Topical Bible: Pride: Laodiceans

◄ Pride: Laodiceans ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The church in Laodicea, mentioned in the Book of Revelation, serves as a poignant biblical example of pride and spiritual complacency. The city of Laodicea was a wealthy and prosperous center in the ancient world, known for its banking industry, textile production, and medical advancements, particularly in eye salve. This affluence, however, contributed to a sense of self-sufficiency and pride among its inhabitants, including the members of the local church.

In Revelation 3:14-22, the Apostle John records a message from Jesus Christ to the church in Laodicea. The Laodiceans are rebuked for their lukewarm faith, which is neither hot nor cold. Jesus 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). This metaphor of lukewarmness reflects their spiritual indifference and lack of zeal, which is a direct result of their prideful reliance on material wealth and self-sufficiency.

The Laodiceans' pride is further highlighted in their self-perception. They claim, "I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing," yet they are unaware of their true spiritual state, which is described as "wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17). This stark contrast between their self-assessment and their actual condition underscores the blinding effect of pride, which prevents them from recognizing their need for Christ's righteousness and spiritual riches.

In response to their prideful state, Jesus offers counsel and correction. He advises them 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" (Revelation 3:18). This counsel emphasizes the necessity of seeking true spiritual wealth and righteousness from Christ, rather than relying on worldly possessions and achievements.

Moreover, Jesus expresses His love and desire for their repentance, stating, "Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent" (Revelation 3:19). This call to repentance is an invitation to turn away from pride and self-reliance, and to embrace a humble dependence on Christ.

The message to the Laodiceans concludes with a promise of fellowship and reward for those who overcome their pride and heed Christ's call: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:20). This imagery of intimate fellowship serves as a powerful reminder of the blessings that come from humility and a restored relationship with the Savior.

The account of the Laodiceans serves as a timeless warning against the dangers of pride and self-sufficiency, urging believers to seek true spiritual wealth and fervor in their walk with Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 3:17
Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Colossians iv. 12, 13
... is his saying, [902] "one of you," in order that they might pride themselves upon ...
said, "Cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans." "That ye ...
/.../homily xii colossians iv 12.htm

The Battle of Life
... silenced by self-conceit; who say in their prosperity, like the foolish Laodiceans,
'I am ... and all of us,"if ever we fall into that dream of pride and false ...
/.../kingsley/the water of life and other sermons/sermon vii the battle of.htm

Philemon i. 6-Apr
... you, cause that it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans, and that ye ... art
humble, that thou mayest be delivered from the madness of pride; if therefore ...
/.../homily ii philemon i 6-apr.htm

The World, the Flesh, and the Devil
... his words in the fashion adopted by the lukewarm, the Laodiceans, and the ... as if they
glanced off, upon her, she grew hot with indignation and offended pride. ...
/.../chapter xxxvii the world the.htm

The Prodigal Son.
... let him into heaven, for he cherished pride in his heart, and taunted his father
for overlooking his worth. The ground on which the Laodiceans were condemned ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxiv the prodigal son.htm

The Five Books Against Marcion
... Mammon Refuted The Prophets Justify Christ's Admonition Against Covetousness and
Pride. ... Chapter XVII.--The Epistle to the Laodiceans The Proper Designation is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/the five books against marcion/

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
... How much pride also, if enabled with expressions ... Thus it was with the church of the
Laodiceans, they wanted knowledge or spiritual understanding; they knew not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/i will pray with the.htm

The Strait Gate;
... themselves as the angel of the church of Sardis, did, to wit, "to have a name to
live, and be dead" (Revelation 3:1), or as they of the Laodiceans, who took ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the strait gate.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... They speak great things, and their talk is nothing but pride: [4699] "But every ... strut
like an exquisite in the fashions of the Atrebates and the Laodiceans. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

Period iii. The Critical Period: AD 140 to AD 200
A Source Book for Ancient Church History. <. ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period iii the critical period .htm