7. Laodicea - Man`s Character and his Purposes. (Rev. 3: 14 – 19)
Christ reveals Himself to this group as the Originator (Beginning) & the one who will Terminate all things, (Amen) plus the one who oversees all in between. It is His purposes that will prevail, not man`s.
`These things says the Amen, ......the Beginning of the creation of God.`
(Rev. 3: 14)
This group believe that by partnering with the world system they can transform & change the world bringing peace, hope & justice, through man`s efforts. This is shown by their name, which reveals their character & motives.
Laodicea - `Laos` - people, & `dike` - justice, meaning – the people`s justice.
This is spiritual adultery, joining with the world & not relying on the Lord.
`....friendship with the world is enmity with God.` (James 4: 4)
Friendship – from the Gk word, `philia` friendship & `philos` friend, associate, partner
This group also look to the world for leadership techniques & business strategies, measuring their success by worldly standards.
`I am rich, have become wealthy, & have need of nothing.`
(Rev. 3: 17)
The Lord however chastises them quite severely saying that He sees them as -
`wretched, miserable, poor, blind & naked -`
(Rev. 3: 17)
This group should have been a `Witness` to the world of the power of God to change people.
They should have been `faithful` to show that it is by His Spirit people are changed, & not by man`s efforts – promotions of organisations, entertainment, or big events etc.
They should have been `true` to God`s word declaring that He will judge the world, instead of saying that He is transforming it for the better.
The Lord `the faithful & True Witness` then addresses their watered down witness or `lukewarmness.` He tells them quite strongly, that unless they repent He will `vomit ` them out of His mouth.(Rev. 3: 16) He then counsels them to know Him as their source -
`buy from Me gold....white garments...& anoint your eyes...`
(Rev. 3: 18)
Gold - Faith in Christ & not in man. (1 Peter 1: 7)
White Garments - Christ`s righteousness not man`s efforts. (Titus 3: 5 & 6)
Anoint your eyes - Insight by the Holy Spirit into Christ`s purposes, & not man`s purposes.
(John 16: 13)
Christ reveals Himself to this group as the Originator (Beginning) & the one who will Terminate all things, (Amen) plus the one who oversees all in between. It is His purposes that will prevail, not man`s.
`These things says the Amen, ......the Beginning of the creation of God.`
(Rev. 3: 14)
This group believe that by partnering with the world system they can transform & change the world bringing peace, hope & justice, through man`s efforts. This is shown by their name, which reveals their character & motives.
Laodicea - `Laos` - people, & `dike` - justice, meaning – the people`s justice.
This is spiritual adultery, joining with the world & not relying on the Lord.
`....friendship with the world is enmity with God.` (James 4: 4)
Friendship – from the Gk word, `philia` friendship & `philos` friend, associate, partner
This group also look to the world for leadership techniques & business strategies, measuring their success by worldly standards.
`I am rich, have become wealthy, & have need of nothing.`
(Rev. 3: 17)
The Lord however chastises them quite severely saying that He sees them as -
`wretched, miserable, poor, blind & naked -`
(Rev. 3: 17)
This group should have been a `Witness` to the world of the power of God to change people.
They should have been `faithful` to show that it is by His Spirit people are changed, & not by man`s efforts – promotions of organisations, entertainment, or big events etc.
They should have been `true` to God`s word declaring that He will judge the world, instead of saying that He is transforming it for the better.
The Lord `the faithful & True Witness` then addresses their watered down witness or `lukewarmness.` He tells them quite strongly, that unless they repent He will `vomit ` them out of His mouth.(Rev. 3: 16) He then counsels them to know Him as their source -
`buy from Me gold....white garments...& anoint your eyes...`
(Rev. 3: 18)
Gold - Faith in Christ & not in man. (1 Peter 1: 7)
White Garments - Christ`s righteousness not man`s efforts. (Titus 3: 5 & 6)
Anoint your eyes - Insight by the Holy Spirit into Christ`s purposes, & not man`s purposes.
(John 16: 13)
