Studies in Prophecy
Rich and Poor
“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” (Rev 3:17 KJV)
The Church of Laodicea was more concerned about their material possessions than to do the will of God. They were proud of their riches and success and acted like it would continue on forever. They believed their success proved they were righteous.
Learn MoreLukewarm
“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Rev 3:16 KJV)
Just like water that is lukewarm is nauseating to us, Christians that are lukewarm is nauseating to God. This is a clear teaching that Christians must live overcoming lives or they will be rejected. Jesus is disgusted by those that pretend to live for God but do not.
Learn MoreNeither Cold Nor Hot
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.” (Rev 3:15 KJV)
The water in Laodicea was piped in by an aqueduct. It wasn’t cold, so it wasn’t good for drinking, and it wasn’t hot, so it didn’t make a good bath. It was lukewarm, which was close to useless. The spiritual state of the Church of Laodicea was lukewarm. They were not about their Father’s business. They compromised with the world.
Learn MoreThe Church of Laodicea
“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write;” (Rev 3:14a KJV)
Laodicea was 45 miles southeast of Philadelphia and 90 miles east of Ephesus. It was an important trade center and was famous for its medical school. It was a wealthy city and was filled with Greek culture. The area was prone to earthquakes and is in ruins today. The Church in Laodicea was considered a lukewarm Church. It had gone into apostasy and was ruled by the laity. There were no positive words or commendation given to the Laodiceans.
Learn MoreA Pillar
“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God:” (Rev 3:12a KJV)
Again Jesus gives a promise to him that overcomes. This promise is that the overcomer will be a pillar in the temple of God. This is not a literal pillar or temple, but a permanent place in God’s kingdom- a promise of everlasting life.
Learn MoreI Come Quickly
“Behold, I come quickly:” (Rev 3:11a KJV)
In verse 10 Jesus tells us He will keep us from the hour of temptation that will come upon all the world if we keep His Word.
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.” (Rev 3:10 KJV)
Learn More