Revelation 3:14-22
Q.1. How did the risen Lord address the church in Laodicea? How had the church strayed? What place do trials have in accomplishing work? – (Rev.3:14-19)
This time the Lord described Himself as – The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of creation of God (Rev.3:14). He has always been, and He always is, in control of everything. God could not tolerate their apathetic love and deeds – 15 `I know your deeds that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth (Rev.3:15-16). They mistakenly thought that their wealth and prestige impressed God. However, God called on them to see as He sees (Rev.3:18). Christ makes it clear that there is a valuable place for reproof and discipline, in order to produce repentance and zeal (Rev.319).
Q.2. How should they respond to the voice of the Master? Who speaks to the churches? What promise does Christ give to overcomers? – (Rev.3:20-22)
Laodicea had locked out the Head of the church. God pleaded, and promised – Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and will dine with him, and he with Me (Rev.3:20). As to all the churches, it is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, Who speaks to the churches (Rev.3:22 c.f. Rev.2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). Even in this superficial and complacent church, the Lord singled out overcomers and promised them – He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne (Rev.3:21).