Revelation: Leaving Lukewarmness

Revelation 3:14-22

A lukewarm Christian. That doesn't sound very flattering. The word "lukewarm" refers to being indifferent, apathetic, or half-hearted. A lukewarm believer hasn't rejected Jesus, but they aren't living passionately for him either. So, what does Jesus say about being lukewarm? We will find out in today's passage as Jesus speaks to the believers in Laodicea. 

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is a message from Jesus about who he is. Next time, we'll begin a journey through prophecy that includes the throne of heaven, a scroll with seven seals, a woman and a dragon, beasts rising from the sea and the earth, bowls of God's wrath, and a breathtaking view of heaven, the believer's eternal home. Whew!! We have many important future events to explore.   

As we've studied the initial chapters of Revelation, John depicted a glorious image of Jesus and documented his messages to seven first-century churches. These letters place this prophetic book within its historical context. We have explored what Jesus communicated to the churches in Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, and Philadelphia. One final church still needs to pay attention to his warnings. 

The Person of Jesus
Jesus begins his letter to the church in Laodicea by describing himself in three ways. First, he is the "Amen" (Rev. 3:14a). We use the word "amen" to conclude our prayers and confirm that our words are valid. Amen is an affirmation. And... so is Jesus. He is the affirmation and confirmation of truth; he is the Amen. 

Secondly, Jesus describes himself as "the faithful and true witness." Jesus affirms that all of God's promises are trustworthy. His life, death, resurrection, ascension, and current position at the Father's right hand demonstrate that all of God's promises are true and will come to pass. Paul also expressed that all of God's promises are "Yes in [Christ]" (2 Cor. 1:19-20). 

Thirdly, Jesus is "the beginning of God's creation," which means he is the ruler over all creation. All things were "created through him and for him ... and in him all things hold together" (Col. 1:16-17). 

The Problem in Laodicea
After the introduction for each letter, Jesus usually begins with praise; however, that's not true for the believers in Laodicea. Jesus declares, "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth" (Rev. 3:15-16).

Laodicea was part of a tri-city area, located about six miles north of Hierapolis and nine miles southeast of Colossae. Hierapolis was famous for its hot mineral springs, which were used for medicinal purposes. Similarly, Colossae was known for its cold mountain springs that supplied plenty of drinking water. Since Laodicea lacked its own water source, it depended on the neighboring cities for water. By the time the hot and cold water reached Laodicea via aqueducts from Hierapolis and Colossae, it had cooled to a lukewarm temperature. Tepid water is neither effective for healing nor refreshing to drink. 

The Consequence of Lukewarmness
Jesus used the lukewarm water in Laodicea to show the church's spiritual state. They are fence-sitters, with one foot in the church and one in the culture. Their actions neither heal nor refresh. Jesus underscores how serious their spiritual condition is by saying it makes him want to vomit, vividly expressing his disgust for spiritual lukewarmness among his followers. 

What are some traits of lukewarm Christians today? Here are a few: infrequent or sporadic reading of God's Word, prayer used only as "emergency flares," corporate worship seen as optional or social, lifeless personal worship that relies on tradition, lack of genuine service, spiritual pride, self-sufficiency, and making money our god. 

Laodicea was a very wealthy city. Located at a crossroads of major roads, this created opportunities for a thriving economy. They supported a banking industry and were surrounded by fertile land, ideal for grazing sheep to produce glossy black wool. The medical school there had discovered and developed an eye salve called Phrygian powder. Due to their prosperity, after an earthquake struck the area in AD 60, the Laodiceans declined government aid and financed the rebuilding efforts themselves. 

The Laodiceans were wealthy and self-sufficient; therefore, pride eventually seeped into their spiritual lives. Jesus said, "For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked" (Rev. 3:17). Despite their material riches, they were spiritually poor. Compared to their beneficial eye salve, they were spiritually blind. And in contrast to the beautiful garments made from sought-after black wool, they were naked. (Don’t miss our virtual tour of Laodicea linked below).

The Solution to Lukewarmness
Jesus calls believers to leave their lukewarm state and become a healing and refreshing church again. He shows the way back to him: Repent and return to gain spiritual riches, spiritual clothing, and spiritual sight. Jesus said: 

Revelation 3:18-19
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 

For almost every church, the answer to their spiritual problem is the same: Remember. Repent. Return. That sequence also applies to us personally when we drift away from God. 

The Promise
Jesus is always near. In fact, he is standing right at the door of our hearts. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me" (Rev. 3:20).

Jesus patiently waits for us to invite him in and enjoy close fellowship. The word "eat" refers to the main meal of the day and is meant to be shared with friends and family. A key purpose of the meal is to foster fellowship with those at the table. Jesus desires a lasting relationship with his children. He says, "The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Rev. 3:21-22). 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on Revelation 3:14-22. Is Jesus knocking on the door of your heart? What is stopping you from opening it? 

Talking to God: How can comfort, success, or self-sufficiency lead believers today to become spiritually lukewarm? Ask God to reveal where your faith may be lukewarm. 

Have questions? Please send your questions to our team. We're happy to assist you as we engage in God's Word together. Please submit your question below, and we'll respond shortly. Let us know if you'd like to learn more about a relationship with Jesus or if you're seeking spiritual guidance.

Please click HERE for a virtual tour of Laodicea.

The Living Grounded Ministry is organizing a tour to the Holy Land from November 4 to 15, 2026, as part of our Bible Immersion Experiences. We would love for you to join us, and we will keep you updated as more details become available.