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The Seven Churches (Part Nine): Laodicea
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughLaodicean Christians often fall into a state of self-satisfaction, believing they are spiritually sound when they are not. This dangerous complacency leads them to assume they have already secured a favorable standing with God, thinking they require no further growth in righteousness. They deceive themselves into believing they are akin to Philadelphians, in good standing with Him, while Christ Himself views their lukewarm attitude with such distaste that He threatens to reject them harshly. This self-deception is a major characteristic of Laodiceanism, as they fail to recognize their true spiritual condition, considering themselves awake while others slumber, yet Christ declares that all have fallen short. Their belief in material prosperity as a sign of divine favor further blinds them to their wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked state in His eyes. Fundamental to their problem is the inability to even grasp that they are Laodicean, often never seriously considering the possibility, and thus remaining blind to their lack of righteousness. Christ instructs them to examine themselves through Scripture to see their faults, warning that assuming a superior spiritual state likely indicates a Laodicean condition, while recognizing one's shortcomings may signal the beginning of true spiritual awakening and growth.
Without Heat, Thoughts Turn Cold
Commentary by Martin G. CollinsSpiritual lukewarmness, as seen in the Laodiceans, embodies self-satisfaction. This state reflects a lack of inner desire to work for Christ, resulting in neither healing nor refreshment for others. Being lukewarm, there is no spiritual maturity, little to no growth, and an absence of fruitfulness, rendering such a condition useless in the service of God.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Laodicean condition is marked by a profound self-satisfaction that blinds individuals to their true spiritual state. They perceive themselves as rich, increased with goods, and in need of nothing, yet God's evaluation reveals them to be wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. This self-deception stems from human nature, leading them to misjudge their own righteousness and believe they are complete, requiring no further growth or correction. Such pride, the root of all sin, fosters a sense of self-righteousness that prevents them from recognizing their spiritual bankruptcy. This self-satisfaction mirrors the attitude of the rich young man who believed he had kept the commandments from his youth, yet failed to embrace the sacrificial, positive aspects of God's law. Similarly, Laodiceans may adhere to certain truths but do so in a half-hearted manner, holding private opinions that compromise their faith. Their misuse of truth results in spiritual blindness and nakedness, leaving them in a pitiful condition, unaware of the direction they are heading. Unlike the consciously wicked who may repent when confronted with God's message, the self-satisfied Laodicean often fails to acknowledge their shortcomings. They justify their actions through clever arguments, evading the need for repentance. Despite their outward respectability, they are as far from God as those in open sin, deluded by satan and self-deception into believing their status or possessions equate to divine righteousness. Yet, there is hope, as the trial by fire they face is designed to strip away their high opinion of themselves, guiding them toward true repentance and entry into the Kingdom of God.
Doorway to the Kingdom
Sermonette by Bill OnisickAny time we feel prompted to exalt ourselves, we demonstrate Satan's spirit of pride, thereby jeopardizing our entry into God's family.
Carelessness
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughCarelessness, indicative of not thinking, when reinforced or carried on into life, can be lethal or irreparable. Undervaluing our way leads to a careless lifestyle.
New Covenant Priesthood (Part Eleven)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride destroys relationships, rendering righteous judgment next to impossible. Self-righteousness (a product of pride) makes an idol out of self.
The Weightier Matters (Part 4) : Faith and Fidelity
Article by StaffFaith and fidelity to God and His way of life should be a major part of our character. Here is what faith and fidelity are, how to recognize a lack of them.
Fortress of Joy
Sermonette by Bill OnisickHuman happiness is perishable, dependent as it is on positive life-experiences. Spiritual joy is infinitely more enduring than happiness based in the world.
Living by Faith: Human Pride
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur human nature is pure vanity with a heart that is desperately deceitful and wicked, motivated by self-centeredness, a deadly combination for producing sin.
Prepare to Meet Your God! (Part Six): Complacency and Laodiceanism
Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. RitenbaughThe prophet Amos preached a warning message from God against the complacency of the Israelites toward God and His way. Our nations should heed his warning.
Living By Faith and Human Pride
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod wants us to walk—live our lives—by faith, but our pride and vanity frequently get in the way. Critically, pride causes us to reject God and His Word.
Why Do Bad Things Happen to Christians?
Article by StaffOf all people, one might think, Christians should be the most blessed, yet they often fall under heavy trials. Why does God allow this? What is His purpose?
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though the evidence from creation is overwhelming, people deliberately want to disregard it because accepting it would require submitting to His will.
God Works in Mysterious Ways (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur carnal nature's desire to satisfy an addictive self-centeredness can eventually overrule the Christian's loyalty to God and His commandments.
Christian Zeal
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughZeal has been discredited as the tool of the charlatan, but Christians must develop passion and zeal for the Christian way of life and the Kingdom of God.
Laodiceanism
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur love for beauty must be coupled with love for righteousness and holiness. Our relationship with Christ must take central place in our lives, displacing all else.
What Is the Church's Work Today (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe primary focus at this time is the repair of the faith once delivered that has seriously deteriorated because of heresy, apostasy, and Laodiceanism.