Lukewarm Compromising Church | Institute of Love

For good reason the apostle Paul was agonizing for the church at Laodicea, warning them not be deceived by those who come with well-crafted arguments, (See Colossians 2:4) but nevertheless they were indifferent, neither hot nor cold. “I wish that you were one or the other!” Jesus admonished them. (See Revelation 3:15-22) The Laodicean church was amazingly lukewarm. This is the only church of the seven that Jesus addressed in the book of Revelation that rebelliously speaks back to God and boasts; “I am rich.” They were arrogant and proud, lacking in humility and the fear of God. They had a form of religion without God’s love, mercy, and faith – a dangerous mix! They were rich, but they neglected the poor, the widows, and the orphans among them. They had a large bankroll, but they were spiritually bankrupt. This church says, “I don’t need a thing.” It believes it has all the truth. It is unteachable and uncorrectable. It is “full,” complacent, and has that “satisfied” feeling. It isn’t striving to seek God, to seek the His Holy Spirit, more of His divine power, and a closer walk with the Savior Jesus Christ. It has no spiritual power, no hunger, and no true love. This church is “wretched.” In the Greek, this word is talaiporos, and literally means “enduring trial” - in effect meaning it was a constant, never-ending trial to God. It is also translated as “miserable.” The Webster’s Dictionary defines “wretched” as meaning “grievous, deeply afflicted, woeful, hatefully contemptible, despicable, and very poor in quality.” The Laodicean church needed real cleansing, inside and out. It is blind to its own condition, and yet it is arrogant and prideful and will hear nothing, listen to no rebuke, and take no correction. It is a depressing, sad church. It is unfortunate and sad that the majority of end-time Christians, who call themselves Evangelicals, can be compared to this ancient Laodicean church; they are neither hot nor cold! They say in their hearts that they are spiritually rich, wealthy, and need nothing, everything is going very well for them, or so they think. But in reality they are wretched, miserable, poor and naked, and yet they don’t even realize it. Why? Because they are absolutely blind to their own spiritual condition. They often rant and rave, accusing and finger-pointing others, but remaining in total denial of Biblical truth! That's why Jesus said to them; “I will spit you out of my mouth!” Revelation 3:16 NLT