual deficiency. The Laodicean church's self-satisfaction and material wealth led to a complacent faith, lacking the zeal and passion expected of true believers. This condition is contrasted with being "hot," symbolizing fervent and active faith, or "cold," which, while distant, at least represents a clear stance. The lukewarm state is particularly distasteful to Christ, as it reflects a half-hearted commitment that fails to honor God fully. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the call to avoid being lukewarm is a call to wholehearted devotion and repentance. Revelation 3:17-19 continues with Christ's admonition: "You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent" . Practical Application: The message to the Laodicean church serves as a timeless warning to believers against spiritual complacency. It encourages self-examination and a renewed commitment to living out one's faith with sincerity and vigor. The call to "be earnest and repent" underscores the necessity of turning away from self-reliance and toward a deeper reliance on Christ, seeking His righteousness and guidance. Related Concepts: · Zeal: The opposite of being lukewarm, characterized by passionate enthusiasm and dedication to God. · Repentance: A key response to spiritual lukewarmness, involving a change of heart and turning back to God. · Spiritual Discernment: The ability to recognize one's spiritual state and the need for growth and transformation. Conclusion: The concept of being lukewarm challenges believers to assess their spiritual fervor and commitment, urging them to pursue a vibrant and authentic relationship with God. Topical Bible Verses Revelation 3:15-16I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would you were cold or hot. Topicalbible.org Library How those are to be Admonished who do not Even Begin Good Things ... How Our Warfare with Covetousness is a Foreign One, and How this ... An Earnest Warning About Lukewarmness Letter Xlv (Circa AD 1120) to a Youth Named Fulk, who Afterwards ... Lukewarmness. How St. Augustine, Being Made a Bishop, Sent to Acquaint Pope ... On Being Filled with the Spirit Letter xxviii (Circa AD 1130) to the Abbots Assembled at Soissons The Grace of God through Jesus Christ. " How the Fact that the Number of the Psalms was to be Twelve was ... Resources What does the Bible say about being poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a man? | GotQuestions.org How can a Christian woman avoid being a diva? | GotQuestions.org Being: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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