Luke, Luke – I Am Your Father 2 – Part 2

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Revelation 3:16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. (NKJV)

The title of this series is a famous line from the Star Wars movie where Darth Vader tells Luke Skywalker that he is his father. In the same way, this letter in Revelation was written to the church at Laodicea, and God is saying, “lukewarm, lukewarm… I am your Father. I am displeased. Change your ways.”

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (NKJV)

Philippians 2:12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (NKJV)

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. (NKJV)

It’s important for you to be able to recognize the difference between condemnation, which you are free from (Romans 8:1), and conviction, which God uses to tell us something is wrong in our life (John 16:8). Condemnation comes from Satan in the form of self-focused false guilt. Condemnation will be vague, degrading and leave you feeling hopeless. Conviction comes from God and is the feeling that something is wrong but God tells us specifically what to change to make things “right”. Conviction is uplifting because it brings Godly correction and leaves us feeling blessed and hopeful. Keep this distinction in mind as you consider that questions that follow. (emphasis mine on all verses)

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Do you consider the suffering of Christians all around the world and does it break your heart knowing your Christian brethren are DAILY being beaten, robbed, imprisoned, tortured and murdered? Do you think about the fact that most Christians around the world live in poverty and need? Does it break your heart to know that millions and millions of Christians around the world are not free to worship God and freely live their Christianity?

• Romans 12:15-16 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. (NKJV)
• John 15:20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. (NKJV)

Do you pardon your own sin and repeated spiritual failures by telling yourself that your situation is unique, and God understands you are “only human”? Are you ever stubborn and difficult to teach? Do you make excuses for your sin and respond with sarcasm and defensiveness? Do you have a critical spirit? Are you easily annoyed and irritated at other people while expecting great patience and understanding be extended to you?

• Romans 14:23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (NKJV)
• Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. (NKJV)
• James 1:15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (NKJV)
• Romans 6:18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (NKJV)
• John 16:8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (NKJV)
• Hebrews 12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (NKJV)
• James 1:15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. (NKJV)

Do you find yourself in the middle of whatever gossip, controversy or “stirring up” is going on at work or church? Do you nitpick others about their shortcomings and minimize your own? Are you jealous or truly happy for the success or achievement of another person? Do you secretly take joy in the failures of others because it makes you not feel so bad about your own? Are you jealous of those who are more popular or more appreciated than you are? Do you resent those who are recognized when you are not?

• Proverbs 26:20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; And where there is no talebearer, strife ceases. (NKJV)
• James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; (NKJV)
• James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (NKJV)
• Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. (NKJV)
• James 3:4-5 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! (NKJV)
• Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (NKJV)

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My intention is to draw your attention to what God thinks about lukewarmness. The good news is that God makes it clear that He loves the people He wrote this warning too. So you can be sure He loves us too and simply warns us for our own good. The church as Laodicea was rich, materialistic and satisfied with their “goodness”. This accurately describes the western church today in general. Given that, we are fairly warned and wise to heed the rebuke offered to them: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Rev 3:19-21; NKJV; emphasis mine)