Dear Church / The Lukewarm Church

August 20, 2023

Revelation 3:14-22

Study Questions

1. Reviewing the seven letters to the churches in Revelation 2-3, what is distinctive about this letter to Laodicea?

2. What does the Lord Jesus emphasize by the description of Himself given in verse 14? (See also Revelation 1:5; Isaiah 65:16; Colossians 1:18.)

3. When do you want a hot drink? When do you want a cold drink? When do you want a lukewarm drink? Read Revelation 3:15-16. Given the understanding of Laodicea’s lack of hot or cold water (compared to the hot springs of Hierapolis and the cold springs of Colossae), what message was the Lord Jesus communicating to the church? Give examples of what a ‘lukewarm’ church looks like? Describe a ‘lukewarm Christian’?

4. According to Revelation 3:17, identify the three things which the Laodiceans thought they had no need of. What things today in our culture give us as Christians a false sense of security? What might Jesus say we need from Him today?

5. Read Revelation 3:18. What is the significance of the gold, white garments, and eye salve that Jesus offers to those who follow Him? (See also 1 Peter 1:7; Revelation 7:14; Ephesians 1:18.)

6. The Lord Jesus said, “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline…” (verse 19). What does loving discipline look like in the church, and in the life of a Christ-follower? What is its purpose? (See John 15:2-4; Hebrews 12:10-11.)

7. Read verse 20 of Revelation 3 and identify the promises Jesus makes to this church. Is there comfort in these words for us? What is that comfort?

8. In studying the messages to the seven churches of Revelation, what one truth has stood out to you the most? What will you take away and practice or treasure in your personal life?