With Pastor Dan Nickerson – April 23rd, 2021
(Revelation 3:15-17)…..15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…..
(Colossians 2:1-10)…..For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
In Paul’s writing to those in Colosse and also Laodicea (2:1; 4:16), we can see that Paul had great (conflict), concern for them. The word conflict here is the (Gr. agon – ag-one) is seen in (Philippians 1:30) as conflict, in (1 Thessalonians 2:2) as contention, in (1 Timothy 6:12) (2 Timothy 4:7) as fight, and in (Hebrews 12:1) as race. It refers to combats, struggles, contests, efforts, the toil and conflict to obtain a victory. It refers here to the anxious care, the mental conflict, and the earnest concern he had in their behalf, in view of the dangers which they were exposed to from Judaizing Christians and pagan philosophy. These fears of Paul for Laodicea were well founded (Revelation 3:16-17). The reason for this concern is seen in (4-5). He had a concern for his brethren, even for those he personally had not seen (2 Corinthians 11:28).
This conflict that Paul is having is that he wants them to be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all the riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God. Apparently Paul was writing to those who were discouraged in life. What might be the reason for discouragement in Laodicea? The pagan culture? The wealth?
It is the Will of God that we serve Him with hearts that are full of comfort and encouragement. Such was the concern of Jesus (John 14:1, 27). Such was the frequent prayer of Paul (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17).
A troubled, anxious heart, is not the mark of a mature Christian. Consider the example of Paul in facing impending death (2 Timothy 4:6-8,17-18). Those in Laodicea were lacking encouragement, this could certainly contribute to being lukewarm. Again, Paul’s desire for them was that they would be knit together in love (2:2). A love similar to that experienced by David and Jonathan – (1 Samuel 18:1)
In addition to having hearts that are encouraged they needed to have a strong assurance concerning their salvation, which comes as we increase our understanding of God’s word. The Word of God was written to increase that understanding, and provide the assurance of our salvation (Romans 15:4) (1 John 5:13). As one matures in Christ, this assurance will increase, it is indeed one of the riches we have in Christ. Is it possible that the lack of assurance of salvation was contributing to the Laodicean’s lukewarmness.
Another desire of Paul was for those in Laodicea to come to the knowledge of the mystery of God. To come to an understanding of the gospel, which once was hidden, but has now been revealed – (Romans 16:25-26) (Ephesians 3:1-13). Having a good knowledge of the gospel of Christ is essential to maturity in Christ. Are we increasing in this knowledge? Is it possible that the lukewarmness going on in Laodicea was tied to their indifference to the gospel? It could!
It is in the Father and Christ that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (2:3). The lukewarm state of the Laodicean’s may be due to the lack of wisdom and knowledge to counteract their culture, both being only found in the Father and the Christ.
Notice, Paul’s challenge to those who are reading his epistle (3:5-8). Rejoicing to see their good order (Gr. tax’-is), a military term, suggestive of men marching in proper order and precision, as in a drilling exercise. This suggests that a mature Christian is one whose walk as a disciple is in proper line with what is expected, with steadfastness (Gr. Stereoma – ster-eh-o-mah) meaning with confirmation. Walk as one who has confirmed their salvation in Christ the Lord. Is it possible that the Laodicean’s walk was not in good order or being steadfast, therefore an undisciplined walk was leading to their lukewarmness.
What is our walk of faith like? Are we steadfast in our progress? Or are we wavering constantly?