One of the most well-known warnings in the Bible comes from Revelation 3:16, where Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea and criticizes them for being ‘lukewarm.’ This verse has been widely discussed in Christian teachings, often as a call to spiritual commitment and faithfulness to God.
In this topic, we will explore:
- The meaning of Revelation 3:16
- The historical and cultural background of Laodicea
- The spiritual significance of being lukewarm
- Practical lessons for Christians today
Revelation 3:16 – What Does It Say?
The verse in question is found in Jesus’ message to the church in Laodicea:
‘So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth.’ (Revelation 3:16, NIV)
This statement is part of Jesus’ letters to the seven churches in Revelation (Revelation 2-3). Each church received a message based on its spiritual condition, and Laodicea was severely rebuked.
To fully grasp this verse, we need to understand the historical context of Laodicea and why Jesus used the imagery of ‘lukewarmness.’
The Historical and Cultural Background of Laodicea
1. Laodicea’s Wealth and Self-Sufficiency
Laodicea was a wealthy city in the ancient world, known for:
- A booming financial industry – The city was a banking center.
- Luxury and comfort – The people were rich and self-sufficient.
- A famous medical school – Known for producing an eye ointment.
- A thriving textile industry – Famous for producing high-quality black wool.
Despite their economic prosperity, Jesus criticized them for being spiritually poor and self-reliant instead of depending on God.
2. Laodicea’s Water Problem
One of the reasons Jesus used the metaphor of lukewarm water was Laodicea’s water supply.
- Nearby Hierapolis had hot springs known for their healing properties.
- Colossae, another neighboring city, had refreshing cold water from mountain springs.
- Laodicea, however, had lukewarm water that was neither hot nor cold. The water came through an aqueduct and was tepid, unpleasant, and full of minerals, often making people sick.
Jesus compared their spiritual state to their water-neither healing (hot) nor refreshing (cold), but useless and disgusting (lukewarm).
The Spiritual Meaning of Being Lukewarm
1. Neither Hot Nor Cold – Spiritually Indifferent
When Jesus said the Laodiceans were neither hot nor cold, He was saying they were spiritually indifferent-not passionate for God but also not completely rejecting Him.
- Hot symbolizes zeal, passion, and commitment to Christ.
- Cold could represent open rejection or a searching heart in need of truth.
- Lukewarm represents apathy, complacency, and self-reliance, which are dangerous spiritual conditions.
Jesus would rather someone be ‘cold’ (aware of their need for Him) or ‘hot’ (fully devoted to Him) instead of being lukewarm (spiritually comfortable but disconnected from true faith).
2. Self-Sufficiency vs. Dependence on God
In Revelation 3:17, Jesus directly addresses their self-sufficiency:
‘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 3:17, NIV)
The Laodiceans thought they had everything, but Jesus exposed their spiritual poverty. They had:
- Material riches but no true spiritual wealth
- Physical sight but spiritual blindness
- Fine clothing but were spiritually naked
Jesus was reminding them that true security comes from Him, not worldly success.
3. A Call to Repentance and Renewal
Despite His harsh rebuke, Jesus offered them a way back:
‘Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.’ (Revelation 3:19, NIV)
Jesus’ warning wasn’t meant to condemn them permanently but to bring them back to true faith. He urged them to repent, seek Him earnestly, and regain spiritual passion.
How Can Christians Avoid Being Lukewarm?
Lukewarm faith is a serious danger, not only for the Laodiceans but for believers today. Here are some practical ways to remain spiritually hot instead of lukewarm.
1. Develop a Deep Relationship with God
- Spend daily time in prayer and Bible study.
- Worship with genuine passion and devotion.
- Seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance in daily life.
2. Live with Spiritual Purpose
- Share the Gospel actively and help others grow in faith.
- Serve with love and commitment in your community.
- Pursue a life that honors God, not just worldly success.
3. Examine Your Heart Regularly
- Ask: Am I growing spiritually or just going through the motions?
- Repent from complacency, sin, or spiritual laziness.
- Stay accountable by fellowshipping with strong believers.
4. Depend on God, Not Material Wealth
- Remember that earthly success is temporary, but God’s kingdom is eternal.
- Find contentment in Christ, not just in financial security.
- Be generous and use your resources to glorify God.
5. Respond to God’s Discipline with Humility
- If God convicts you of lukewarmness, don’t ignore it-repent and seek renewal.
- View trials as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
Common Questions About Being Lukewarm
1. Does ‘Lukewarm’ Mean Someone is Not Saved?
Not necessarily. Being lukewarm means someone is spiritually indifferent and in danger of drifting from true faith. However, Jesus’ call to repentance shows that He desires renewal, not rejection.
2. Why Would Jesus Prefer Someone to Be Cold Rather Than Lukewarm?
- A cold person may be more open to realizing their need for God than a lukewarm believer who thinks they are fine but is actually far from God.
- Lukewarm faith often leads to spiritual complacency and deception, making repentance harder.
3. Can a Lukewarm Christian Become On Fire for God Again?
Yes! Jesus invites lukewarm believers to repent, seek Him, and reignite their passion for faith. Many people experience spiritual renewal when they surrender fully to Christ again.
A Call to Spiritual Passion
Revelation 3:16 is a powerful warning against spiritual complacency. Jesus desires passionate, devoted followers, not people who are comfortable but disconnected from true faith.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Lukewarm faith is spiritually dangerous-it leads to complacency and self-reliance.
✅ Jesus rebuked the Laodiceans because He loved them and wanted them to repent.
✅ True faith requires passion, dependence on God, and a willingness to grow spiritually.
✅ Every believer must examine their heart and seek renewal when necessary.
Jesus’ message to Laodicea is a wake-up call to all believers: Stay spiritually alive, pursue a deep relationship with God, and never settle for lukewarm faith.