- 97 km south-east of Philadelphia
- Intersection of three imperial trade roads => Banking centre
- Fertile land
- Produces famous black wool and a textile manufacturing hub
- Medical centre, known for eye treatment
- Desire to be self-sufficient and independent
- But need to pipe water from nearby cities
Colossians 4:13
13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.
- faithful and true witness
- judge of the church
- counsellor
- lover
- king
Jesus, the faithful and true witness (v14)
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.
2 Corinthians 1:20
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.
Revelations 1:5
and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth…
Revelations 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.
Jesus the judge of the church (v15-16)
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.
Revelation 19:11
11 Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
- Jesus’ true and faithful witness >>> firstborn from the dead (Rev 1:5) / beginning of new creation Rev (3:4)
- Church’s true faithful witness >>> resurrection from the dead / part of the new creation.
Jesus the counsellor (v17-18)
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. 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.
Spirtual poverty
Hosea 12:7-8
7 A merchant, in whose hands are false balances, he loves to oppress.
8 Ephraim has said, “Ah, but I am rich; I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors they cannot find in me iniquity or sin.”
Shame of nakedness
Blindness
John 9:39
Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.”
Jesus the lover (v17-18)
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.
Song of Songs 5:2
I slept but my heart was awake. Listen! My beloved is knocking:
Jesus the King (v17-18)
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.’”
Romans 8:17
heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Luke 22:28-30
“You are those who have stayed with me in my trials, and I assign to you, as my Father assigned to me, a kingdom, that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Seven churches (Revelation 2-3)
Ephesus – Truth without love
Laodicea – Works without faith
Ephesus Truth without love – remove lampstand
Smyrna Poor and suffering for their witness
Pergamum Faithful, but some hold on to false teachings
Thyatira Love but tolerate false teachers
Sardis Dead or asleep, but some are worthy
Philadelphia Little power, but kept the Word
Laodicea Works without faith – spit out
How to be true and faithful witness?
Matt. 23:3
‘So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practise what they preach’
Matt. 7:21
Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven’
James 2:18
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
Assurance of Victory
Revelation 17:14
14 They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
Amazing Grace
Reflections
- What are some things that have the potential to replace your need for Jesus?
- What are some of the biggest challenges to be a true and faithful witness in this generation?
- What are some idols, fears and desires of our city that you believe that gospel can speak to?
