Sermons

Be the Church Week 9 – Revelation 3:14-22 – Livestream for 3/5/23

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Small Group Guide:

Open with prayer.

Go around and give everyone a chance to share about how the past week has been. What’s one highlight? What’s one lowlight?

If your small group has talked about it before, feel free to use this time to hold people accountable to what they’ve asked to be held accountable for previously, and go through the “missional” part of this discussion guide.

Revelation 3:14-22

14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

Message Outline:

Throughout this sermon series we are looking parts of God’s Word that involve the church, and what it looks like for us to be the church that God created us to be. Today, we’re looking at a message in Revelation that Jesus has for the church in Laodicea. His message to this church helps us to realize the dangers of being lukewarm in our faith, how to know if we’re lukewarm, and what to do if we are lukewarm.

Signs of lukewarm faith…

  1. You’re spiritually fluid
  2. You’re rarely moved by the Holy Spirit
  3. Your beliefs aren’t dictated by God’s Word
  4. You don’t take sin seriously
  5. You don’t make church a priority
  6. You find your security in yourself
  7. You have no witness

What to do if you’re faith is lukewarm:

  1. Allow God to mold you to His likeness

Rev. 3:18a, Job 23:10, Ps. 66:10, Prov. 17:3, Gal. 2:20, 1 Pet. 1:7

  1. Find your identity in Christ

Rev. 3:18b, 2 Cor. 5:17, 1 Pet. 2:9, 1 John 3:1-3, Eph. 4:22-24

  1. Ask God to open your eyes

Rev. 3:18c, John 3:3, Heb. 11:1, 1 Cor. 2:14

  1. Realize that God disciplines those He loves

Rev. 3:19a, Heb. 12:11, Prov. 3:11-12, 12:1, 13:24, Heb. 12:5-11

  1. Ask God to give you passion

Rev. 3:19b, Col. 3:23, Matt. 5:13, Ps. 63:1, 84:2, Eph. 2:10

  1. Realize you’re not too far gone

Rev. 3:20, 2 Pet. 3:9, 1 Tim. 2:4, John 3:16, Rom. 5:8, 1 John 2:2

  1. Live like you’re Heaven bound

Rev. 3:21, Phil. 3:20-21, John 14:1-31, 2 Cor. 5:1, Luke 16:19-31

Reflection Questions:

  1. Have you ever studied or hear this passage or topic preached on before? What stood out to you?
  2. Read over the signs of lukewarm faith. Do you feel like you display any of those signs? If so, which signs, and how do you display those signs in your life? How long have you displayed those signs?
  3. Looking at your answers from question #2, if you answered yes to showing any of the signs of lukewarm faith, have you felt convicted of any of those signs or of having a lukewarm faith before? If so, what has stopped you from being faithful to repent of what God has convicted you about?
  4. Whether or not you feel like your faith is lukewarm in this season of your life, as Christians, we should all seek to live passionately for Christ, and follow what He says that the church in Laodicea is to do (see Rev. 3:22). Of the 7 things that Jesus tells the church in Laodicea to do, which ones do you do well, and which ones do you need to improve on? List them all below.
  5. What would it look like for you to live passionately for Christ over your entire lifetime?
  6. How can you help others live passionately for Christ and avoid being lukewarm in their faith?
  7. What is your biggest take away from this message? What did God teach you? Do you feel led to put anything into action? If so, what, and what practical step(s) do you need to take to be obedient to what God has led you to do? Who can keep you accountable to accomplishing this?

Prayer Time:

Pray for each other in your small group to be faithful take the step(s) that you shared above. Pray for each other and the interactions that they have with those who don’t know Jesus. Pray that God would soften the people’s hearts to what He has for them. Pray that God would give everyone opportunities to share the Gospel.

Staying Missional:

Share spiritual/missional conversations you’ve had where you live, work, and play:

Who did you have a conversation with that took a spiritual/missional turn this week?
What questions did you ask to discover where God is at work in their life, even if they are not aware?
How were you able to share your story of life change or how you have experienced Jesus?
How can you be intentional this week with people where you live, work, and play to have spiritual/missional conversations if the opportunity arises?
Who in your life do you think could be discipleable or open to spiritual/missional conversations?

What’s next?

Discuss the next step for your small group. When will we gather again and what purpose will it fulfill?