Sermon Notes:
Historical Background of the City
1. Rich and important banking center
2. Great center for clothing manufacture
3. An important medical center well known for the care of the eyes
4. The Lord had no words of commendation to them, only words of condemnation
Background of the Church in Laodicea
1. The Christians in Laodicea were no different from the rest of the world
2. The word church comes from “ekklesia” which means the called out ones
What led to this situation in the Church in Laodicea
1. Laodicea was rich, famous for its garment industry, and a certain eye ointment exported worldwide
2. What they were materially was their exact opposite spiritually
What does it mean to be spiritually poor?
1. Spiritual poverty means having little or no treasures in heaven
2. There are rewards or treasures in heaven for those who faithfully serve and follow Jesus
What does it mean to be spiritually blind?
1. Spiritual blindness is about being shortsighted
2. Only one life it will soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.
What does it mean to be spiritually naked?
1. White clothing is associated with character
2. Gold refined in fire means proven faith in character
What is Christ’s solution to worldliness?
1. Step 1: Evaluate your life
2. Step 3: Order your priorities
3. Step 1: Make a commitment
Follow-up Questions from Sunday:
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Icebreaker question:
The message began with the story of Youssuf Ishmaelo, the wrestler who drowned with his gold. What do you think would cause a man to choose to die rather than part with his hard earned money?
Digging Deeper:
1. Money is amoral – its neither good nor bad. It’s what people do with money that makes it good or bad. In what ways have you personally seen money being used for good? In what ways have you seen money being used for bad and what were its destructive consequences?
2. Read Revelation 3:14-22. Looking at the background of the city, why do you think money is such a huge temptation in the church in Laodicea? Look at v.17.Why do you think it is distasteful for Jesus to see the church in Laodicea having the same attitude as the rest of the world? How can materialism subtly creep into the life of a Christian?
3. Read 1Timothy 6:10. Is it wrong to desire material wealth? Explain. In what ways can your material and financial goals serve a higher spiritual purpose?
4. Read Matthew 6:19-21. A Christian once said, “I’m not greedy for rewards in heaven. I’m just contented with getting into heaven.” What do you think about this statement based on this verse?
5. It’s important to have a ministry where you can serve and give back to God. However, when there is a need in church, some Christians say, “I don’t have a “burden” for that ministry, and do not volunteer even though they have the capacity to help. What can you say to this person who thinks this way?
FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION AT HOME
6. Step 1: Evaluate. What does your daily schedule look like? How much of your time is spent on entertainment, work/school, family, friends, church, ministry, etc. What are some of the things you do that may not have any real spiritual value?
7. Step 2: Prioritize. Why is it important to have a ministry where you can serve God and others? What ministries are you currently serving in? Do you have activities that you can eliminate from your schedule in order to spend more time in serving God?
8. Step 3: Commit. Are you aware of a need in church needing volunteers? Are you in a position to help out? If not now, when? Would you be willing to pray and think about it?
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for giving Your life for me. I want to give my whole life in service of You. Teach me to use all the talents and resources You have given me to serve You.
Taking it home:
Memorize/ Meditate on 1Timothy 6:10.