The Seven Churches
Laodicea, part 2
We will continue to study the message to the church of Laodicea. In our last lesson, we discovered that justification and righteousness by faith are a part of the message Laodiceans need to receive. We will build upon that and see two other subjects Laodiceans need to understand to arouse them from their death-like stupor. This lesson will focus on Revelation 3:16, 17.
1. Besides justification and righteousness by faith, what else do Laodiceans need to understand? 1 Chronicles 12:32; Romans 13:11
Selected Messages Book 1, 195: The dangers coming upon us are continually increasing. It is high time that we put on the whole armor of God, and work earnestly to keep Satan from gaining any further advantage. Angels of God, that excel in strength, are waiting for us to call them to our aid, that our faith may not be eclipsed by the fierceness of the conflict. Renewed energy is now needed. Vigilant action is called for. Indifference and sloth will result in the loss of personal religion and of heaven. {1SM 195.3}
Selected Messages Book 1, 196: At this time the Laodicean message is to be given, to arouse a slumbering church. Let the thought of the shortness of time stimulate you to earnest, untiring effort. Remember that Satan has come down with great power, to work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. {1SM 196.1}
2. Since Jesus is our great exemplar, did He preach about the shortness of time? What phrases confirm this point? Mark 1:14, 15
3. What crisis did Jesus also constantly warn His disciples to prepare for? Matthew 16:21; 17:22; 20:17-19; 26:2, 24
4. What crisis would the crucifixion typify for us in our day? Revelation 13:14-17; 14:9-10
The Signs of the Times 1894: Those who are choosing to honor Satan by exalting the spurious sabbath are making a choice similar to that which the people made when they rejected Christ, that Barabbas, a robber and murderer, should be given unto them. {ST, March 12, 1894 par. 4}
The Review and Herald 1900: There can be only two classes. Each party is distinctly stamped, either with the seal of the living God, or with the mark of the beast or his image. Each son and daughter of Adam chooses either Christ or Barabbas as his general. And all who place themselves on the side of the disloyal are standing under Satan’s black banner, and are charged with rejecting and despitefully using Christ. They are charged with deliberately crucifying the Lord of life and glory. {RH, January 30, 1900 par. 4}
5. Besides knowing the signs pointing to the Second Coming and the Mark of the Beast, understanding “the shortness of time” also has another application. What warning does Jesus give to the Laodiceans? Revelation 3:16
6. What does it mean to be “spued” out of Jesus’ mouth? Matthew 10:32, 33
Testimonies for the Church Vol.6, 408: To those who are indifferent at this time Christ’s warning is: “Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of My mouth.” Revelation 3:16. The figure of spewing out of His mouth means that He cannot offer up your prayers or your expressions of love to God. He cannot endorse your teaching of His word or your spiritual work in anywise. He cannot present your religious exercises with the request that grace be given you. {6T 408.2}
7. To the previous point, some may argue, “Doesn’t Jesus say that He ever liveth to make intercession for us?” How would you respond to that question? Hebrews 7:25; Isaiah 1:18-20
Note: Although Jesus ever lives to make intercession for those who confess and surrender their sins to Him, this does not mean that Christ will be interceding on our behalf for eternity. There will come a time when Jesus will stand up (Daniel 12:1), lay aside His priestly robes, and put on His garments of vengeance to pour out His wrath upon unrepentant sinners. See Early Writings page 36.1.
7. What else must Laodiceans understand to have any hope of getting out of their lukewarm condition? Revelation 3:17; 2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Corinthians 11:28; Lamentations 3:40
Testimonies for the Church Vol.4, 87: The only hope for the Laodiceans is a clear view of their standing before God, a knowledge of the nature of their disease. They are neither cold nor hot; they occupy a neutral position, and at the same time flatter themselves that they are in need of nothing. The True Witness hates this lukewarmness. He loathes the indifference of this class of persons. Said He: “I would thou wert cold or hot.” Like lukewarm water, they are nauseous to His taste. They are neither unconcerned nor selfishly stubborn. They do not engage thoroughly and heartily in the work of God, identifying themselves with its interests; but they hold aloof and are ready to leave their posts when their worldly personal interests demand it. The internal work of grace is wanting in their hearts; of such it is said: “Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” {4T 87.2}
8. Who does God use to awaken lukewarm Laodiceans?
a) John 16:7, 8
b) Ezekiel 33:7-10
9. What effect will the preaching of faithful watchmen have on the Laodicean church? John 6:65-71
Testimonies for the Church Vol. 1, 181: I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen, and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans. This will have its effect upon the heart of the receiver, and will lead him to exalt the standard and pour forth the straight truth. Some will not bear this straight testimony. They will rise up against it, and this will cause a shaking among God’s people. {1T 181.1}
Testimonies for the Church Vol. 1, 181: The testimony of the True Witness has not been half heeded. The solemn testimony upon which the destiny of the church hangs has been lightly esteemed, if not entirely disregarded. This testimony must work deep repentance, and all that truly receive it will obey it and be purified. {1T 181.2}
10. Where did God desire to place His true watchmen? Ezekiel 33:7
Testimonies for the Church Vol. 4, 87: The Laodicean message applies to the people of God who profess to believe present truth. The greater part are lukewarm professors, having a name but no zeal. God signified that He wanted men at the great heart of the work to correct the state of things existing there and to stand like faithful sentinels at their post of duty. He has given them light at every point, to instruct, encourage, and confirm them, as the case required. But notwithstanding all this, those who should be faithful and true, fervent in Christian zeal, of gracious temper, knowing and loving Jesus earnestly, are found aiding the enemy to weaken and discourage those whom God is using to build up the work. The term “lukewarm” is applicable to this class. They profess to love the truth, yet are deficient in Christian fervor and devotion. They dare not give up wholly and run the risk of the unbeliever, yet they are unwilling to die to self and follow out closely the principles of their faith.” {4T 87.1}
Note: God’s desire is to have true watchmen at the very heart of the work; not limited to but including, the General Conference leaders all the way down to local Seventh-day Adventist churches. Sadly, a vast majority of leaders within the Seventh-day Adventist denomination are not acting the part of watchmen, warning God’s people of their sins and arousing them to vital godliness. There are some who profess to be preaching the straight testimony but based on the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy, they are deceived. Some preach only about the shortness of time (signs in the world, nearness of the Second Coming, the Papacy, & Mark of the Beast) but neglect to show God’s people their sins and their true standing before God. Therefore, in order for God’s message to Laodicea to have its designed effect, God must raise up workers & self-supporting ministries similar to John the Baptist to call God’s people to repentance.
11. Meditate on Isaiah 58:1; Matthew 3:1-10.
12. How does God describe leaders who are called to be watchmen but are not obeying His command? Isaiah 56:10-11; Matthew 15:14; Jeremiah 23:1-2
Testimonies for the Church Vol. 5, 211: Here we see that the church—the Lord’s sanctuary—was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God’s power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus “Peace and safety” is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God’s people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together.” {5T 211.2}
13. While the shaking time period is not now in full effect, many professed christians are being shaken out of God’s truth even now. What three attributes will be seen among those who are being shaken out of God’s truth?
a) 2 Chronicles 36:16; Matthew 21:23-25
Testimonies for the Church Vol. 3, 254: In my last vision I was shown that even this decided message of the True Witness had not accomplished the design of God. The people slumber on in their sins. They continue to declare themselves rich and having need of nothing. Many inquire: Why are all these reproofs given? Why do the Testimonies continually charge us with backsliding and with grievous sins? We love the truth; we are prospering; we are in no need of these testimonies of warning and reproof. But let these murmurers see their hearts and compare their lives with the practical teachings of the Bible, let them humble their souls before God, let the grace of God illuminate the darkness, and the scales will fall from their eyes, and they will realize their true spiritual poverty and wretchedness. They will feel the necessity of buying gold, which is pure faith and love; white raiment, which is a spotless character made pure in the blood of their dear Redeemer; and eyesalve, which is the grace of God and which will give clear discernment of spiritual things and detect sin. These attainments are more precious than the gold of Ophir.” {3T 254.2}
Testimonies for the Church Vol. 3, 255: I have been shown that the greatest reason why the people of God are now found in this state of spiritual blindness is that they will not receive correction. Many have despised the reproofs and warnings given them. The True Witness condemns the lukewarm condition of the people of God, which gives Satan great power over them in this waiting, watching time. The selfish, the proud, and the lovers of sin are ever assailed with doubts. Satan has ability to suggest doubts and to devise objections to the pointed testimony that God sends, and many think it a virtue, a mark of intelligence in them, to be unbelieving and to question and quibble. Those who desire to doubt will have plenty of room. God does not propose to remove all occasion for unbelief. He gives evidence, which must be carefully investigated with a humble mind and a teachable spirit, and all should decide from the weight of evidence. {3T 255.1}
b) 1 Timothy 4:1; John 6:66-68 w/ John 1:1; 2 Timothy 4:3-4
Testimonies for the Church Vol. 5, 98: I know your danger. If you lose confidence in the testimonies you will drift away from Bible truth. I have been fearful that many would take a questioning, doubting position, and in my distress for your souls I would warn you. How many will heed the warning? As you now hold the testimonies, should one be given crossing your track, correcting your errors, would you feel at perfect liberty to accept or reject any part or the whole? That which you will be least inclined to receive is the very part most needed. God and Satan never work in copartnership. The testimonies either bear the signet of God or that of Satan. A good tree cannot bring forth corrupt fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. By their fruit ye shall know them. God has spoken. Who has trembled at His word? {5T 98.2}
c) Matthew 23:37; Acts 7:51-60
14. Many people are rejecting God’s true watchmen and love ministers who tell them lies. If they remain unrepentant, what will be their sentiments when they realize they are lost?
Early Writings 282: Many of the wicked were greatly enraged as they suffered the effects of the plagues. It was a scene of fearful agony. Parents were bitterly reproaching their children, and children their parents, brothers their sisters, and sisters their brothers. Loud, wailing cries were heard in every direction, “It was you who kept me from receiving the truth which would have saved me from this awful hour.” The people turned upon their ministers with bitter hate and reproached them, saying, “You have not warned us. You told us that all the world was to be converted, and cried, Peace, peace, to quiet every fear that was aroused. You have not told us of this hour; and those who warned us of it you declared to be fanatics and evil men, who would ruin us.” But I saw that the ministers did not escape the wrath of God. Their suffering was tenfold greater than that of their people. {EW 282.1}
Note: While we are to understand the shortness of the time, bringing us closer to Jesus’ Second Coming, Enoch’s example is left on record to teach us to seek after a thriving relationship with Jesus whether He returns immediately or delays a little longer.
Testimonies for the Church Vol. 2, 121: We are living in an evil age. The perils of the last days thicken around us. Because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. Enoch walked with God three hundred years. Now the shortness of time seems to be urged as a motive to seek righteousness. Should it be necessary that the terrors of the day of God be held before us in order to compel us to right action? Enoch’s case is before us. Hundreds of years he walked with God. He lived in a corrupt age, when moral pollution was teeming all around him; yet he trained his mind to devotion, to love purity. His conversation was upon heavenly things. He educated his mind to run in this channel, and he bore the impress of the divine. His countenance was lighted up with the light which shineth in the face of Jesus. Enoch had temptations as well as we. He was surrounded with society no more friendly to righteousness than is that which surrounds us. The atmosphere he breathed was tainted with sin and corruption, the same as ours; yet he lived a life of holiness. He was unsullied with the prevailing sins of the age in which he lived. So may we remain pure and uncorrupted. He was a representative of the saints who live amid the perils and corruptions of the last days. For his faithful obedience to God he was translated. So, also, the faithful, who are alive and remain, will be translated. They will be removed from a sinful and corrupt world to the pure joys of heaven. {2T 121.1}
15. Hebrews 11:5 says that Enoch’s life pleased God. What did Enoch do, which we also must do, that pleased God?
Patriarchs and Prophets 84: …The infinite, unfathomable love of God through Christ became the subject of his meditations day and night; and with all the fervor of his soul he sought to reveal that love to the people among whom he dwelt.” {PP 84.3}
Patriarchs and Prophets 85:…To him prayer was as the breath of the soul; he lived in the very atmosphere of heaven. {PP 85.4}
Patriarchs and Prophets 86: In the midst of a life of active labor, Enoch steadfastly maintained his communion with God. The greater and more pressing his labors, the more constant and earnest were his prayers. He continued to exclude himself, at certain periods, from all society. After remaining for a time among the people, laboring to benefit them by instruction and example, he would withdraw, to spend a season in solitude, hungering and thirsting for that divine knowledge which God alone can impart. Communing thus with God, Enoch came more and more to reflect the divine image. His face was radiant with a holy light, even the light that shineth in the face of Jesus. As he came forth from these divine communings, even the ungodly beheld with awe the impress of heaven upon his countenance. {PP 86.4}
For more insight on the life of Enoch, read Patriarchs and Prophets chapter 6 entitled, Seth and Enoch.