Home Group Study, Sermon Date: 13 April 2018

Text: Revelation 3:14-22

Opening Discussion: There was a time when we said that certain things were sinful. Looking at the theme of faith being ‘lukewarm’, can you think of some examples where society and the church has compromised and tolerated sins which they never did 30 years ago?

Observation

What does God’s word say?

• Key words help us to better understand the verses. Below is a list of key words. Mark each one in a distinctive way in your Bible (either with a symbol, highlighting, or some form of boxing, circling, or underlining). Mark each of the key words each time they are used in the text. Remember to mark any personal pronouns that refer to the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Key Words: God/Father, Jesus, (Holy) Spirit, and overcomes.
•  What do the verses above (from the keywords)reveal about the character and purposes of Jesus?

•  Which phrases reveal:

1. The attitudes Jesus was displeased with
2. The correction Jesus called for
3. The consequences of not changing
4. The promise made to anyone who hears Jesus’ voice and opens the door ie; the promise to him who overcomes.

Read: Matthew 6:19-34

Is there a connection between worldliness and lukewarmness? Discuss your observations from Matthew 6:19-34.

Meaning

What does God’s word mean?

The people of Laodicea were extremely prosperous and comfortable, which negatively affected the church. From the context of this letter it is apparent that the church had become to dependant on their bank account which was one of the major causes of her spiritual bankruptcy. This local church had become self-assured and self-satisfied. And, as a result she became largely irrelevant in God’s Great Commission. Rather than these believers affecting society for the glory of Christ, the surrounding culture had conquered her. The local church of Laodicea was sorely in need of reformation, and yet in her self-righteousness she did not even realize it.

Read: Matthew 14:44-46

These two parables, teach us that God should be more important to us than anything else in the world. Are there things - have there been things, that you (have) value(d) more than God? Help the group understand how these things can lead you to pursuing the things of the world rather than the kingdom of God.

Application

How must I change?

• Is there a Truth to be believed?

Do you believe that God is sufficient for all your needs? How would a believer act if they did not believe God was sufficient? (Philippians 4:19-20)                                       

• Is there an Attitude to be fostered?

What excuses can people use to not share the gospel? What change of attitude do you think needs to take place in order to become more intentional with our Christian witness?

• Is there a Behavior to be changed?

How is your Christianity having an impact in your home, in your work place, in your school, in your community?

Closing Prayer:  

• Ask the Lord to transform our walk with Him by purifying us.
• Pray that the Lord would humble us so we would look to Christ alone as the source of our righteousness, and make us effective in reaching the lost world around us.
• Ask God for eyes to see the value of the kingdom. Pray that love for the things of this world will be very small in comparison for love for the things of God.