Revelation 3-Part C: A Wake-Up Call to the Lukewarm Church

The message to the church in Laodicea, found in Revelation 3:14-22, is a serious warning to anyone who’s become spiritually complacent. Unlike other churches that were praised for their faithfulness or endurance, Laodicea stood out for its lukewarm attitude—neither hot nor cold. Jesus called out this spiritual indifference because it’s dangerous. It was dangerous for them then, and it's just as dangerous for us now. A lukewarm spirit leaves us stuck, allowing blessings, opportunities, and spiritual growth to pass us by. This message challenges us to take a hard look at where we stand in our faith, and to do whatever it takes to stay close to God, following the path Christ laid out for us.

In Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT), Jesus declares, “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” With these words, Jesus gives a stark and unsettling image of what spiritual apathy looks like. Lukewarm faith isn’t just ineffective—it’s offensive to God. It doesn’t spark transformation or inspire growth. It’s stagnant, comfortable, and ultimately rejected. Jesus makes it clear: there’s no room for half-heartedness in the Kingdom.

The Laodiceans had settled into their wealth and status, forgetting that true riches come from God. Their comfort made them complacent, and that lukewarm attitude mirrors the way many of us live today. When we get too comfortable, it’s easy to let our spiritual fire burn out. But Jesus desires more—He wants a vibrant, passionate relationship with us. Lukewarm faith leads to spiritual indifference, and that’s a path He outright rejects. We’re called to wake up from that complacency and pursue Him with everything we’ve got.

The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency

In Revelation 3:17 (NLT), Jesus continues: “You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.” The church in Laodicea thought they had it going on all because of their material wealth, but Jesus exposes the truth—they were spiritually bankrupt. They measured their success by worldly standards, but without the riches that come from a deep relationship with God, they were empty. Their wealth masked their true condition, and Jesus was calling them to see themselves as they really were.

This mindset of self-sufficiency is all too prevalent in our world today. We inhabit a culture that celebrates material success and independence, but Jesus calls us to a different standard. True fulfillment doesn’t come from our possessions; it comes from him. Material wealth can easily blind us to our spiritual poverty, leaving us feeling empty despite our abundance. As 1 Timothy 6:17 (NLT) puts it, “Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.” It’s a powerful reminder that our security should never rest in riches that are here today and gone tomorrow. We must trust in the everlasting provision of God.

Seeking True Riches in Christ

Jesus doesn’t just expose their shortcomings—he provides a way out. In Revelation 3:18 (NLT), He offers a solution: “So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.”

He calls the Laodiceans to trade their earthly wealth for true spiritual riches. He invites them to clothe themselves in righteousness and open their eyes to see with spiritual clarity. This same invitation is extended to us today. Instead of chasing temporary things the world offers, Jesus calls us to pursue what truly lasts—the riches of God’s Kingdom.

An Invitation to Deep Fellowship

Though this message may feel like a rebuke, it's rooted in love. In Revelation 3:19 (NLT), Jesus reminds us, “I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.” His correction is not meant to condemn but to invite us into repentance and renewal.

Just like a loving parent, God disciplines those He deeply cares about, steering them back onto the right path. Proverbs 3:12 (NLT) echoes this truth: “For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.” When we feel the weight of God’s conviction, it’s not rejection—it’s a clear sign of His love and His commitment to our growth and transformation.

Jesus wraps up his message with a powerful invitation. In Revelation 3:20 (NLT), He says, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” This isn’t just about addressing their shortcomings—it’s an offer for deep, personal fellowship with him. Despite their mistakes, Jesus stands ready to enter the hearts of anyone willing to open the door.

This same invitation is extended to us today. Jesus isn’t distant—he’s right there, knocking on the door of our hearts, offering a chance for true repentance and salvation. He desires intimacy, not empty religious routines. When we open our hearts, he’s eager to step in and make his home with us, sharing life together as friends. This is the greatest invitation of all eternity. It costs us nothing to accept, yet if we do, we gain more than we could ever imagine—eternal life with Christ.

A Promise to the Faithful

In Revelation 3:21 (NLT), Jesus offers a powerful promise to those who respond to his call: “Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.” For anyone who overcomes spiritual apathy and renews their commitment to Christ, this is a promise of shared victory and an eternal reward. It’s a promise so rich in mercy, grace, and love that it simply takes your breath away—an incredible expression of the depth of God’s love for those who persevere in faith.

This message to Laodicea serves as a reminder for all of us not to settle for a lukewarm faith but to seek a passionate, vibrant relationship with God through His precious Son, Jesus Christ. We’re called to examine our hearts, pursue true riches found in Christ, and open the door to a deeper fellowship with him. The promise of victory is for those who choose to reignite their faith and walk closely with their Savior. As true disciples, we should never forsake this extraordinary invitation. Instead, let’s embrace and fully take advantage of the promise our Lord and Savior has made to all who are willing to accept it. ■

Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. 

“Revelation 3-Part C: A Wake-Up Call to the Lukewarm Church”, written for victoryinjesuschrist.life. Copyright© 2025. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.