Useless Christianity
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The document discusses the letter from Jesus to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3. It summarizes that Jesus criticizes the church for being "lukewarm" in their faith, trusting too much in their earthly wealth and prosperity rather than having a strong relationship with Christ. Jesus calls them to repent and invites them to open the door to let Him in, so they can overcome spiritual complacency through intimate fellowship with Him. The document uses the example of Laodicea to warn about the dangers today of useless Christianity that lacks zeal for Christ.
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Useless Christianity
- 3. Neck Rings Kayan woman from Myanmar (Burma)
- 7. Letter : The Church of Laodicea Useless Christianity
- 8. First Point Useless Christianity is unpalatable.
- 9. Revelation 3 14 “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.
- 10. Revelation 3 15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
- 11. “…Thus says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.” • Jesus establishes his “credentials” before making a diagnosis of this church.
- 12. Jesus’ Diagnosis: You are lukewarm •The typical interpretation: Hot, cold and lukewarm are measures of spiritual “warmth”
- 14. Second Point Useless Christianity is vain.
- 15. Revelation 3 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
- 16. Revelation 3 18 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.
- 22. “Laodicea arose from the ruins by the strength of her own resources, and with no help from us.” Marcus Claudius Tacitus
- 23. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing… The Sources of Laodicea’s pride 1. The Banking Industry. 2. The Textile Industry. 3. The Medical School.
- 24. 17b … not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Jesus view of their boasts 1. Despite your banking industry, you are wretched, miserable and poor.
- 25. 17b … not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Jesus view of their boasts 2. Despite your textile industry, you are naked.
- 26. 17b … not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Jesus view of their boasts 3. Despite your famous eye salve, you are blind.
- 27. “The inevitable result of spiritual complacency and self-satisfaction is the loss of all true self-knowledge.” Hanns Lilje
- 28. Third Point Useless Christianity is without Christ.
- 29. Revelation 3 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
- 30. Revelation 3 20 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.
- 31. Revelation 3 21 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. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
- 32. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 1. Jesus’ love can be…
- 33. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock… 2. Jesus’ love is…
- 34. 20b …If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 3. Jesus’ love is intimate.
- 35. 21 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. 4. Jesus’ love is generous.
- 36. What have we learned over the past 2 months? Ephesus: The danger of lost priorities.
- 37. What have we learned over the past 2 months? Smyrna: The value of suffering.
- 38. What have we learned over the past 2 months? Pergamum: The danger of doctrinal compromise.
- 39. What have we learned over the past 2 months? Thyatira: The danger of moral compromise.
- 40. What have we learned over the past 2 months? Sardis: The danger of inoffensive Christianity.
- 41. What have we learned over the past 2 months? Philadelphia: The value of perseverance
- 42. What have we learned over the past 2 months? Laodicea: The danger of Lukewarm Christianity.
- 43. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
Editor's Notes
- I would like to start today with some bizarre anatomical practices.
- All of these body modifications have one thing in common. They render the useful useless. As sad as a useless body part is, there is something far sadder, a useless Christianity. This was Jesus assessment of the Church in Laodicea. They had become a useless church. The Lord could not find one thing praiseworthy to say of this church. They receive only rebuke.
- The Church of Laodicea Useless Christianity There is nothing more distressing than a useless expression of Christianity.
- First Point Useless Christianity is unpalatable.
- Revelation 3 14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of theAmen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.
- Revelation 3 15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
- “…Thus says the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.” A. As a doctor always hangs his diplomas in his office, so Jesus establishes his credentials, before He begins his diagnosis of this wayward church. 1. The Amen, the faithful and true witness. 2. The beginning of God's creation. a. Arius: Jesus was God's first creation. b. Arche: First in sequence = first First in power = ruler Jesus is not claiming to be a creature Himself. Rather, he makes the bold claim to be the ultimate source of creation, the Lord and ruler of the created realm.
- B. The diagnosis: You are lukewarm 1. Typical interpretation: The hot and cold are images of spiritual warmth. Problem: Why would Jesus state that he would prefer that they were spiritually cold, rather than lukewarm? Solution: Some have suggested that those who are antagonistic often prove more responsive to the gospel than those who take a passive and apathetic stance.
- 2. More likely interpretation: Based upon geography of Laodicea and her neighbors. a. Laodicea was founded at the site of the junction of several major roads. The location of natural resources, such as quality drinking water, was a secondary concern. b. Colosse, 10 miles to the southeast, had an abundant supply of cold spring water. However, they were too distant and improperly situated to be a source for Laodicea. c. Hieropolis, 6 miles to the northeast was known for its hot springs, unsuitable for drinking, but highly valued for their therapeutic value. d. This unpalatable water was the source of Laodicea's drinking water. A six mile stone pipe was constructed in order to bring water from Hieropolis. As it traveled it cooled somewhat, becoming lukewarm, neither palatable nor medicinal. It was useless water. Thus, Jesus is comparing Laodicea with its water supply. They had become a useless church, they had lost sight of their purpose. They continued to exist, but did little more than occupy space. Jesus' rebuke is of the sternest variety, "Thus, I will vomit you out of My mouth."
- Second Point Useless Christianity is vain.
- Revelation 3 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
- Revelation 3 18 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.
- Laodicea was one of the most affluent and proud cities in the Roman provinces. In recent years, great effort has been made to restore a hint of the appearance of Laodicea’s main street.
- One of the indications of Laodicea’s wealth was the fact that they had two theaters. Here are the remains of the small theater which could seat 8000 people. Although it is in ruins, it retains its remarkable acoustic properties to this day.
- The large theater, on the north side of the hill, could accommodate 15,000 people. Each of the seats in this theater was engraved with the owner’s name.
- These arches are all that remains of an extensive gymnasium and bathhouse.
- This slide also powerfully attests to some of the wealth of Laodicea. These are the remains of a single large home located near the marketplace of Laodicea. Laodicea was fiercely independent. In 60 A.D. it was devastated by one of the many earthquakes in the Lycus Valley region. Rome offered to help rebuild Laodicea, but the Laodiceans refused.
- Tacitus, the Roman historian, tells us: 'Laodicea arose from the ruins by the strength of her own resources, and with no help from us.'" (Barclay)
- There were three main sources of this wealth and pride. The Banking Industry. A rigorous economy had drawn the banking industry to Laodicea. This further prospered Laodicea. There are many indications of this wealth. Like many of the other cities in this area, Laodicea was destroyed by the earthquake of 17 AD and received assistance from the emperor. However, an equally destructive quake destroyed Laodicea in 60 AD. A Roman historian noted that Laodicea rebuilt itself, without any aid from the emperor. 2. The Textile Industry. Laodicea had fertile plains well suited for grazing land. Through a careful breeding program, the Laodiceans had developed a black wool noted for its glossiness. This wool became world famous and a considerable source of wealth. 3. The Medical School. The Laodiceans founded the premier medical school of the region. They followed the teaching of Herophilos who believed that compound diseases require compound cures. Thus they developed compound medicines which were mixtures of various substances. Two of these were very popular, an ear ointment made from spice nard, and an eye salve made by mixing Phrygian powder and oil.
- Despite your banking industry, you are wretched, miserable and poor. The word translated miserable, ἐλεεινός, literally means in need of mercy. Thus, Jesus challenges them to purchase true gold from Him; gold refined by fire. He is probably referring to the gold of spiritual treasures and the fire of suffering which refines that spiritual life and treasure
- 2. Despite your textile industry, you are naked. a. Nakedness was a symbol of humiliation. Thus, it was a common practice for conquerors, like the Assyrians, to parade their captives out of a city naked. Isaiah prophesied that Egypt and Ethiopia, to whom the Israelites were looking for assistance, would be so disgraced. In order to underline the folly of seeking foreign alliances, the LORD instructed Isaiah to prophesy naked for 3 1/2 years. b. To the proud producers of black wool, Jesus challenges them to purchase white garments. The color contrast is undoubtedly intentional.
- 3. Despite your famous eye salve, you are blind. Thus, Jesus challenges them to purchase from him a true eye salve. There is no true vision without the light of Christ. All other light is a shade of darkness. Jesus offers them true vision, in lieu of their delusions of spiritual grandeur.
- One of the German bishops who resisted Adolf Hitler, Hanns Lilje, once said: “The inevitable result of spiritual complacency and self-satisfaction is the loss of all true self-knowledge.”
- Third Point Useless Christianity is without Christ.
- Revelation 3 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
- 20 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.
- 21 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. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” There is nothing harder than practicing tough love. Throughout the years I have counseled parents with out of control kids and spouses with straying spouses to exercise tough love. But, I have to say, it’s so much harder to do yourself. So much harder!!! As many of you know, several months after coming to live with us, my mom’s dementia worsened a problem she has been having for a few years… suspicion and paranoia. This produced an uncontrollable urge to flee. Mom ran away three times. The last time she jumped into a stranger’s car. Thank God for Geneseo. In my native NY this could have had a tragic outcome. But mom was safely driven to Hammond Henry Hospital. After a few days in the hospital, I had to decide whether to take mom home. I realized that I couldn’t keep her safe. What felt loving was to take her home. Tough love looked different. I had mom transported to an amazing hospital in Galesburg. She received needed medications and was released to Hillcrest Home. My first visit at Hillcrest was one of the most gut-wrenching experiences of my life. Mom was hurt and angry. She told me that my Dad would be ashamed of me and that I didn’t love her. It was devastatingly painful. Two weeks later, mom is calling Hillcrest her home. The other day we took her to the doctor in Galesburg. She couldn’t wait to get back. Her mood is stabilized. She feels safe and secure and the staff ensures that she takes her meds. In his letter to the church at Laodicea we see the tough love of Jesus. Jesus loves us enough not to allow us to ruin our lives without a response.
- Look at verse 19 again… “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Here is an unmistakable example of tough love. There is nothing harder than practicing tough love. Throughout the years I have counseled parents with out of control kids and spouses with straying spouses to exercise tough love. But, I have to say, it’s so much harder to do yourself. So much harder!!! As many of you know, several months after coming to live with us, my mom’s dementia worsened a problem she has been having for a few years… suspicion and paranoia. This produced an uncontrollable urge to flee. Mom ran away three times. The last time she jumped into a stranger’s car. Thank God for Geneseo. In my native NY this could have had a tragic outcome. But mom was safely driven to Hammond Henry Hospital. After a few days in the hospital, I had to decide whether to take mom home. I realized that I couldn’t keep her safe. What felt loving was to take her home. Tough love looked different. I had mom transported to an amazing hospital in Galesburg. She received needed medications and was released to Hillcrest Home. My first visit at Hillcrest was one of the most gut-wrenching experiences of my life. Mom was hurt and angry. She told me that my Dad would be ashamed of me and that I didn’t love her. It was devastatingly painful. Two weeks later, mom is calling Hillcrest her home. The other day we took her to the doctor in Galesburg. She couldn’t wait to get back. Her mood is stabilized. She feels safe and secure and the staff ensures that she takes her meds. In his letter to the church at Laodicea we see the tough love of Jesus. Jesus loves us enough not to allow us to ruin our lives without a response. Another characteristic of Jesus’ tough love is his persistence. Each of these letters is an example of Jesus pursuing his sheep, including the straying ones. Perhaps Laodicea is the best example of a straying church. But it is not unique. Every church strays at times. We all wander into our own amusements and away from God’s purpose and plan for us. Yet, we see that Jesus loves us to much to let us compromise our faith. Compromised Christianity excludes Christ. It degrades Christianity to Christless vanity. And when we diminish our faith in this way, Jesus comes knockin’ let’s look at verse 20 a bit closer.
- Secondly, we see that Jesus’ love is persistent. He says to the Laodicean believers, 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock… Here is one of the most cherished evangelistic Bible verses of all times. Next to John 3:16, this is an evangelists second favorite tool in his toolbox. It is such a powerful and compelling image. But was this verse intended as an evangelistic call to the unsaved? Not primarily. The primary audience was the Church at Laodicea. Jesus' position is important. He is postured outside of their church doors. Through their compromise and their useless Christianity the Laodiceans had unwittingly excommunicated Christ from their assembly; thus he stands patiently. The Greek tense tells us that Jesus knocks continuously. He knocks and knocks and knocks, like the persistent widow in his parable. He is persistently seeking entrance.
- Thirdly, we see that Jesus’ love is intimate. Sorry, no pretty image on this slide. I knew not to even try an image search on this word. Isn’t it a shame that this is one of those words twisted by our sex-crazed culture. Intimate simply means up close and personal. We see here that Jesus desires to reestablish broken fellowship with the Laodicean believers. The meal he speaks of sharing is the evening meal, a meal eaten differently than the average American dinner. This meal was eaten slowly. It was a time of family fellowship. Jesus desires to once again be re-united with this church which had excluded him by their action and their inaction.
- Finally, in verse 21 we see that Jesus’ love is generous. He desires to share his throne with his faithful followers. There are other promises made of thrones for the apostles and thrones for the 24 elders. However, Jesus here gives the boldest expression of his desire to share his glory and his victory. Those who overcome are promised a place on His throne, the very throne he shares with His father. To take this promise too literally would be to assert that we are promised deity, which is clearly outside the cumulative witness of Scripture. The shared throne is a metaphor of shared glory. The faithful are promised the same kind of exaltation that Christ experienced when he overcame sin and death and returned to His rightful place of glory.
- What have we learned over the past 2 months?
- Smyrna: The value of suffering.
- Pergamum: The danger of doctrinal compromise.
- Thyatira: The danger of moral compromise.
- Sardis: The danger of inoffensive Christianity.
- Philadelphia: The value of perseverance
- Laodicea: The danger of Lukewarm Christianity.
- Throughout this series, this phrase has repeated. And I must confess, I have purposely skipped over it the first six times. I did that for a reason. I wanted to conclude this series on the Letters to the Seven Churches with this oft repeated phrase, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Why does Jesus say this to every church… even Smyrna and Philadelphia for which he had no words of correction? Jesus repeated these words because He understands thoroughly the fact that there is a huge difference between hearing and heeding. We have received these 7 letters. We have studied the background that shapes these letters. We have dug into both the historical and linguistic context of each letter. But will we heed these warnings? Will we regain our first love? Will we be willing to suffer rejection for Christ.. Or worse? Will we refuse to compromise both our doctrines and our morals? Will we be willing to offend our culture in order to declare God’s truth? Will we persevere and will we allow God to purge us of useless and vain religion? That is the question before us. Jesus is standing at the door and knocking right now. What is your answer?