From Lukewarm to Life-Changing Faith, Part 1

Have you ever taken a sip of something expecting it to be either refreshingly cold or comfortingly hot, only to be met with an unpleasant lukewarm taste? That reaction of disgust is exactly how Jesus described His feeling toward the church in Laodicea.

This lesson challenges us to take an honest look at ourselves and our spiritual condition. Are we on fire for God? Are we bringing refreshment to those around us? Or have we become lukewarm—going through the motions but lacking true passion?

Jesus once cursed a fig tree because it had the appearance of being fruitful, but upon closer inspection, it bore no fruit (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21). The Laodicean church was much like that tree—boasting of wealth and success, but spiritually barren.

Revelation 3 gives us a behind-the-scenes look at a spiritual war. While Jesus has already secured victory through His sacrifice, the enemy continues to assault believers with persecution, false teachings, and material distractions. The Laodicean church fell victim to this deception.

Laodicea was a thriving, wealthy city, known for its banking industry, black wool exports, and medical advancements. But there was one major flaw—it lacked an adequate water supply. Jesus used this physical deficiency as a metaphor for their spiritual condition.

At first glance, the Laodicean church seemed successful, but Jesus saw the reality: their spiritual complacency and self-sufficiency had led them away from true faith. This serves as a cautionary tale for believers today. Just because a church or an individual appears outwardly successful does not mean they are spiritually healthy.

In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus introduces Himself as "The Amen," the trustworthy and true witness. Then He delivers a sobering truth:

"I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16)

Jesus isn’t saying He’d rather people be spiritually cold (indifferent or distant from Him). Instead, He’s using the Laodicean water issue to illustrate a point:

• Cold water is refreshing—it quenches thirst and brings relief.
• Hot water is healing—it provides comfort and restoration.
• Lukewarm water is useless—it serves no real purpose.

The Laodiceans were not spiritually refreshing or healing; they were complacent, self-sufficient, and ineffective in advancing God’s Kingdom. Their material wealth blinded them to their spiritual poverty. Jesus called them "wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17).

Many believers today fall into the same trap. We may have all the outward trappings of a successful life—careers, wealth, stability—but if we lack true devotion to Christ, we are spiritually bankrupt. It’s possible to attend church, pray occasionally, and read scripture yet still be lukewarm in our faith.

JD Greear describes lukewarm Christians this way:

• They don’t truly want to be saved from sin—just from its penalty.
• They admire radical devotion in others but don’t live it themselves.
• They mistake sanitized lifestyles for holiness.
• They rarely share their faith.
• They give God their leftovers instead of their best.

Charles Spurgeon put it bluntly: "You are either a missionary or an impostor!"

If we’re not intentional about our relationship with Christ, we may find ourselves pushing Him out—just like the Laodiceans did. The tragic result? The church of Laodicea no longer exists. What was once a thriving community of believers is now an abandoned ruin.

Jesus was once central in their lives, but over time, they replaced Him with self-sufficiency and worldly comfort. We must be careful not to follow the same pattern. When we start to prioritize personal success, entertainment, and comfort over our relationship with God, we risk pushing Him to the margins of our lives without even realizing it.

Jesus doesn’t just diagnose the problem; He provides the solution (Revelation 3:18):

1. Buy Gold – In Laodicea, banking and commerce were sources of great wealth, but Jesus urged them to seek spiritual riches instead—faith that is refined through trials (1 Peter 1:7).
2. Wear White Garments – The city was famous for its luxurious black wool, yet Jesus offered them something far better: the pure righteousness found in Him alone, which covers spiritual nakedness.
3. Use Eye Ointment – Laodicea’s medical school produced a renowned eye salve, but the people were spiritually blind. Jesus called them to seek true sight—spiritual clarity through God’s Word and the Holy Spirit.

These three elements—faith, righteousness, and spiritual insight—are essential to a passionate, purpose-driven relationship with God.

He ends with a powerful invitation:

"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." (Revelation 3:19-20)

Jesus desires fellowship with us, but we must invite Him in and surrender control. Notice His position—He is outside, knocking. The Laodiceans had pushed Him out of their lives, yet they didn’t even realize it. Could the same be true for us?

The Laodicean church teaches us a vital lesson: what happened to them can happen to us. We must remain vigilant, passionate, and fully committed to Christ. Let’s choose today to:

• Live in total dependence on God.
• Surrender completely to His will.
• Be a source of refreshing encouragement or healing restoration to those around us.

Let’s not settle for lukewarm faith. Let’s be ice cold, red hot, but never lukewarm.

For more on this topic, listen to our sermon Ice Cold, Red Hot, or Lukewarm, Part 1: