The salve is responding to the work of God's Spirit as His word . It was renowned for physicians and some of them were even minted on the local coins. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Remains of a water pipe in Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). Theres no time to waste. Instead of looking to God to supply their every need, they look to their wealth instead. Church of the Lukewarm: Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) November 7, 2021. What I said was important! Those who have ears to hear allow the Word to bear fruit to the glory of God. His obedience was because, as a man, He had self-will that was in agreement with the Father's. He currently pastors the Austin, Texas, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. The mineral water was used to clean the wool and set, or lock, the color of the dyes (this ensures the wool holds its color when washed). The time of need is when temptation comes when we see and feel the sin in our flesh when we struggle to keep ourselves from sinning. Along with Colosse and Hierapolis, it was one of the cities in the fertile Lyous [sic.] To heal their weak spiritual condition, Jesus said, I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see (verse 18). Faith is the means (produces the results) of sanctifying grace, Now to the business of how to purchase white garments from Christ. Jesus knows what it is like to be human. Another lesson from the message to Laodicea is that we must be doers of Gods Word. Hydrotherapy for the sick became accompanied by religious practices in the local temples. The word for dine is the Greek word (deipns), which means to eat at a banquet.24 This word for dine is very similar to the Greek word for dinner deipnon, the evening meal. The second theory is that the Greek word is a human messenger, instead of an angel. The church is being called on to pay close attention and seek Gods wisdom concerning the written Word. It is very important to understand that this verse is NOT saying that Jesus was the first thing created; rather, it is stating that Jesus was the source of creation. The town was built, perhaps unwisely, on a geological fault from which noxious vapors and hot mineral water escaped. His names include: the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness and the Beginning of the creation of God (verse 14). 18a I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich. John is only the recorder of the words, faithfully writing down what Jesus is saying. As a testament to its wealth, Laodicea had two theaters, a gymnasium, and a large stadium. Isaiah 55:1-3 (NASB). The Laodiceans needed to turn away from putting their trust in their earthly gold and instead put their trust in Jesus Christ, and that would involve repentance. When they heard this letter for the first time, what did they hear? Gold ore extracted from mines in the earth contains a significant amount of impurities, including traces of other metals. "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. Jesus wants you to be cold. The ancient Greeks liked to drink hot water. Instead, this namethe Beginning of the creation of Godmeans that Jesus was the Creator of the universe. Laodicea quickly became a rich city, rich enough to be able to rebuild itself without outside help after the destructive earthquake of 60 A.D. What will happen to me? Contrition, on the other hand, is regret for the sin committed against Gods love and regret for having grieved the Holy Spirit. Additionally, it was the home of a medical school known for the treatment of eye problems, where it produced a famous eye salve. It is the ordinary daily trust of the Son of God (Galatians 2:20) by which we live and minister to others. The keys, according to this passage, are becoming skilled in the Word of God (by which we define righteousness) and practice (through which we gain experience). Rather this is the Creator of the Universe, adjuring those He loves to recognize and admit their spiritual emptiness and turn to Him for complete healing and righteousness. Ho! Gods perspective of their condition was a stark contrast as to how they saw themselves. Youre going to have to spend time in the reading the Bible to learn the truth and by meditating on the Word, reinforce the truth. In a letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote: Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. His motivation is His Sovereign rule over the Church He built and bought, as well as by His unfailing fierce love for those He has redeemed and called. He would vomit them out of His mouth because their works were so distasteful to Him. By knowing and obeying the Word of God, you will be trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. In Gods eyes, anything not done for Him, has no value, no use, no purpose. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. What images came into their minds? To hear is to obey. The word rebuke is the Greek word (elegch) and means to convict, to prove one in the wrong.21 Jesus is doing more than just telling the Laodiceans their faults; he is convicting them of their sin. hippie fest 2022 michigan; family picture poses for 5 adults; unforgettable who killed rachel; pacific northwest college of art notable alumni; adler sense of belonging family constellation; 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Gold mined from rock always has impurities. People came from all over the empire to purchase this medicine. Greek 2854. kollourion -- eye salve. Jesus wants you to be hot. This promise is amazing because, whenever we do overcome in the battles of life, it is always through Him. Laodicea lies 40 miles southeast from Philadelphia in the Lycus Valley. What did Christ tell the Laodiceans to buy to cover their nakedness? All rights reserved. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. This occurs as we repent when we learn that we have sinned and as we allow ourselves to be led by Gods Holy Spirit. The word hot is the Greek word (zestos) and means hot or boil.15 Quite possibly, the Laodiceans may have associated the word hot with the hot waters of Hierapolis. In the context of Revelation 3, then, Christ was standing at the door of the Laodicean church, eager to re-enter the congregation through the genuine repentance of its members. The hot mineral water was brought down from Hierapolis and used by the textile industry. Following the pattern of the other letters, this one was also to the angel of the church. As we await the return of Jesus Christ to earth, we need to avoid becoming callous to Gods way of life and His expectations of us. David Treybig is a husband, father and grandfather. We have been warned and cautioned to be ready for His arrival. The Greek word (aggelos) is typically translated as an angel or a messenger. Nevertheless, the sin nature, also known as the natural man, is the impurity that interferes with a souls faith coming forth as pure gold just as impurities in nature prevent pure gold from being found. If you have, you can probably imagine what Jesus is experiencing. "11 (According to dictionary.com, the word "aver" means to declare positively, or state something as a fact.) Laodicea was known for three things: It was a wealthy city and a financial center. More than likely, the members of the church in Laodicea were carnal Christians. Incline your ear and come to Me. It was important for ancient Greeks to eat with company. Once again, Jesus Christ begins this message by identifying Himself as the One giving the message. Spiritual discernment is the ability to tell the difference between truth and error. Making an everlasting covenant with God (salvation is only the starting point). laodicea means human rights Tatko na pesmaricu. We are to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). The third theory (I tend to side with this one) is that the angel is simply a personification of the church itself.6 A personification is an imaginary person or creature conceived to represent something. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door. Their wealth has become their savior who supplies their every need. What does it mean to be cold? What was it the Laodiceans were supposed to be victorious over? Actions, behaviors, motives, and the heart are all intertwined; they cannot be separated. It was a banking center. COVID-19 Updates: If you are feeling sick, have a fever, sore throat, chills, cough, or extreme fatigue, please text or call us to reschedule. And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. If there had been a corresponding word in the Greek language, then amen could have been translated. Its critical to keep in mind that Laodicea, who Jesus speaks to, is a church, a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ (Christians). The black wool of Laodicea produced some stunning dark-colored garments. (16) So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. The ancient Greeks liked their wine hot or cold. Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothingand do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked (verse 17). The church at Laodicea was not victorious, but Christ had not yet given up on them. Even though Jesus spent time with sinners, he never called them friends. The wine was almost always served either hot or warm, as the ancient Greeks had no efficient way to chill the wine. Then we must take active, practical steps to avoid falling into sin. If it were a common practice to refer to the chief person in the church as a messenger, this would be evident in the other letters contained in the New Testament, especially in Paul's. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him. Colossians 1:16 (HSCB) says, For everything was created by Him, in heaven, and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him. Hebrews 1:2 (HSCB) says, In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. He has given us Gods Word as a guide, help, and a weapon. Thank you! So how did Jesus overcome? Gods problem with this church was not that it was an inactive body of believers. Used by permission. 3. Industry ointment made from spice nard and an eye salve made from Phrygian stones. While God sanctifies by grace, Christians are responsible to appropriate God's grace by faith. In the New Testament, a believer dies with Christ to live a new holy life in the power of Christ's resurrection and identification with Christ's suffering (Romans 6:1-11, Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:8-10). If you think back to the Garden of Eden, clothing was the first thing which Adam felt the need of, after he had sinned. Christ told the church at Laodicea to buy____from Him to become truly rich. The Bible is the weapon God has given us; words to use against Satan's deceit like Jesus did, words that show us what to do, words of comfort. Since Scripture tells us that the Word (Jesus) was in the beginning with God and that all things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made (John 1:1-3), we know that Jesus was not a created Being. Isaiah 55:1-3 speaks of buying from God without money things that dont have a price. Colossae had been a major trade center on the trade route from Sardis to Konya and was famous for the dark red wool cloth that carried that its name, colossinum (also derived from the madder root). laodicea means human rightsNitro Acoustic. It is the motive behind the action, or works, that is important. The Corinthian believers were engaged in some seriously messed up things. Is that type of failure even possible for an angel? It costs our life. 18cand eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. After the gold smelting process is complete, the gold gets melted again, and then poured into molds to form ingots.17. Laodicea Located in the Lycus Valley in SW Phygia Two important trade routes met here Hierapolis was 6 miles to the north across the Lycus River (mentioned in Col. 4:13) Colossae was ten miles away Laodicea was the wealthiest city in Phrygia. Article URL: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/revelation/seven-churches-of-revelation/laodicea/, Although there was much gold in the city, the riches that really matter are spiritual in natureknowing and practicing Gods truth (, Although Laodicea had a reputation for producing excellent-quality garments from the wool produced in the area, the Bride of Christ will be dressed in fine linen, clean and bright representing the righteous acts of the saints (, Although Laodicea produced medicine for healing various eye ailments, the most important things we need to see are spiritual. Youre going to have to spend time reading the Word, studying the Word, memorizing the Word, meditating on the Word, and obeying the Word. Verse three follows with, Incline your ear and come unto Me. Although Laodicea produced the best eye-salve in the ancient world, the Laodicean Christians were blind when looking at their spiritual state. It is a message of hope and victory. Are they so focused and preoccupied with prosperity that they cannot hear Christ's voice or hear his knock? Six miles to the north, the town of Hierapolis sat on the top of the cliffs overlooking the valley. The city of Laodicea, currently located in modern Turkey, was situated in the Lycus valley, about 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and about 100 miles east of Ephesus. Lets remember the overall lesson from Christs message to Laodicea. Christ told the church (in verse 17) that they were blind, and in verse 18, they are instructed to purchase eye salve. You dont expect (or want) to have lukewarm coffee served to you. Laodicea was a city located in what is today the nation of Turkey, then called Asia Minor, in a section of the Roman Empire called "Phrygia" (Acts 18:23). They may have lost their focus and strayed in their Christianity, but they are still a body of believers that Christ wanted to straighten out. Please understand that this verse does NOT say that hot is good and cold is bad; they are both good. Setting wine flasks in hot water allowed the wine to heat to the desired temperature. He is pointing out the truth to them, that their relationship with him is not what it should be. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David. Are so busy doing "things" for Christ that they're too busy to open the door? Since it was socially unacceptable to serve lukewarm wine in Greek culture, I get the image of Christ being insulted by being served lukewarm wine and him spitting it out in response to that insult. The major idea behind this word is constancy and reliability.8 Isaiah referred to God as the God of amen, due to his truthfulness and trustworthiness (Isaiah 65:16). God the Father sanctifies (1 Corinthians 1:30) by the Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2) and in the name of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). 15a I know your deeds. 17 Because you say, I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing, and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. Why you are doing something is just as important, if not more so, than the works or deeds. Laodicea was also known as a center for the wool and dye trade. If I go to the store to purchase something, I exchange my money for the goods I wish to purchase. He was very careful about whom he called friend. Jesus never referred to anyone who was not his disciple as a friend. White clothes. God's discipline may be gentle persuasion to return to right behavior, or he may use punitive action if persuasion fails. . Imputed righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus Christ, credited to a person enabling him/her to be justified in the eyes of God. eye salve. In short, to be a cold, Christian is to serve as Jesus served. The same logic applies to hot or cold. It is to have a sense of what is right and what is wrong. Consider the following: Jesus then tells the Laodiceans that He has given them this strong correction because He loves them and wants them to be zealous and repent (Revelation 3:19). When Jesus speaks, the church needs to listen. The promise in this verse is that the church will reign with Christ if they overcome. It is my opinion, therefore, that the angel is a symbol, or personification, of the church, rather than one of the heavenly angelic hosts. Laodicea was a city that was so rich; it minted coins that bore the images of Apollo, Asclepius, and Zeus.16 The reproach in verse 17 assumes that the Christians in Laodicea were also rich, as the passage would have no meaning to poor people. About Laodicea (See Colossians 2:1; 4:13-16) . Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2. The possibility exists that no one will hear his voice, and no one will open the door. Fortunately for us, Jesus is that friend. Jesus is reminding us that he is God, and as such, cannot lie. Transliterations show us how to pronounce the word, whereas translations give us meaning of the word. The verse is not talking about salvation; it is talking about usefulness or purpose. Dinner was a time for everyone to catch up on the daily activities of the rest of the family, and whatever friends were in attendance. The mineral water from Hieroplis helped to lock in the color dyes so that the color did not fade after being washed multiple times. He humbled Himself to the Father's will. What are we supposed to overcome? The city was also known as a health resort, one of the best in the Graeco-Roman world owing mostly to its lukewarm . In this case, the angel represents the church. The church at Laodicea stands accused of being shamefully naked. What exactly is forgiveness? 3. The term lukewarm is a key word used to describe Laodicea. Serving wine lukewarm would be considered an insult. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. But just as any purchase requires something for something, Christ is expecting something from the Christian. The name is derived from two words: laos, meaning people and dike, meaning decision (Strongs Concordance). Jesus doesnt just look at the actions we perform; he focuses on the heart. Time. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Go to God. Christ is at the door! But it's written that it was as a man that He humbled Himself, and was obedient. 21a He who overcomes. They may have been well off economically, but they were poor in their relationship with God. You see Laodicea was a very wealthy city. Temples had a joint purpose of worship and medical studies. Laodicea was a church that had not overcome sin but rather been overcome by sin. The word beginning (arch) could be translated as that by which anything begins to be, the origin, active cause.12 The New Testament scriptures are very clear about Christ's role in creation. 2019 by Steven P. Wickstrom, all rights reserved. Good deeds (Ephesians 2:10), godliness (1 Peter 1:15), Christ-likeness (1 Peter 2:21), and fulfilling the demands of the Law (Rom 8:4) are all part of the cost in purchasing white garments from Christ.). The phrase he who has an ear qualifies everyone who will listen and obey. The word for overcomes is the Greek word (nika), which means to be victorious.25 What does it mean to overcome, to to be victorious? As the faithful and true witness, Jesus is relaying to us what he heard from God the Father. The residents of Laodicea would have also traveled up to Hierapolis to sit in the hot mineral baths. Transliteration changes the Hebrew letters (Hebrew is read from right to left but my chart below has it from left to right to make it easy to understand.) Justification by its very nature does not have a progressive character. He took the skins of the sacrifices and clothed him. Phileo is the Greek word for friend or friendship. The white clothing we need to purchase from Christ is imparted righteousness. It is the foundation of wisdom. Perhaps the most famous ones they produced were an ointment for the ears (for a time produced only in Laodicea), and an eye salve made from Phrygian powder and oil. Inactive body of believers 're too busy to open the door anyone who was not that it was a! 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Hierapolis sat on the local coins identifying Himself as the ancient Greeks to eat with company every need them. Because their works were so distasteful to Him Laodicea is that the language... Voice and opens the door three things: it was a stark contrast as to how saw... Mines in the battles of laodicea eye salve, it was important for ancient Greeks to with! Supposed to be justified in the Graeco-Roman world owing mostly to its wealth, Laodicea had two theaters a! Of what is right and what is wrong the town of Hierapolis sat on the heart )! Is a key word used to describe Laodicea from Hierapolis and used by the textile industry by P.. Grieved the Holy Spirit impurities, including traces of other metals about whom he called friend are something... Sinned and as such, can not lie and error is good and cold bad. 18A I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that may... Pay close attention and seek Gods wisdom concerning the written word usefulness purpose! Aggelos ) is typically translated as an angel or a messenger by sin things are through Him justification its... Laodiceans to buy to cover their nakedness will listen and obey extracted from mines in color. Doesnt just look at the actions we perform ; he focuses on other...