12/31/17 “THE CURE FOR LAODICEANISM” – Pastor Shane Idleman

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Complete Sermon Notes

The Cure For Laodiceanism

Rev. 3:14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:

Jesus was not created but was the Creator. “In [Jesus Christ] all things were created: . . . all things have been created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16). Thomas said, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28).

“Beginning” can also mean “origin” – all things originated with Jesus.

Intro: I don’t want anyone leaving defeated – God reveals to heal.

THE CURE … FOR APATHY, COMPLACENCY, AND SPIRITUAL LAZINESS

Prone to Wander – comfort and luxury leads to complacency.
Lukewarm has its place – but not in spiritual matters.
The Devil has a Plan for your life – to be lukewarm.

15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Personally, I believe that hot and cold are both good traits. Iced Tea or Hot?

Fire describes passion & power & Cold water refreshes and nourishes. Our character is pleasing to God verses nauseating.

Another view says, “If you’re cold, at least we know where you stand.”

LUKEWARM = Many of the same signs as an unbeliever – the difference is what are they hungry for? Tanner vs. Tommy

Laodiceans – “If it’s good as they say, I might stay until Sunday.”

It’s the death of conviction and the rise of unfaithfulness – Hosea 6:4 – What shall I do with you…For your loyalty is like a morning cloud and like the dew which goes away early.

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They are deceived [COOKING FROG]: 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

Wealth in and of itself is never a mark of blessing.
Health in an of itself is never a mark of blessing.
In need of nothing is never a mark of blessing – a dangerous spot to be.

How do you buy from God? You invest into the relationship. Turn affections away from gold, riches, comfort, and ease.

This is why worship mornings & prayer meetings lack attendance – the laodicean mentality – “I’m not in need; I’m seeking comfort and ease.”
God counsels but doesn’t force.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

If a sermon rebukes you, don’t run from the heat.
“You’re zealous for everything else – be zealous for Me!”

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 dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame 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.”

The context supports a call to lukewarm believers – waiting patiently – knocking – trying to get your attention.
Dining is deeper fellowship – communion with Him. When you had guests over, did they stay on the porch?
Another call – the final call – to overcome and hear His voice.

What is the cure for Laodiceanism? Remove the lukewarmness

It begins with repentance.
Prayer and Fasting fuel the flames and refresh and renew

* If Jesus said to do something and we don’t, will it hinder growth and progress?

“WHEN YOU FAST”: Jesus needed it; we need it.

The spirit is omnipresent but the power is omni-conditional.

Fasting puts handcuffs on the flesh – its restrains it.
It’s no surprise we don’t fast – we don’t teach self denial. To deny yourself to seek God is old school. Fullness of the flesh means leanness in the Spirit – no appetite for spiritual things.
“As they prayed and fasted” the Holy Spirit said.

Alan Redpath – “There is no movement forward in the realm of the spiritual unless there is a denying of something in the physical.”

This is why you don’t pray with your spouse – this is why you’d rather watch grass grow…lukewarmness have replaced zeal and passion.

“WHEN YOU PRAY’: “The price of prayerlessness far exceeds the price of prayer.”

In David McIntyre’s book, The Hidden Life of Prayer, he made the following point, “You need a quiet place, a quiet hour, and a quiet heart.”

“We wrestle not against flesh and blood” – This is wrestling with no rules. Picture the gladiators. You fight until you die.

The devil is not sympathetic – he doesn’t back down, he speeds up – PRAY!!

“He knows that an hour of heart-wrenching prayer can pull down his plans and schemes that have been months in the making.”

Spark Prayer to Reignite Passion –

E.M. Bounds, who was born in 1835, began his three-hour prayer routine at 4am.
Edward Payson, who ministered during the II Great Awakening, wore grooves…
John Hyde who left for the mission field in 1892 stayed on his face before God…
William Bramwell, a powerful Methodist circuit rider, often spent hours a day…
Adonia Judson attributed his success in Burma as a missionary to a life of prayer.
Amy Carmichael served in India for 55 years without furlough.
George Mueller who never asked for a dime, petitioned God…
John Fletcher, one of the leaders of the Methodist movement, stained the walls of his room with the breath of his prayers until his death in 1785.