How do you prefer to drink water?
Ice cold?
Or hot enough for a cup of tea or coffee?
Both temperatures are a refreshing and enjoyable way to enjoy some water.
Most of us would not describe tepid water as refreshing.
What does this discussion of water temperatures have to do with Revelation 3:14-22?
Christ tells the Church in Laodicea that they are neither hot nor cold but lukewarm in their faith practice.
This comparison warrants a strong warning that they are about to be spit out of his mouth.
But there is still great hope for them.
Keep reading to learn about that great hope.
Responding to Christ’s Review | Part Seven
A Study of Revelation 3:14-22 | Cultural History
Before diving into the passage, it is helpful to know a few things about the city of Laodicea.
This city had such significant wealth that they could rebuild with no assistance from the Roman government after a significant earthquake.
Besides their amazing financial resources, Laodicea developed a strong medical reputation with a powerful eye salve that healed many.
Further yet, Laodicea developed a glossy black wool tunic that was highly valued and exported as far as Italy.
Another interesting aspect of the city of Laodicea is that they had to get their water from hot springs in another city. As the water traveled through the stone channels, it became lime-laden and tepid.
Keep these details in mind as we study Christ’s review of the Church in Laodicea.
Responding to Christ’s Review | Part Seven
A Study of Revelation 3:14-22 | The Passage
To the Church in Laodicea
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.
Write the definition of the word amen.
Other translations for the phrase “the beginning of God’s creation” include “creator of the world,” “ruler of creation,” and “firstborn of the new creation.”
Given the cultural standing of the city of Laodicea and before reading any further in the passage, why did Christ describe himself in this way to the church in Laodicea?
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.
Think about the state of the water in Laodicea. Lime-laden and lukewarm. This water would lack a refreshing quality. How does this relate to Christ’s review of the church in Laodicea?
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.
What factors played into the church in Laodicea thinking they were rich, prosperous, and lacking nothing?
Why does Christ tell them they are the opposite of these things?
What is Christ drawing their attention toward?
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.
Why is gold refined by fire?
What do white garments symbolize spiritually?
How were they blind?
19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
Although Christ had zero praise for the church in Laodicea, what else do we learn about his attitude towards them?
Why does Christ tell them to be zealous in their repentance?
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.
How does this explain the attitude of the church of Laodicea?
If they change their attitude and repent, what is the point of Christ’s eating a meal with them?
21 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.
What does the church in Laodicea need to conquer?
How is this reward pertinent to the church in Laodicea’s weaknesses?
22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ” [i]
Every single church reviewed in Revelation 2-3 is told to hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Why do all the churches need to hear each other’s reviews?
Responding to Christ’s Review | Part Seven
A Study of Revelation 3:14-22 | Application
To the Church in Laodicea
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.
How does this description of Christ encourage you in your own circumstances?
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.
If Christ were to review you personally, how would he describe your works on his behalf?
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.
Write a prayer to Christ asking Him to reveal to you any areas where you are needing a new understanding of your situation.
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.
How have you acted on this counsel in your own life?
19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
What have you learned through Christ’s loving discipline toward you?
How could you be more zealous for Christ?
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.
Do you have any closed doors toward Christ? Describe your current sense of fellowship with Christ.
21 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.
Are you excited by this encouragement to be a conqueror? Why or why not?
22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’ ” [ii]
Given the repeating of this statement for all seven of the churches in Revelation 2-3, what is your next step in your relationship with Christ?
Responding to Christ’s Review | Part Seven
A Study of Revelation 3:14-22 | A Prayer Response
Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for revealing yourself to us as one whom we can trust because you are the faithful and true witness.
You love us so perfectly through reproof and discipline that bring us what we need most — spiritual wholeness and fellowship with You.
Enable us to open the doors of our hearts to welcome you into them.
Grow us into faithful witnesses that bring refreshment to those around us because of Your abiding presence in our lives.
Help us to not just hear You, but to listen, obey and follow You wholeheartedly.
To the Amen, we say, Amen.
Write your own prayer in the comments below based on this study.
How will you share this with others this week?
Warmly,
Barbara Lynn
[i] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:14-22.
[ii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), Re 3:14-22.