Can you imagine what it would be like if you had Jesus over for dinner tonight? What meal would you prepare? How would you feel sitting across the table from the King of kings? What would it be like? Luke’s gospel gives us a sneak peak of what it was like when Jesus was a guest at a dinner party. (Luke 11) Dinner didn’t go as expected for this Pharisee. Sitting next to the Light of the world can be uncomfortable at times. Jesus called out the host for his hypocrisy. Can you imagine the conversation that the host of the dinner party had once Jesus left? From here on out, the door of their house was shut.
Every letter to each church has something to say to our church. As we read them, we should examine ourselves. If we share a sin that Jesus critiques one of the churches about, we should repent. And if we share something good that He commends and praises a certain church about, we should be grateful. We should be encouraged. This seventh letter is particularly relevant to the American church today. It describes a church whose wealth and prosperity left them spiritually indifferent. Jesus had a word for them.
Do you like being uncomfortable? No one does. But just as painful surgery might preserve your life, we need to listen carefully to Jesus’ hard-hitting words that are also life-giving words.
Jesus begins by putting the spotlight on Himself. As the Amen (which means, “that’s true; I agree.”), He is the truth, the solid rock, and the foundation upon which we build our life. He is the firstborn of a new creation, referring to His resurrection. If you are in Jesus, this is your future as well. God will restore creation to its proper place. Jesus must have preeminence in every heart and every part of creation. He is the Faithful and True Witness. The Laodiceans thought that they had the Christian life figured out. Jesus exposed the truth about them. This church hadn’t renounced Jesus; they were a church. He just didn't have first place in that church.
Sermon Outline
1. Beware of self-reliance. Vs. 15-17
2. Open the door to dine with Jesus. V.s 18-22
