These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live - where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city - where Satan lives.
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Revelation 2:12-14
These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
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. Revelation 3:14-17
Whose whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.
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
Reflect
This is a message to stay faithful in the face of fierce opposition. What opposition in your life do you have to stand against and choose to remain faithful to Jesus?
The big message of this book is do not worship at the feet of another person, another ideology, another agenda, an empire, a government. Do not worship at the feet of anything or anyone.
What are the idols that can take the place of Jesus in our hearts today?
Jesus is telling this church not to compromise no matter how much they hunger to fit in or be like everyone else.
The battle is to identify your idols and turn from them. Who or what will you worship?
What is your next step to be intentional to move toward Jesus, to let him in?
Go Deeper
What does it mean to be lukewarm? What was the warning that he will spit you out of his mouth?