The Church at Laodicea

Opening question: If you could invite any famous person for dinner, whom would you ask? Why?

Let’s read about a church that Jesus spoke to 2000 years ago:

Revelation 3:14-22
14 This is what you must write to the angel of the church in Laodicea: I am the one called Amen! I am the faithful and true Witness and the Source of God's creation. Listen to what I say. 15 I know everything you have done, and you are not cold or hot. I wish you were either one or the other. 16 But since you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 You claim to be rich and successful and to have everything you need. But you don't know how bad off you are. You are pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. 18 Buy your gold from Me. It has been refined in a fire, and it will make you rich. Buy white clothes from Me. Wear them and you can cover up your shameful nakedness. Buy medicine for your eyes, so that you will be able to see. 19 I correct and punish everyone I love. So make up your minds to turn away from your sins. 20 Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together. 21 Everyone who wins the victory will sit with Me on My throne, just as I won the victory and sat with My Father on His throne. 22 If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says.”

Discussion questions:
1. How is Jesus described in these verses?
2. How did the church people in Laodicea feel about themselves? And how did God feel about this church?
3. What does it mean to be “lukewarm” about something?
4. What does Jesus tell the people to do in verse 18?
5. What do you think the words “gold” and “white” and “medicine” might be talking about?
6. What promises does Jesus give to those who listen to Him?
7. According to Jesus, what are true riches and success?