Lukewarm Faith: Understanding Jesus' Message to the Laodicean Church

The book of Revelation contains powerful messages that still speak to us today. While written by the apostle John about 60 years after Jesus' resurrection, these words carry timeless truth that challenges modern believers just as they did the early church.

Who Were the Laodiceans and Why Does Their Story Matter?

John wrote Revelation while exiled on the island of Patmos for refusing to worship Emperor Domitian. The letter was addressed to seven historical churches in modern-day Turkey, with Laodicea being one of them. Laodicea was a prosperous city of approximately 100,000 people.

What makes this particular letter so striking is how accurately it seems to describe many modern churches, particularly in affluent Western nations. The message to Laodicea serves as a mirror that reflects our own spiritual condition.

What Does It Mean to Be "Lukewarm" in Faith?

In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus says: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other. So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

This metaphor would have been immediately understood by the Laodiceans. Their city was situated between two other cities with distinctive water sources:

Jesus was essentially telling the Laodicean Christians: "You are like your water—good for nothing." While hot water heals and cold water refreshes, lukewarm water serves no purpose. It's a powerful metaphor for a faith that makes no impact.

How Does Wealth Affect Our Spiritual Condition?

The most striking indictment comes in Revelation 3:17: "You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."

Laodicea had a history of self-sufficiency. When an earthquake devastated the city about 30 years before John's letter, they refused financial aid from Rome, proudly rebuilding without assistance. This civic pride had apparently infected the church, creating a spiritual arrogance.

While it's not a sin to be wealthy, Jesus consistently warned about wealth's corrupting influence. In Matthew 6:24, he stated plainly: "No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and money."

What Does True Wealth Look Like to God?

By global and historical standards, this describes most Americans. The warning is clear: material comfort can blind us to our spiritual need.

What Is Jesus' Solution for Lukewarm Faith?

Jesus offers a remedy in Revelation 3:18: "I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see."

In essence, Jesus was saying: "Your famous products can't help you spiritually. Only I have what you truly need. You can't help yourself out of your spiritual poverty."

How Does Jesus Approach Those Who Have Grown Lukewarm?

Despite this strong rebuke, Jesus' approach is ultimately one of love: "Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent" (Revelation 3:19).

Then comes one of the most famous verses in Scripture: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me" (Revelation 3:20).

Jesus doesn't force his way in. He knocks and waits for us to respond. He desires fellowship with us—the kind of intimate relationship symbolized by sharing a meal together.

Life Application

This week, take time to honestly assess where you might have become lukewarm in your faith. Identify one specific area where you've been relying on your own resources rather than on Christ, and intentionally surrender that area to him. Open the door to deeper fellowship with Jesus by creating space for prayer and reflection each day.
Remember, Jesus doesn't rebuke us to shame us but to restore us. His desire is not condemnation but communion—to come in and eat with us in intimate fellowship.