A Reality Check
“A Work in Progress” – Week 4
A REALITY CHECK
Revelations 3:14-22 (NIV)
Christ Is faithful even when we are faithless!
14 “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. ~Revelation 3:14
Christ is not interested in those who fake it.
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. ~Revelation 3:15-16
4 characteristics that we see from the Laodicean Church:
- They were complacent.
- They had lost their drive.
- They had lost their fire.
- They had lost their vision.
There is no one farther from the truth in Christ than the one who makes an idle profession without real faith.”
17 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. 18 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. ~Revelation 3:17-18
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. ~1 Timothy 6:10
Christ desires repentance to deepen our relationship.
When we walk through fires of temptation, tribulation, and persecution. God is using the fire to “test” our faith to forge, refine, and purify it. (See 1 Peter 1:3-7)
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. 20 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 that person, and they with me. ~Revelation 3:19-20
21 To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ~Revelation 3:21-22
3 Core Components that can set the stage and keep our heart tender, ready, and alert for His calling:
- Surrender: Acknowledge your brokenness
- Ask God in
- Look for Gold