May 20th, 2007
Does it feel lukewarm in here?
Revelation 3:14-22
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
I was able to have the privilege to see a video at church today that showed (in a funny sort of way) what a “Me Church” is versus the church Christ died for… if you are interested, simply check out this link. It’s convicted and funny at the same time. (Link: Church Commercial)
Lukewarm (adj.):
Does it feel lukewarm in here?
Revelation 3:14-22
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot nor cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
I was able to have the privilege to see a video at church today that showed (in a funny sort of way) what a “Me Church” is versus the church Christ died for… if you are interested, simply check out this link. It’s convicted and funny at the same time. (Link: Church Commercial)
Lukewarm (adj.):
- Moderately warm; tepid
- Having or showing little ardor, zeal, or enthusiasm; indifferent
- Moderately warm
- Feeling or showing little interest or enthusiasm
- Slightly warm
Lukewarm (adj.):
Chliaros (pronounced khlee-ar-os'):
- From chliō (to warm); tepid: - lukewarm.
- Tepid, lukewarm; metaphorically of the condition of the soul wretchedly fluctuating between a torpor and a fervor of love
I believe the English dictionary is a good representation of the Greek meaning. Lukewarm is the opposite of showing emotion, it is a lack of enthusiasm. And as a disciple, I am supposed to be full of zeal for Christ. WHERE IS IT?! Maybe it slowly crept out of me without me even knowing. I don’t know, but I need to find it. And find it quickly, that’s for sure.
Romans 12:9-13
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
It says to never be lacking in zeal. It could also say to never be lukewarm and to keep a spiritual fervor. And what is fervor?
Fervor (noun):
Romans 12:9-13
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
It says to never be lacking in zeal. It could also say to never be lukewarm and to keep a spiritual fervor. And what is fervor?
Fervor (noun):
- Great warmth and earnestness of feeling
- Intense heat
- Great warmth and intensity of emotion
- The state of being emotionally aroused and worked up; excitement
This is a great practical. How do I move out of being lukewarm? How do I have a zeal back for God? I need to get excited again. I need to have intensified emotions for the Lord. And that I can most definitely wrap my brain around and understand. I can regain excitement again, because let’s be honest, I haven’t been on the poster for zeal in quite some time. It may coincide with my pain, but I don’t believe that. Pain didn’t stop me anytime before and it shouldn’t be an obstacle now. I am going to change my ways on this – period. And it will hurt until the surgery, but AMEN. Repentance sometimes shouldn’t be easy and pain-free. Johnny Out.
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