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The condition described in our text is, secondly, one of mournful indifference and carelessness. They were not cold, but they were not hot; they were not infidels, yet they were not earnest believers; they did not oppose the gospel, neither did they defend it; they were not working mischief, neither were they doing any great good; they were not disreputable in moral character, but they were not distinguished for holiness; they were not irreligious, but they were not enthusiastic in piety nor eminent for zeal: they were what the world calls "Moderates," they were of the Broad-church school, they were neither bigots nor Puritans, they were prudent and avoided fanaticism, respectable and averse to excitement. Good things were maintained among them, but they did not make too much of them; they had prayer-meetings, but there were few present, for they liked quiet evenings at home: when more attended the meetings they were still very dull, for they did their praying very deliberately and were afraid of being too excited. They were content to have all things done decently and in order, but vigour and zeal they considered to be vulgar. Such churches have schools, Bible-classes, preaching rooms, and all sorts of agencies; but they might as well be without them, for no energy is displayed and no good comes of them. They have ministers who may be the angels of the churches, but if so they have their wings closely clipped, for they do not fly very far in preaching the everlasting gospel, and they certainly are not flames of fire: they may be shining lights of eloquence, but they certainly are not burning lights of grace, setting men's hearts on fire. In such communities everything is done in a half-hearted, listless, dead-and-alive way, as if it did not matter much whether it was done or not.
In this state of the church there is much self-glorification, for Laodicea said, "I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." The members say, "Everything goes on well, what more do we want? All is right with us." This makes such a condition very hopeless, because reproofs and rebukes fall without power, where the party rebuked can reply, "We do not deserve your censures, such warnings are not meant for us." If you stand up in the pulpit and talk to sleepy churches, as I pretty frequently do, and speak very plainly, they often have the honesty to say, "There is a good deal of truth in what the man has said:" but if I speak to another church, which really is half asleep, but which thinks itself to be quite a model of diligence, then the rebuke glides oft like oil down a slab of marble, and no result comes of it. Men are less likely to repent when they are in the middle passage between hot and cold, than if they were in the worst extremes of sin. If they were like Saul of Tarsus, enemies of God, they might be converted; but if, like Gamaliel, they are neither opposed nor favouring, they will probably remain as they are till they die. The gospel converts a sincerely superstitious Luther, but Erasmus, with his pliant spirit, flippant, and full of levity, remains unmoved. THERE IS MORE HOPE OF WARNING THE COLD THAN THE LUKEWARM. When churches get into the condition of half-hearted faith, tolerating the gospel, but having a sweet tooth for error, they do far more mischief to their age than downright heretics.
It is harder a great deal to work for Jesus with a church which is lukewarm than it would be to begin without a church. Give me a dozen earnest spirits and put me down anywhere in London, and by God's good help we will soon cause the wilderness and the solitary place to rejoice; but give me the whole lot of you, half-hearted, undecided, and unconcerned, what can I do?
You will only be a drag upon a man's zeal and earnestness. Five thousand members of a church all lukewarm will be five thousand impediments, but a dozen earnest, passionate spirits, determined that Christ shall be glorified and souls won, must be more than conquerors; in their very weakness and fewness will reside capacities for being the more largely blessed of God. Better nothing than lukewarmness.
Alas, this state of lukewarmness is so congenial with human nature that it is hard to fetch men from it. Cold makes us shiver, and great heat causes us pain, but a tepid bath is comfort itself. Such a temperature suits human nature. The world is always at peace with a lukewarm church, and such a church is always pleased with itself. Not too worldly,- no! We have our limits! There are certain amusements which of course a Christian must give up, but we will go quite up to the line, for why are we to be miserable? We are not to be so greedy as to be called miserly, but we will give as little as we can to the cause. We will not be altogether absent from the house of God, but we will go as seldom as we can. We will not altogether forsake the poor people to whom we belong, but we will also go to the world's church, so as to get admission into better society, and find fashionable friends for our children.
How much of this there is abroad! Compromise is the order of the day. Thousands try to hold with the hare and run with the hounds, they are for God and Mammon, Christ and Belial, truth and error, and so are "neither hot nor cold." Do I speak somewhat strongly? Not so strongly as my Master, for he says, "I will spue thee out of my mouth." He is nauseated with such conduct, it sickens him, and he will not endure it. In an earnest, honest, fervent heart nausea is created when we fall in with men who dare not give up their profession, and yet will not live up to it; who cannot altogether forsake the work of God.
Many a church has fallen into a condition of indifference, and when it does so it generally becomes the haunt of worldly professors, a refuge for people who want an easy religion, which enables them to enjoy the pleasures of sin and the honours of piety at the same time; where things are free and easy, where you are not expected to do much, or give much, or pray much, or to be very religious; where the minister is not so precise as the old school divines; a more liberal people, of broad views, free-thinking and free-acting, where there is full tolerance for sin, and no demand for vital godliness. Such churches applaud cleverness in a preacher; as for his doctrine, that is of small consequence, and his love to Christ and zeal for souls are very secondary. He is a clever fellow, and can speak well, and that suffices. This style of thing is all too common, yet we are expected to hold our tongue, for the people are very respectable. The Lord grant that we may be kept clear of such respectability!
We have already said that this condition of indifference is attended with perfect self-complacency. The people who ought to be mourning are rejoicing, and where they should hang out signals of distress they are flaunting the banners of triumph.
Once more, this church of Laodicea had fallen into a condition which had chased away its Lord. The text tells us that Jesus said, "I stand at the door and knock." That is not the position which our Lord occupies in reference to a truly flourishing church.
Here I'm skipping alone to C H Spurgeons closing statements.
"This is my closing word, there is something for us to do in this matter. We must examine ourselves, and we must confess the fault if we have declined in grace. And then we must not talk about setting the church right, we must pray for grace each one for himself, for the text does not say, "If the church will open the door," but "If any man hear my voice and open the door." It must be done by individuals: the church will only get right by each man getting right. Oh, that we might get back into an earnest zeal for our Lord's love and service, and we shall only do so by listening to his rebukes, and then falling into his arms, clasping him once again, and saying, "My Lord and my God." That healed Thomas, did it not? Putting his fingers into the print of the nails, putting his hand into the side, that cured him. Poor, unbelieving, staggering Thomas only had to do that, and he became one of the strongest of believers, and said, "My Lord and my God." You will love your Lord till your soul is as coals of juniper if you will daily commune with him. Come close to him, and once getting close to him, never go away from him anymore. The Lord bless you, dear brethren, the Lord bless you in this thing."
I believe as brothers in Christ and to be likeminded and of one accord when we come together, and one is teaching or preaching amongst an audience, The person speaking is representing all of us in the eyes of the audience.
We shouldn't be stuck in the middle or silent if this person is in line with scripture or not.
Offer them help! They should want it and if not it's not their place to hold back truth.
In this you can't be partially picking and choosing what should be addressed or who needs to be addressed.
This is an area where we are fundamentalist in doctrine, but liberal in our walk and this is where lukewarmness is displayed without wealth playing a role.
A beautiful article from C H Spurgeons brother Spencer, thanks for sharing.
I think the problem of lukerwarmness is the major problem in true Christianity nowadays. Christians often compromise themselves with the sinful world. This is satan's victory over us. Lukerwarmness is just a step before a sinful life. If he manages to drive us there then the next stage is not far away. Satan doesn't care especially with the main stream denominations. Those are dead churches anyway, they don't produce work, they don't preach salvation, they give the impression to their followers that if they attend their litturgies and join in the celebrations and their churche's customs and try to be good people then they are saved, which is wrong. There are genuine believers in those churches that love God but they are not many and they are confused about God's things. So the attention of devil is on true/reborn christians. Since he knows that he can not drive true christians to sinning easily, he tries to make them looser and looser bit by bit, bit by bit and then if he manages that he drives them to sinning and eventually to destruction, salvation can be lost if one stays in their sins and dies in them (my opinion).
If we want to be used by God in His work on earth we must devote ourselves in Him, there must be no compromise. Light can not be compromized with darkness, if so then the light becomes less bright and eventually goes off, like in the 5 unwise virgins.
We know spirit of the world is prideful and causes partiality obviously racially and also economically. "That is the world" A carnal or false Christian will hide this in their heart also. When we see a Christian slip into this, we should talk to him in a way scripture tells us to.
When we see the world do what it has been doing since the world began and will continue until Christ return, we shouldn't act surprised and use the opportunity to open scripture.
"Pergamos". Pergamum ("married") - from the Greek word pergamos, which is a combination of two Greek words: pergos and gamos. These words combine to mean either "citadel" or "united by marriage.
You will find the world has influenced Church because they joined it.
I have visited 3 different types of churches. A predominantly white church. A predominantly black church and a mixed church. I have seen the same level of partiality in all 3 Churches from a leadership position. This obviously can stunt the spiritual growth of a church.
What is sad is that don't necessarily define the lukewarm group.
That represents the Cold members, probably the false Christian. However, this group can probably be reached easier than the next group.
This is the group that don't say anything because they like the numbers, position, praise or just don't have that fight in them or don't care. these numbers, praises, and comfort cause them to say I'm in need of nothing. Therefore, this group love their Lukewarm comfortable position.
How do we witness to a world that doesn't fill they need to change, Afterall what can we tell them if we look and sound the way they do? They look for a president, ruler or Government to change the world.
We're looking for Revelation 21:1-4.
Some hold the view the millennium kingdom has already started and it up the church to prepare the way before Christ returns.
That is not a view I hold but we are not getting into that here.
The mention of Balaam referred to being spiritually unchaste, married to the world (sound like the translation of the city's name?), selling their spiritual gifts for profit and sacrificing eternal riches for temporal gain. Sounds a lot like our world today.
Look at Revelation 2:14-16. and notice what the complaint is! obviously spiritual fornication is the indictment but look at what else is often overlooked.
First notice the commendation he gives them in verse 13.
"I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth".
Now notice the rebuke.
But I have a few things against thee, (BECAUSE THOUHAST THERE "THEM" THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE OF BALAAM,) who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
(SO HAST THOU ALSO "THEM" THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS,) which thing I hate.
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
The Lord is not accusing all of them for fornication, but he is condemning them for suffering it or allowing it.
You see the same thing in the Letter to Thyatira. It come across clearer.
Revelation 2:18-29.
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,.. (BECAUSE THOU SUFFEREST THAT WOMAN JEZEBEL).., which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19) I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20) Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21) And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22) Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24) But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25) But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26) And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27) And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28) And I will give him the morning star.
29) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Again, we have the commendation in verse 19.
Verse 20 we have the condemnation for suffering or allowing that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Verses 24-29 we see he is not accusing all of them for committing fornication.
It makes one's flesh creep to see how sluggishly they move: I long for a knife to cut their red tape to pieces, and for a whip to lay about their shoulders to make them bestir themselves. Things are respectably done, the rich families are not offended, the sceptical party is conciliated, and the good people are not quite alienated: things are made pleasant all round. The right things are done, but as to doing them with all your might, and soul, and strength, a Laodicean church has no notion of what that means. They are not so cold as to abandon their work, or to give up their meetings for prayer, or to reject the gospel; if they did so, then they could be convinced of their error and brought to repentance; but on the other hand they are neither hot for the truth, nor hot for conversions, nor hot for holiness, they are not fiery enough to burn the stubble of sin, nor zealous enough to make Satan angry, nor fervent enough to make a living sacrifice of themselves upon the altar of their God, They are "neither cold nor hot."
This is a horrible state, because it is one which in a church wearing a good repute renders that reputation a lie. When other churches are saying, "See how they prosper! see what they do for God!" Jesus sees that the church is doing his work in a slovenly, make-believe manner, and he considers justly that it is deceiving its friends. If the world recognises such a people as being very distinctly an oldfashioned puritanic church, and yet there is unholy living among them, and careless walking, and a deficiency of real piety, prayer, liberality, and zeal, then the world itself is being deceived, and that too in the worst way, because it is led to judge falsely concerning Christianity, for it lays all these faults upon the back of religion, and cries out, "It is all a farce! The thing is a mere pretence! Christians are all hypocrites!" I fear there are churches of this sort. God grant we may not be numbered with them!
C.H. Spurgeon.
AN EARNEST WARNING AGAINST LUKEWARMNESS.
Part 1.
The condition described in our text is, secondly, one of mournful indifference and carelessness. They were not cold, but they were not hot; they were not infidels, yet they were not earnest believers; they did not oppose the gospel, neither did they defend it; they were not working mischief, neither were they doing any great good; they were not disreputable in moral character, but they were not distinguished for holiness; they were not irreligious, but they were not enthusiastic in piety nor eminent for zeal: they were what the world calls "Moderates," they were of the Broad-church school, they were neither bigots nor Puritans, they were prudent and avoided fanaticism, respectable and averse to excitement. Good things were maintained among them, but they did not make too much of them; they had prayer-meetings, but there were few present, for they liked quiet evenings at home: when more attended the meetings they were still very dull, for they did their praying very deliberately and were afraid of being too excited. They were content to have all things done decently and in order, but vigour and zeal they considered to be vulgar. Such churches have schools, Bible-classes, preaching rooms, and all sorts of agencies; but they might as well be without them, for no energy is displayed and no good comes of them. They have ministers who may be the angels of the churches, but if so they have their wings closely clipped, for they do not fly very far in preaching the everlasting gospel, and they certainly are not flames of fire: they may be shining lights of eloquence, but they certainly are not burning lights of grace, setting men's hearts on fire. In such communities everything is done in a half-hearted, listless, dead-and-alive way, as if it did not matter much whether it was done or not.
See part 2.
God bless you.
Part 3.
In this state of the church there is much self-glorification, for Laodicea said, "I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." The members say, "Everything goes on well, what more do we want? All is right with us." This makes such a condition very hopeless, because reproofs and rebukes fall without power, where the party rebuked can reply, "We do not deserve your censures, such warnings are not meant for us." If you stand up in the pulpit and talk to sleepy churches, as I pretty frequently do, and speak very plainly, they often have the honesty to say, "There is a good deal of truth in what the man has said:" but if I speak to another church, which really is half asleep, but which thinks itself to be quite a model of diligence, then the rebuke glides oft like oil down a slab of marble, and no result comes of it. Men are less likely to repent when they are in the middle passage between hot and cold, than if they were in the worst extremes of sin. If they were like Saul of Tarsus, enemies of God, they might be converted; but if, like Gamaliel, they are neither opposed nor favouring, they will probably remain as they are till they die. The gospel converts a sincerely superstitious Luther, but Erasmus, with his pliant spirit, flippant, and full of levity, remains unmoved. THERE IS MORE HOPE OF WARNING THE COLD THAN THE LUKEWARM. When churches get into the condition of half-hearted faith, tolerating the gospel, but having a sweet tooth for error, they do far more mischief to their age than downright heretics.
It is harder a great deal to work for Jesus with a church which is lukewarm than it would be to begin without a church. Give me a dozen earnest spirits and put me down anywhere in London, and by God's good help we will soon cause the wilderness and the solitary place to rejoice; but give me the whole lot of you, half-hearted, undecided, and unconcerned, what can I do?
See part 4.
Part 4.
You will only be a drag upon a man's zeal and earnestness. Five thousand members of a church all lukewarm will be five thousand impediments, but a dozen earnest, passionate spirits, determined that Christ shall be glorified and souls won, must be more than conquerors; in their very weakness and fewness will reside capacities for being the more largely blessed of God. Better nothing than lukewarmness.
Alas, this state of lukewarmness is so congenial with human nature that it is hard to fetch men from it. Cold makes us shiver, and great heat causes us pain, but a tepid bath is comfort itself. Such a temperature suits human nature. The world is always at peace with a lukewarm church, and such a church is always pleased with itself. Not too worldly,- no! We have our limits! There are certain amusements which of course a Christian must give up, but we will go quite up to the line, for why are we to be miserable? We are not to be so greedy as to be called miserly, but we will give as little as we can to the cause. We will not be altogether absent from the house of God, but we will go as seldom as we can. We will not altogether forsake the poor people to whom we belong, but we will also go to the world's church, so as to get admission into better society, and find fashionable friends for our children.
How much of this there is abroad! Compromise is the order of the day. Thousands try to hold with the hare and run with the hounds, they are for God and Mammon, Christ and Belial, truth and error, and so are "neither hot nor cold." Do I speak somewhat strongly? Not so strongly as my Master, for he says, "I will spue thee out of my mouth." He is nauseated with such conduct, it sickens him, and he will not endure it. In an earnest, honest, fervent heart nausea is created when we fall in with men who dare not give up their profession, and yet will not live up to it; who cannot altogether forsake the work of God.
See Part 5.
Part 5.
Many a church has fallen into a condition of indifference, and when it does so it generally becomes the haunt of worldly professors, a refuge for people who want an easy religion, which enables them to enjoy the pleasures of sin and the honours of piety at the same time; where things are free and easy, where you are not expected to do much, or give much, or pray much, or to be very religious; where the minister is not so precise as the old school divines; a more liberal people, of broad views, free-thinking and free-acting, where there is full tolerance for sin, and no demand for vital godliness. Such churches applaud cleverness in a preacher; as for his doctrine, that is of small consequence, and his love to Christ and zeal for souls are very secondary. He is a clever fellow, and can speak well, and that suffices. This style of thing is all too common, yet we are expected to hold our tongue, for the people are very respectable. The Lord grant that we may be kept clear of such respectability!
We have already said that this condition of indifference is attended with perfect self-complacency. The people who ought to be mourning are rejoicing, and where they should hang out signals of distress they are flaunting the banners of triumph.
Once more, this church of Laodicea had fallen into a condition which had chased away its Lord. The text tells us that Jesus said, "I stand at the door and knock." That is not the position which our Lord occupies in reference to a truly flourishing church.
More later.
LUKEWARMNESS.
Here I'm skipping alone to C H Spurgeons closing statements.
"This is my closing word, there is something for us to do in this matter. We must examine ourselves, and we must confess the fault if we have declined in grace. And then we must not talk about setting the church right, we must pray for grace each one for himself, for the text does not say, "If the church will open the door," but "If any man hear my voice and open the door." It must be done by individuals: the church will only get right by each man getting right. Oh, that we might get back into an earnest zeal for our Lord's love and service, and we shall only do so by listening to his rebukes, and then falling into his arms, clasping him once again, and saying, "My Lord and my God." That healed Thomas, did it not? Putting his fingers into the print of the nails, putting his hand into the side, that cured him. Poor, unbelieving, staggering Thomas only had to do that, and he became one of the strongest of believers, and said, "My Lord and my God." You will love your Lord till your soul is as coals of juniper if you will daily commune with him. Come close to him, and once getting close to him, never go away from him anymore. The Lord bless you, dear brethren, the Lord bless you in this thing."
I believe as brothers in Christ and to be likeminded and of one accord when we come together, and one is teaching or preaching amongst an audience, The person speaking is representing all of us in the eyes of the audience.
We shouldn't be stuck in the middle or silent if this person is in line with scripture or not.
Offer them help! They should want it and if not it's not their place to hold back truth.
In this you can't be partially picking and choosing what should be addressed or who needs to be addressed.
This is an area where we are fundamentalist in doctrine, but liberal in our walk and this is where lukewarmness is displayed without wealth playing a role.
Pergamos next-
I think the problem of lukerwarmness is the major problem in true Christianity nowadays. Christians often compromise themselves with the sinful world. This is satan's victory over us. Lukerwarmness is just a step before a sinful life. If he manages to drive us there then the next stage is not far away. Satan doesn't care especially with the main stream denominations. Those are dead churches anyway, they don't produce work, they don't preach salvation, they give the impression to their followers that if they attend their litturgies and join in the celebrations and their churche's customs and try to be good people then they are saved, which is wrong. There are genuine believers in those churches that love God but they are not many and they are confused about God's things. So the attention of devil is on true/reborn christians. Since he knows that he can not drive true christians to sinning easily, he tries to make them looser and looser bit by bit, bit by bit and then if he manages that he drives them to sinning and eventually to destruction, salvation can be lost if one stays in their sins and dies in them (my opinion).
If we want to be used by God in His work on earth we must devote ourselves in Him, there must be no compromise. Light can not be compromized with darkness, if so then the light becomes less bright and eventually goes off, like in the 5 unwise virgins.
Have a blessed week.
Thank you and enjoy these Holidays.
God bless you.
Part 1.
We know spirit of the world is prideful and causes partiality obviously racially and also economically. "That is the world" A carnal or false Christian will hide this in their heart also. When we see a Christian slip into this, we should talk to him in a way scripture tells us to.
When we see the world do what it has been doing since the world began and will continue until Christ return, we shouldn't act surprised and use the opportunity to open scripture.
"Pergamos". Pergamum ("married") - from the Greek word pergamos, which is a combination of two Greek words: pergos and gamos. These words combine to mean either "citadel" or "united by marriage.
You will find the world has influenced Church because they joined it.
I have visited 3 different types of churches. A predominantly white church. A predominantly black church and a mixed church. I have seen the same level of partiality in all 3 Churches from a leadership position. This obviously can stunt the spiritual growth of a church.
What is sad is that don't necessarily define the lukewarm group.
That represents the Cold members, probably the false Christian. However, this group can probably be reached easier than the next group.
This is the group that don't say anything because they like the numbers, position, praise or just don't have that fight in them or don't care. these numbers, praises, and comfort cause them to say I'm in need of nothing. Therefore, this group love their Lukewarm comfortable position.
How do we witness to a world that doesn't fill they need to change, Afterall what can we tell them if we look and sound the way they do? They look for a president, ruler or Government to change the world.
We're looking for Revelation 21:1-4.
Some hold the view the millennium kingdom has already started and it up the church to prepare the way before Christ returns.
That is not a view I hold but we are not getting into that here.
any help or comments welcomed
see Part 2
Part 2.
Letters to Pergamos and Thyatira.
The mention of Balaam referred to being spiritually unchaste, married to the world (sound like the translation of the city's name?), selling their spiritual gifts for profit and sacrificing eternal riches for temporal gain. Sounds a lot like our world today.
Look at Revelation 2:14-16. and notice what the complaint is! obviously spiritual fornication is the indictment but look at what else is often overlooked.
First notice the commendation he gives them in verse 13.
"I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth".
Now notice the rebuke.
But I have a few things against thee, (BECAUSE THOUHAST THERE "THEM" THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE OF BALAAM,) who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
(SO HAST THOU ALSO "THEM" THAT HOLD THE DOCTRINE OF THE NICOLAITANS,) which thing I hate.
Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
The Lord is not accusing all of them for fornication, but he is condemning them for suffering it or allowing it.
You see the same thing in the Letter to Thyatira. It come across clearer.
Revelation 2:18-29.
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,.. (BECAUSE THOU SUFFEREST THAT WOMAN JEZEBEL).., which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
See Part 3.
Part 3.
Letters to Pergamos and Thyatira.
And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
19) I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
20) Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
21) And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
22) Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
23) And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
24) But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
25) But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
26) And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
27) And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
28) And I will give him the morning star.
29) He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Again, we have the commendation in verse 19.
Verse 20 we have the condemnation for suffering or allowing that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Verses 24-29 we see he is not accusing all of them for committing fornication.
The rebuke is to those who suffer it.
GB
Part 2.
It makes one's flesh creep to see how sluggishly they move: I long for a knife to cut their red tape to pieces, and for a whip to lay about their shoulders to make them bestir themselves. Things are respectably done, the rich families are not offended, the sceptical party is conciliated, and the good people are not quite alienated: things are made pleasant all round. The right things are done, but as to doing them with all your might, and soul, and strength, a Laodicean church has no notion of what that means. They are not so cold as to abandon their work, or to give up their meetings for prayer, or to reject the gospel; if they did so, then they could be convinced of their error and brought to repentance; but on the other hand they are neither hot for the truth, nor hot for conversions, nor hot for holiness, they are not fiery enough to burn the stubble of sin, nor zealous enough to make Satan angry, nor fervent enough to make a living sacrifice of themselves upon the altar of their God, They are "neither cold nor hot."
This is a horrible state, because it is one which in a church wearing a good repute renders that reputation a lie. When other churches are saying, "See how they prosper! see what they do for God!" Jesus sees that the church is doing his work in a slovenly, make-believe manner, and he considers justly that it is deceiving its friends. If the world recognises such a people as being very distinctly an oldfashioned puritanic church, and yet there is unholy living among them, and careless walking, and a deficiency of real piety, prayer, liberality, and zeal, then the world itself is being deceived, and that too in the worst way, because it is led to judge falsely concerning Christianity, for it lays all these faults upon the back of religion, and cries out, "It is all a farce! The thing is a mere pretence! Christians are all hypocrites!" I fear there are churches of this sort. God grant we may not be numbered with them!
See Part3
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