Reviving Spiritual Passion: A Call to Dependence
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the letter to the church of Laodicea from Revelation 3. This letter is unique because it contains no words of encouragement, only criticism. The church in Laodicea was wealthy, self-sufficient, and proud, much like many modern American churches. They were known for their prosperity, medical advancements, and luxurious black wool tunics. However, their spiritual state was dire. Jesus criticized them for being lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—indicating their spiritual indifference and self-reliance. This lukewarmness made Jesus nauseous, as it symbolized their belief that they needed nothing, not even God.
We delved into the concept of spiritual maturity, contrasting it with physical maturity. While physical maturity moves from dependence to independence, spiritual maturity moves in the opposite direction—towards greater dependence on Jesus. The Laodiceans, however, prided themselves on their self-sufficiency, which is antithetical to true Christian growth. True Christianity acknowledges our complete dependence on Jesus, recognizing that we were once dead in our sins and made alive only through His grace.
Jesus offers a solution to this spiritual malaise: repentance. He counsels the Laodiceans to buy from Him gold refined by fire, white garments, and salve for their eyes. These symbolize purity, righteousness, and spiritual insight. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, offering to come in and restore their fervor if they repent and acknowledge their need for Him. This is a call to all of us to examine our spiritual state and rekindle our passion for Jesus, recognizing that our spiritual life should be a continuous, growing awareness of our need for Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual Maturity vs. Physical Maturity: Unlike physical maturity, which moves from dependence to independence, spiritual maturity moves towards greater dependence on Jesus. True Christian growth involves a growing awareness of God's holiness and our sinfulness, leading to a deeper appreciation of the cross. [23:43]
2. The Danger of Self-Sufficiency: The Laodiceans' self-sufficiency made them spiritually lukewarm, which nauseated Jesus. They believed they needed nothing, not even God. This self-reliance is a dangerous illusion that can lead to spiritual death. We must recognize our constant need for Jesus in every aspect of our lives. [21:18]
3. The Gospel's Transformative Power: The gospel is not a one-time event but a continuous source of life and transformation. We were dead in our sins, but through Jesus, we are made alive. This truth should continually fuel our gratitude and dependence on Him. [27:52]
4. Jesus' Offer of Restoration: Jesus offers to restore our spiritual fervor if we repent and acknowledge our need for Him. He stands at the door and knocks, ready to come in and renew our hearts. This is a call to rekindle our passion for Jesus and live in constant awareness of His grace. [37:08]
5. The Battle for Our Affections: Our spiritual life is a battle for our affections and desires. The enemy wants us to treat the gospel as irrelevant, but the Spirit calls us to remember and rejoice in what Jesus has done. Winning this battle involves dying to self-reliance and living in the truth of the gospel. [41:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[13:28] - Introduction to Laodicea
[14:41] - Revelation 3:14-15
[15:57] - The Wealth of Laodicea
[17:19] - The City's Downside: Lukewarm Water
[18:40] - Jesus' Critique: Lukewarm Faith
[20:06] - The Meaning of Hot, Cold, and Lukewarm
[21:18] - Self-Sufficiency and Spiritual Indifference
[23:43] - Physical vs. Spiritual Maturity
[25:09] - The True State of Humanity
[27:52] - The Transformative Power of the Gospel
[29:19] - The Gospel Grid
[32:04] - The Laodicean Church's Indifference
[35:01] - Jesus' Honest Assessment
[37:08] - Jesus' Offer of Restoration
[38:20] - Jesus Knocking at the Door
[41:12] - The Battle for Our Affections
[42:16] - How to Win the Battle
[43:39] - Closing Prayer and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Revelation 3:14-22 (ESV)
- Ephesians 2:1-10 (ESV)
### Observation Questions
1. What were the main criticisms Jesus had for the church in Laodicea according to Revelation 3:14-22? [14:41]
2. How does Jesus describe the spiritual state of the Laodiceans in Revelation 3:17? [35:01]
3. What does Jesus offer as a solution to the Laodiceans' spiritual condition in Revelation 3:18-20? [37:08]
4. According to Ephesians 2:1-10, what was our spiritual state before Christ, and what did God do for us? [27:52]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus use the metaphor of being "lukewarm" to describe the Laodiceans' faith, and what does it signify about their spiritual condition? [20:06]
2. How does the concept of spiritual maturity differ from physical maturity, as explained in the sermon? [23:43]
3. What does it mean to be spiritually self-sufficient, and why is it dangerous according to the sermon and Revelation 3:17? [21:18]
4. How does Ephesians 2:1-10 illustrate the transformative power of the gospel, and how should this impact our daily lives? [27:52]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual life. Are there areas where you have become lukewarm or indifferent? What steps can you take to rekindle your passion for Jesus? [20:06]
2. In what ways might you be relying on your own self-sufficiency rather than depending on Jesus? How can you shift towards greater dependence on Him this week? [21:18]
3. How can you cultivate a continuous awareness of your need for Jesus in your daily routine? Share specific practices or habits that could help. [23:43]
4. Jesus offers to restore our spiritual fervor if we repent and acknowledge our need for Him. What does repentance look like in your life, and how can you practice it more regularly? [37:08]
5. The sermon mentioned the battle for our affections and desires. What are some practical ways you can ensure your affections are set on Jesus rather than worldly things? [41:42]
6. How can you actively remember, rehearse, and rejoice in the gospel daily to keep your faith vibrant and alive? Share specific strategies or routines. [42:16]
7. Think of a time when you felt spiritually alive and passionate about your faith. What were you doing differently then, and how can you incorporate those practices back into your life now? [40:03]
Devotional
### 5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Dependence on Jesus for Spiritual Maturity
Description:
Spiritual maturity is fundamentally different from physical maturity. While physical maturity involves growing from dependence to independence, spiritual maturity is about moving towards greater dependence on Jesus. True Christian growth is marked by an increasing awareness of God's holiness and our own sinfulness, which leads to a deeper appreciation of the cross. This journey of faith requires us to continually recognize our need for Jesus in every aspect of our lives. The Laodiceans' self-sufficiency was a stark contrast to this, as they prided themselves on their independence, which is antithetical to true Christian growth. [23:43]
Bible Passage:
"For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also." (Philippians 3:3-4, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency
Description:
The church in Laodicea was criticized for being lukewarm, a state that made Jesus nauseous. This lukewarmness was a result of their self-sufficiency and belief that they needed nothing, not even God. This dangerous illusion of self-reliance can lead to spiritual death. We must recognize our constant need for Jesus in every aspect of our lives, understanding that true spiritual vitality comes from dependence on Him. The Laodiceans' wealth and self-sufficiency blinded them to their spiritual poverty, a warning for us to avoid the same pitfall. [21:18]
Bible Passage:
"Thus says the Lord: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land.'" (Jeremiah 17:5-6, ESV)
Reflection:
In what ways have you relied on your own strength rather than on God? How can you begin to shift your trust from yourself to Jesus today?
Day 3: The Continuous Power of the Gospel
Description:
The gospel is not just a one-time event but a continuous source of life and transformation. We were once dead in our sins, but through Jesus, we are made alive. This truth should continually fuel our gratitude and dependence on Him. The transformative power of the gospel is a daily reminder of our need for Jesus and His grace. It calls us to live in a state of ongoing renewal and transformation, constantly being shaped by the truth of the gospel. [27:52]
Bible Passage:
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience." (Ephesians 2:1-2, ESV)
Reflection:
How has the gospel transformed your life recently? What steps can you take to ensure that the gospel remains a continuous source of life and transformation for you?
Day 4: Jesus' Offer of Restoration
Description:
Jesus offers to restore our spiritual fervor if we repent and acknowledge our need for Him. He stands at the door and knocks, ready to come in and renew our hearts. This is a call to rekindle our passion for Jesus and live in constant awareness of His grace. The Laodiceans were invited to buy from Jesus gold refined by fire, white garments, and salve for their eyes, symbolizing purity, righteousness, and spiritual insight. This invitation is extended to all of us, urging us to turn back to Jesus and allow Him to restore our spiritual vitality. [37:08]
Bible Passage:
"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 3:20, ESV)
Reflection:
Is there an area of your life where you feel spiritually lukewarm? How can you invite Jesus to restore your spiritual fervor today?
Day 5: The Battle for Our Affections
Description:
Our spiritual life is a battle for our affections and desires. The enemy wants us to treat the gospel as irrelevant, but the Spirit calls us to remember and rejoice in what Jesus has done. Winning this battle involves dying to self-reliance and living in the truth of the gospel. The Laodiceans' indifference was a result of their misplaced affections, and we are called to guard our hearts against the same. By continually focusing on Jesus and His sacrifice, we can ensure that our affections remain aligned with His will. [41:42]
Bible Passage:
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you." (Proverbs 4:23-25, ESV)
Reflection:
What are the things that currently capture your affections and desires? How can you realign your heart to focus more on Jesus and His gospel today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You never, never move into a phase of independence and self-sufficiency. You never move beyond your need for Jesus and the spirit and God's grace and God's mercy. As you grow and progress in your spiritual life, you just move into deeper and greater awareness of your incredible need for Jesus in every area of your life." [23:43] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You weren't good with a few mistakes. In fact, you were dead, dead in your trespasses and sins in which you once walked. Following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience, among whom we all once lived in the of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind. We were by nature, children of wrath like the rest of mankind." [26:26] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Bible says that while you and I were dead and slaved objects of wrath, the father, son, and Holy spirit having every right to punish us and turn their back said no. And with all of their wisdom and all of their power, they enacted this plan where they would send Jesus, the son to die and rise again. Then he would send the spirit to come into your dead body and to resuscitate your heart." [29:19] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I am more sinful and flawed than I could ever dare dream, but I am more accepted and loved than I could ever dare hope because of Jesus Christ. You remember, rehearse and rejoice in the gospel. And as you do that, the fire comes and the awe comes back." [42:48] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If that's you, if you've lost your fervor, like have you lost your zeal? Have you forgotten how much Jesus has done for you and wants to do for you now? Has the gospel become commonplace? Have you stopped remembering it and rehearsing and rejoicing in it every single day? Have you stopped sharing it? It's probably a good metric. That's become cold to you. If that's you, Jesus is just knocking." [40:03] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When it came to God and Jesus, they said, Hey, we got this. We don't need your help anymore. Thanks, but no thanks. When it came to the gospel and to all that God did for them and wants to do for them and will do for them, they said, take it or leave it. You know what that means? It means when you walked into a Laodicean church, it was dead. It was lifeless. It was just a checkbox. They checked off of their list Sunday just so they could get back to making money and wearing eye grease and fancy tunics, you know?" [32:04] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus says, if you repent, if you admit that you actually have need, I'll meet it in a heartbeat. It's what I'm here for. I'm your provider. The gold refined by fire, that refined by fire is important. It just means purity. White garments, again, the opposite of black. He says he'll wash them of their indifference and their self-sufficiency. There's salve for their eyes to help them see themselves better and help them see God's righteousness better, right?" [37:08] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "It's possible to build a building and to gather a group of people and to build programs and websites and sermon series and marriage ministries and food pantries and youth groups and for Jesus to play no part. And that's a dangerous place to be. If you're on staff here, if you're one of the key volunteers, you gotta watch out. Watch out for this. Because some of the business methods have infiltrated the church, and they're great. I mean, there's marketing, there's performance metrics and all that sort of stuff. There's branding. Not bad, but if you're not careful, we in America can manufacture something like the presence of God." [39:25] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It's common by our very nature to grow cold and indifferent to the gospel. And if that's you, if you've lost your fervor, like have you lost your zeal? Have you forgotten how much Jesus has done for you and wants to do for you now? Has the gospel become commonplace? Have you stopped remembering it and rehearsing and rejoicing in it every single day? Have you stopped sharing it? It's probably a good metric. That's become cold to you. If that's you, Jesus is just knocking." [40:03] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's a battle going on every second of every day. And it's a battle for your affections and your desires. And there's an enemy out there. That wants you to treat the gospel as irrelevant. That wants you to forget what Jesus has done. That wants you to treat it as a one and done type thing. That wants you to think it had a little effect on your life in the past, but no present bearing in the future. And then there's a spirit inside you that's saying, no, no, no, no, no. This is the most important thing in the universe. You never forget it. You never move beyond it." [41:42] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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