Get Off the Fence!Get Off the Fence!

Revelation 3:14-22Revelation 3:14-22

Revelation 3:14a NET "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write the following:

To the "angel," possibly you recall some time ago when we looked at what the

word "angel" means.Thayer Definition:

a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God

So, to the messenger, envoy, one who is sent, angel, messenger from God of

the church in Laodicea.

Revelation 3:14a NET "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write the following:

To the "angel," possibly you recall some time ago when we looked at what the

word "angel" means.Thayer Definition:

a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, a messenger from God

So, to the messenger, envoy, one who is sent, angel, messenger from God of

the church in Laodicea.

LAODICEA [LAY ah duh SEE uh]-- a city in the

fertile Lycus Valley of the province of PHRYGIA where one of the seven churches

of Asia Minor was situated <Rev. 3:14>. About 65 kilometers (40 miles) east of

Ephesus and about 16 kilometers (10 miles) west of Colossae, Laodicea was built on the

banks of the river Lycus, a tributary of the Maeander River.

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)(Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas

Nelson Publishers)

LAODICEA [LAY ah duh SEE uh]-- a city in the

fertile Lycus Valley of the province of PHRYGIA where one of the seven churches

of Asia Minor was situated <Rev. 3:14>. About 65 kilometers (40 miles) east of

Ephesus and about 16 kilometers (10 miles) west of Colossae, Laodicea was built on the

banks of the river Lycus, a tributary of the Maeander River.

(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)(Copyright (C) 1986, Thomas

Nelson Publishers)

14b "This is the solemn pronouncement of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God's creation: 15 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I

wish you were either cold or hot!

14b "This is the solemn pronouncement of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God's creation: 15 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I

wish you were either cold or hot!

Laodicea was near two other towns, each of which had a unique water source. To the north was Hierapolis which had a natural

hot spring, often used for medicinal purposes. To the east was Colossae which had cold, pure waters. In contrast to these towns, Laodicea had no permanent supply of good water. Efforts to pipe water to the city from nearby springs were successful,

but it would arrive lukewarm.

Laodicea was near two other towns, each of which had a unique water source. To the north was Hierapolis which had a natural

hot spring, often used for medicinal purposes. To the east was Colossae which had cold, pure waters. In contrast to these towns, Laodicea had no permanent supply of good water. Efforts to pipe water to the city from nearby springs were successful,

but it would arrive lukewarm.

The metaphor in the text is not meant to relate spiritual fervor to temperature. This

would mean that Laodicea would be commended for being spiritually cold, but it is unlikely that Jesus would commend this. Instead, the metaphor condemns Laodicea for not providing spiritual healing (being hot)

or spiritual refreshment (being cold) to those around them. It is a condemnation of

their lack of works and lack of witness. (NETnotes)

The metaphor in the text is not meant to relate spiritual fervor to temperature. This

would mean that Laodicea would be commended for being spiritually cold, but it is unlikely that Jesus would commend this. Instead, the metaphor condemns Laodicea for not providing spiritual healing (being hot)

or spiritual refreshment (being cold) to those around them. It is a condemnation of

their lack of works and lack of witness. (NETnotes)

Jesus has known us from before creation. He knows us as the creator knows his

creation. He knows us as the redeemer knows those who are redeemed, and from whence they are redeemed. His knowledge is complete & perfect. He knows the deeds of the saints in Laodicea and is not pleased.

Jesus has known us from before creation. He knows us as the creator knows his

creation. He knows us as the redeemer knows those who are redeemed, and from whence they are redeemed. His knowledge is complete & perfect. He knows the deeds of the saints in Laodicea and is not pleased.

They neither follow him fully nor do they turn away from Him. They are riding the fence. He wishes they would get off the fence and either "above all pursue his

kingdom and righteousness." or take off the Christian mask and show their true intentions. Why does He want them off

the fence?

They neither follow him fully nor do they turn away from Him. They are riding the fence. He wishes they would get off the fence and either "above all pursue his

kingdom and righteousness." or take off the Christian mask and show their true intentions. Why does He want them off

the fence?

16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you

out of my mouth!

This is why, because they make Him sick, they leave a bad taste in His mouth, they

are not pleasing to the palette, He does not want them in Him!

16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you

out of my mouth!

This is why, because they make Him sick, they leave a bad taste in His mouth, they

are not pleasing to the palette, He does not want them in Him!

I'm sure you can remember a time you had this experience.

I don’t like the taste of our well water unless it’s ice cold. Room temperature taste foul.Maybe you’ve ordered a coke & when you

took that first sip…yuck…it was diet. Worse yet, you took a drink of milk that had soured

& the instant it hits your taste buds you spew it out.

I'm sure you can remember a time you had this experience.

I don’t like the taste of our well water unless it’s ice cold. Room temperature taste foul.Maybe you’ve ordered a coke & when you

took that first sip…yuck…it was diet. Worse yet, you took a drink of milk that had soured

& the instant it hits your taste buds you spew it out.

I'm positive this is the feeling Jesus has with those who are neither hot or cold.

Those who don't follow Him whole heartily or not at all. Where do each of us fall. Are we hot or cold? How can we tell. Let me

throw out a few ideas.Does the reality that many people you come into contact with are going to spend eternity

in Hell prompt you into action?

I'm positive this is the feeling Jesus has with those who are neither hot or cold.

Those who don't follow Him whole heartily or not at all. Where do each of us fall. Are we hot or cold? How can we tell. Let me

throw out a few ideas.Does the reality that many people you come into contact with are going to spend eternity

in Hell prompt you into action?

Luke 15:4 NET "Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them,

would not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go look for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 Then when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6

Returning home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, telling them, 'Rejoice

with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.'

Luke 15:4 NET "Which one of you, if he has a hundred sheep and loses one of them,

would not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go look for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 Then when he has found it, he places it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6

Returning home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, telling them, 'Rejoice

with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.'

7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous

people who have no need to repent. 8 "Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and

loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search thoroughly

until she finds it?

7 I tell you, in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous

people who have no need to repent. 8 "Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and

loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search thoroughly

until she finds it?

9 Then when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God's

angels over one sinner who repents."

9 Then when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.' 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God's

angels over one sinner who repents."

In this same way we are to search for those who are lost. Notice that the shepherd and woman did not stop until the lost was found. Surely we cannot become so calloused as Jonah and not want the people saved. Do you stop before the lost are found or have

you started looking at all?Well, are you lukewarm?

In this same way we are to search for those who are lost. Notice that the shepherd and woman did not stop until the lost was found. Surely we cannot become so calloused as Jonah and not want the people saved. Do you stop before the lost are found or have

you started looking at all?Well, are you lukewarm?

Does Your conscience bother you when you don't commune with the Lord at His table?

The Lord promised to be there and is there. Do you make it a point to commune with Him or do you let any flimsy excuse keep you away from it? This is a time when we can come back into contact with the blood of Christ weekly. Are you neither Hot or

Cold, but lukewarm?

Does Your conscience bother you when you don't commune with the Lord at His table?

The Lord promised to be there and is there. Do you make it a point to commune with Him or do you let any flimsy excuse keep you away from it? This is a time when we can come back into contact with the blood of Christ weekly. Are you neither Hot or

Cold, but lukewarm?

Do you put as much as possible in the offering plate having faith?

Mark 12:41 NET Then he sat down opposite the offering box, and watched the

crowd putting coins into it. Many rich people were throwing in large amounts. 42 And a

poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth less than a penny.

Do you put as much as possible in the offering plate having faith?

Mark 12:41 NET Then he sat down opposite the offering box, and watched the

crowd putting coins into it. Many rich people were throwing in large amounts. 42 And a

poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth less than a penny.

43 He called his disciples and said to them, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put

more into the offering box than all the others. 44 For they all gave out of their

wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in what she had to live on, everything she

had."

43 He called his disciples and said to them, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put

more into the offering box than all the others. 44 For they all gave out of their

wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in what she had to live on, everything she

had."

Do you have the faith of this widow or do you, being weak in faith, give meagerly? Do you really believe Jesus when he said,

But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NET

Jesus has promised that you would have all you need. Get off the fence and live in

faith!

Do you have the faith of this widow or do you, being weak in faith, give meagerly? Do you really believe Jesus when he said,

But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 NET

Jesus has promised that you would have all you need. Get off the fence and live in

faith!

How much emphasis and importance do you put in studying and guidance of God's

Word?Josh 1:8 NIV Do not let this Book of the

Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be

prosperous and successful.

How much emphasis and importance do you put in studying and guidance of God's

Word?Josh 1:8 NIV Do not let this Book of the

Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be

prosperous and successful.

Do you, "above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness" through careful study of His Word privately and with "God's Children?" Do you make being with your brothers and sisters in Christ of major importance. Are you with them for study, fellowship, and praise at ever available gathering of the

saints?

Do you, "above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness" through careful study of His Word privately and with "God's Children?" Do you make being with your brothers and sisters in Christ of major importance. Are you with them for study, fellowship, and praise at ever available gathering of the

saints?

Hebrews 10:19 NET Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to

enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the fresh and living way that he

inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let

us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings, because we

have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in

pure water.

Hebrews 10:19 NET Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to

enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20 by the fresh and living way that he

inaugurated for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let

us draw near with a sincere heart in the assurance that faith brings, because we

have had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed in

pure water.

23 And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy. 24 And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, 25 not abandoning

our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day

drawing near.

23 And let us hold unwaveringly to the hope that we confess, for the one who made the promise is trustworthy. 24 And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works, 25 not abandoning

our own meetings, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and even more so because you see the day

drawing near.

26 For if we deliberately keep on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins is left for us, 27

but only a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a fury of fire that will

consume God's enemies. (An allusion to Isa 26:11) 28 Someone who rejected the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on

the testimony of two or three witnesses. (An allusion to Deut 17:6)

26 For if we deliberately keep on sinning after receiving the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins is left for us, 27

but only a certain fearful expectation of judgment and a fury of fire that will

consume God's enemies. (An allusion to Isa 26:11) 28 Someone who rejected the law of Moses was put to death without mercy on

the testimony of two or three witnesses. (An allusion to Deut 17:6)

29 How much greater punishment do you think that person deserves who has

contempt for the Son of God, and profanes the blood of the covenant that made him

holy, and insults the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know the one who said, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," (Deut 32:35) and again, "The Lord will judge his people." (Deut

32:36) 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

29 How much greater punishment do you think that person deserves who has

contempt for the Son of God, and profanes the blood of the covenant that made him

holy, and insults the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know the one who said, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," (Deut 32:35) and again, "The Lord will judge his people." (Deut

32:36) 31 It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

It seems these passages are used many times in many ways. According to the

commentaries and Bible foot notes I have studied, this whole passage is dealing with falling away. It seems to be saying that if

we give up meeting whenever Christ Church meets we are deliberately sinning, thus trampling the Son of God underfoot.

It seems these passages are used many times in many ways. According to the

commentaries and Bible foot notes I have studied, this whole passage is dealing with falling away. It seems to be saying that if

we give up meeting whenever Christ Church meets we are deliberately sinning, thus trampling the Son of God underfoot.

For this God will judge and repay. How terrible it is for God's wrath to fall on us. Are you present whenever God's people gather. Are you present just sometimes,

thus neither Hot or Cold? Get off the fence! Show some HOT commitment and

whenever God's people are together to study, sing praises, fellowship be there!

For this God will judge and repay. How terrible it is for God's wrath to fall on us. Are you present whenever God's people gather. Are you present just sometimes,

thus neither Hot or Cold? Get off the fence! Show some HOT commitment and

whenever God's people are together to study, sing praises, fellowship be there!

Lets read the remainder of the 3rd chapter of Revelations.

Revelation 3:17 NET Because you say, "I am rich and have acquired great wealth, and need nothing," but do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, 18 take my advice and buy gold

from me refined by fire so you can become rich!

Lets read the remainder of the 3rd chapter of Revelations.

Revelation 3:17 NET Because you say, "I am rich and have acquired great wealth, and need nothing," but do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked, 18 take my advice and buy gold

from me refined by fire so you can become rich!

Buy from me white clothing so you can be clothed and your shameful nakedness will not be exposed, and buy eye salve to put

on your eyes so you can see! 19 All those I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent! 20 Listen! I am standing at the

door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and

he with me.

Buy from me white clothing so you can be clothed and your shameful nakedness will not be exposed, and buy eye salve to put

on your eyes so you can see! 19 All those I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent! 20 Listen! I am standing at the

door and knocking! If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come into his home and share a meal with him, and

he with me.

This verse is so often misused and quoted to non-Christians. Jesus is standing at the door knocking, seeking entrance into His church, which he is the Head of, which he purchased with His own blood. Jesus is

speaking to the saints, the Christians who are neither hot or cold. He wants Christians

to get off the fence and let Him back into their lives.

This verse is so often misused and quoted to non-Christians. Jesus is standing at the door knocking, seeking entrance into His church, which he is the Head of, which he purchased with His own blood. Jesus is

speaking to the saints, the Christians who are neither hot or cold. He wants Christians

to get off the fence and let Him back into their lives.

21 I will grant the one who conquers permission to sit with me on my throne, just as I too conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says

to the churches.' “What an extraordinary promise! If we are lukewarm, that can be changed. Jesus

promises, I will grant the one who conquers permission to sit with me on my throne.

21 I will grant the one who conquers permission to sit with me on my throne, just as I too conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 The one who has an ear had better hear what the Spirit says

to the churches.' “What an extraordinary promise! If we are lukewarm, that can be changed. Jesus

promises, I will grant the one who conquers permission to sit with me on my throne.

Have you heard, Did you hear the message Jesus has for you? Stop riding the fence. Make a commitment to serve Jesus with all

your heart.

Matthew 6:33 NET But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these

things will be given to you as well.

Have you heard, Did you hear the message Jesus has for you? Stop riding the fence. Make a commitment to serve Jesus with all

your heart.

Matthew 6:33 NET But above all pursue his kingdom and righteousness, and all these

things will be given to you as well.