Preached during the morning service on 12 July 2020 by .
- Sermon series:
- Bible passage: Colossians 4
- Permalink: https://www.wellingtonec.org.uk/sermon/thought-for-the-day-113/
Sermon Notes
E V A N G E L I C A L WELLINGTON CHAPEL
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
DAY 113
Colossians 4:15 — ‘Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea.’
Recommended reading: Colossians 4
This morning we continue to look at the message to the church in Laodicea from
Revelation 3:14. We have considered the three-fold description our Lord gave of
Himself. Now He speaks directly to the church in this prosperous city.
2. Christ’s message.
This is the last and worst of the seven churches. In this passage the Lord had not
one commendation for the church at Laodicea. Instead, He strongly condemned
it for its low spiritual condition.
Verse 15: ‘I know your works.’
This phrase is used in His message to all the churches. It is found in 2:2; 2:9; 2:13;
2:19; 3:1; 3:8; and finally 3:15.
It is also a message to all churches throughout the centuries past and to all
churches today. He sees, hears, and knows all about us, and is aware of all that
we are doing to extend His kingdom on earth. Nothing can be hidden from His
all searching eye.
He found some good works in the other churches in Asia, but nothing good was
said about this church. May that never be the case with us!
What does it mean to be lukewarm?
The word described the water supply in Laodicea. Because the city lacked
an adequate supply of good water, it had to be piped in through a system of
aqueducts from the cool springs of Hicropolis. By the time it reached Laodicea, it
was lukewarm, tepid and totally unfit to drink.
Spiritually, a lukewarm Christian is tepid, lacking in enthusiasm and half-hearted
about what they believe and what they are willing to do.
If Christianity is worth anything, it is worth everything. There is no space for
neutrality. We are either for Jesus or we are against Him. You cannot sit on the
fence, because there is no fence to sit on.
A lukewarm church is nauseating to our Lord (v.16). He will spew it out of His
mouth. How tragic for the lampstand to be removed!
The Lord showed that wealth and worldliness had rocked the church into
slumber, self-satisfaction and indifference (v.17). They were totally unaware of
their spiritual condition.
However, Jesus wasn’t. He saw their true state, as He always does.
In verse 17 we have a picture of how they saw their church . Then we are told
how Christ saw the church. It was rich, but spiritually bankrupt. What a contrast
to the church at Smyrna which was poor, but spiritually rich.
But Jesus saw the church at Laodicea not just as poor, but spiritually blind (v.17).
How materialism can so easily shut out our mind to reality regarding our spiritual
state!
But Jesus also saw them as naked (v.17). Yes, they made expensive clothes for
others, but they were not dressed in the robes of righteousness.
All these things made them utterly miserable which left them without the joy
that serving Christ can bring to us.
A study of this church brings clear warnings and important lessons for us all.
May we, as the Lord’s people, never become lukewarm in our Christian ministry,
but always be red hot for Him. May we always experience the privilege and joy
of serving Him every day of our lives.
Tomorrow we conclude with looking at the advice Jesus gave to this needy
church.
Christ is made the sure foundation,
Christ the head and cornerstone
chosen of the Lord and precious,
binding all the church in one;
holy Zion’s help for ever,
and her confidence alone.
All within that holy city
dearly loved by God on high,
in exultant jubilation
sing, in perfect harmony;
God the One-in-Three adoring
in glad hymns eternally.
We as living stones implore you:
come among us, Lord, today!
With your promised loving-kindness
hear your people as we pray;
and the fullness of your blessing
in our fellowship display.
Here entrust to all your servants
what we long from you to gain—
that on earth and in the heavens
we your people shall remain,
till united in your glory
evermore with you we reign.
Praise and honour to the Father,
praise and honour to the Son,
praise and honour to the Spirit,
ever Three and ever One:
one in power and one in glory
while eternal ages run.
Latin 7th Century.
Trans. John Mason Neale, 1818-66
© In this version Jubilate Hymns
CCLI – 1050955
Pastor: Kristian Dimond 01432 830002 07810 442523 pastor@wellingtonec.org.uk
Elders: John Roberts 01432 830100 jokaroberts@gmail.com
Keith Weber 01568 611251 07436 005561 keith.smallprint@gmail.com
Wellington Evangelical Chapel, Wellington, Hereford HR4 8AX www.wellingtonec.org.uk Reg Charity No 233810
THE THOUGHT FOR THE DAY IS PREPARED BY JOHN ROBERTS