This goes out to those who get high Monday to Saturday yet praise God in church every Sunday.
To the individuals who identify with Christ yet still engage in one night stands.
To preachers who accurately and boldly proclaim the Gospel yet shamelessly cheat on their spouses on a consistent basis.
To those who are experts in theology but greater experts in unforgiveness.
To those who are saying “mhmm” to all the above yet carry skeletons of their own which they have yet to conquer and repent towards.
You’re playing a very dangerous game.
“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth“
Revelation 3:15-16 ESV
For Jesus to say that He will “spit out” individuals who are lukewarm, speaks volumes concerning His wrath towards individuals who have their feet planted on both play grounds.
You’ve probably said the Lord’s prayer a thousand and one times yet fail to walk in the counsel of the Lord.
In many occasions you’ve often felt convicted concerning your actions or lack thereof.
Many times you may have even wept over it.
However for the most part, you’re coasting.
Almost fully convinced that there’s nothing wrong in having a lukewarm lifestyle.
Going to school, pursuing a career, making money, desiring a family, loving sin and sleeping cold.
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.
Revelation 3:17 ESV
You can have everything in life, yet you’ll still be wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked unless your life is fully surrendered to Christ.
I have no need to butter up this message with humour or lightheartedness.
I’m confident with these statements, because I myself have been way too familiar with this style of life.
Thankfully, the story doesn’t have to end here.
1) God Desires You to be Saved
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.
Revelations 3:18
Based on the previous verse (v.17) it’s clear to see that the riches mentioned in verse 18 is not that of materialism.
Rather God continues to offer life to those who are lukewarm so that they may truly be rich, without shame and given sight.
It’s beautiful and surreal to see that God still offers counsel to the very individuals He says He will spew out of his mouth.
He still desires you to be saved.
Nevertheless,
If you do not heed to His counsel, you will remain poor, shameful and blind.
His hand is to out to help you but you must be willing to accept it.
2) Be Zealous and Repent
19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
Revelations 3:19 ESV
You don’t need another convicting message.
You don’t need to wait for another great act of sin.
You don’t need another miracle.
You’ve seen and tasted for yourself the goodness of God at some point of your life.
After all your tears, numbness and/ or anger, God’s instruction for you is to be zealous (enthusiastic, keen, eager) and repent (turn back to Him).
What’s amazing about this passage is that God promises to reprove and discipline those whom He loves.
Almost as if He’s saying:
“Hey, you’re not on your own here. I will help you get through this if you turn back to me”
In other words, God is not going to simply leave you hanging once you zealously turn back to Him. He promises to work with you in keeping repentance through training and correction.
God works in us to will and work for his good pleasure (Philipians 2:12-13)
3) God is Waiting
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
Revelations 3:20 ESV
Regardless of how low and cold you may feel at this moment, I hope you still know that He is waiting.
Unfortunately we always convince ourselves that Christ no longer wants anything to do with us.
That we’ve crossed the line and are no longer capable of being restored due to our lukewarm lifestyle.
It only becomes too late when we actively choose not to open the door, despite knowing that He will accept us again.
Think about this,
there is no sin you have committed under the Sun that Christ has not seen (Hebrews 4:13; Psalm 44:20-21; Psalm 69:5).
Yet, He still stands and knocks at your door, waiting for you.
That’s how much He loves you and longs for your salvation.
Take a day off if you have to.
Fast, pray and meditate on scripture, even when..not if.. but when you don’t feel like it.
Cut unhealthy relationships and surround yourself with like minded people.
Rinse, repeat and wait on God to restore your heart. Anyone who believes in Him will not be put to shame (Romans 10:11).
He still wants you.
Whatever you do, please don’t wait for tomorrow…it may never come.
Soli Deo Gloria
Soli Deo Gloria 