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By Martha Mac / SO4J.com ® / SO4J-TV & Video Productions
Lukewarm Christians - What is a Lukewarm Christian? What Do they Look, Talk, and Act Like? How Do You Know If You Are a Lukewarm Christian? Rev 3:14-22
There is no such thing as a "Lukewarm Christian" (so to speak), but for the sake of getting to the point of WHAT and WHO Jesus was addressing when he spoke to the Church of Laodicea in Rev 3:14-20, he was talking to a Church of people who thought they were Biblically Saved, when in reality they were obviously not. We will refer to the Term Lukewarm Christians in these SO4J Bible Studies on what it means to be a Lukewarm Christian.
SO4J-TV understands that Christians are not perfect— and they still Sin (1 John 2:1, 1 Cor 3:1-15), but we want to reach out to those people who call themselves Christians, and yet use the Grace of God as a License to Sin (Rom 6:1-23,15-16, 1 John 3:8-10). We need to to Examine our Faith, and make sure we are Biblically Saved (2 Cor 13:5) & ready to face Jesus on Judgment Day. That is what this Bible Study aims to do, to help us to Examine our Faith with the Scriptures.
We will not be going in depth in this Bible Teaching about the "Church of Laodicea" (that is who Jesus is talking to in Rev 3:14-22), so if you would like to read more about that go to:
- Lukewarm Christian Laodicea Church - Part 4
When you're done reading this Bible Study check out SO4J's Test called:
- Lukewarm Christian Test - 10 Questions to help you to Examine Your Faith - Part 2
Lukewarm Christians on Judgment Day - Matt 7:21-23 |
VIDEO BY SO4J-TV— RE: LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS ON JUDGMENT DAY (Video Portrayal of Matt 7:21-23)
This Video is a 10 Min Segment of a One Hour SO4J-TV Show: Judgment Day-Are You Ready?
Lukewarm Christians are UNSAVED People who: THINK, TALK, LOOK like they are Saved.
FYI - These Are NOT Genuinely Saved Christians portrayed in this Video— as they were NEVER Saved in the First Place. In Matt 7:21-23 Jesus says, "I NEVER KNEW you, Depart From Me, You Who Practice Lawlessness (Break God’s Laws)."
Matt 7:21-23 Jesus warns, "Not everyone who calls out to Me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually DO the Will of My Father in Heaven will enter. "On Judgment Day MANY will say to Me 'Lord! Lord! We Prophesied, Cast out demons, and Performed many Miracles in Your Name.' But I will reply, 'I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God's Laws."
A Lukewarm "Christian" is an UNSAVED Person who THINKS they are Saved. They are someone who is Indifferent, and Half-hearted about Jesus. They are what the Bible calls, CARNAL. The Word "Carnal" is from a Greek Word "sarkikos", which means "Fleshly," or you could say Worldly.
A Lukewarm Carnal "Christian" is not Sold Out For Jesus "SO4J" as Jesus commands us to be in Mark 12:30-31, Matt 10:37-39, Rev 3:15-20, etc. They Compromise with the World— they have One Foot in the World, and One Foot in God's Word (Rom 12:2). They call themselves a Born Again Christian (John 3:3, 2 Cor 5:17), but they deceive themselves (2 Tim 3:13). Most Lukewarmers LOOK, ACT, AND TALK just like the World, and they are bearing NO Good "FRUIT" for Jesus— John 15:8, Matt 13:36-40, Matt 25:13-40, John 15:2-8 yet they call themselves Christians (Mark 7:6-9). Lukewarm people do NOT OBEY JESUS, God's Word, or God's Commandments. 1 John 2:3-6; 2 Thess 1:7-9; Rom 2:6-10; John 14:15; Luke 6:46-49; Rev 2:26; Matt 5:19; Eccl 12:13-1.
To be Lukewarm can also be called APOSTASY as well. APOSTASY is a REJECTION or DESERTION from FAITH in JESUS & GOD'S WORD. It's where people HEAR & RESPOND to the Gospel by making a "DECISION FOR CHRIST" or "PROFESSION OF FAITH" (like Judas did). They come to the Edge of Saving Faith— but they eventually REJECT or WALK AWAY from the Truth when Tested with the CARES & LURES of this Life, PROBLEMS (Matt 13:19,21,22) etc. A False Convert named Demas in the New Testament is a Good Example of that. Demas started off with a "DECISION FOR CHRIST" & even became a Fellow Laborer with the Apostle Paul, Mark, and Luke in Philemon 1:23-24. Paul mentions DEMAS in a letter:
• Philemon 1:23-24 "Epaphras, my Fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, DEMAS, Luke, MY FELLOW LABORERS." On the outward Demas LOOKED like was Saved.
However, as Time went on, DEMAS’ FAITH IN GOD’S WORD WAS TESTED— He was Tested with the “Cares of this World” (Matt 13:22) that Satan & this World offers us.
• 2 Tim 4:10 "..DEMAS has FORSAKEN ME, having LOVED this PRESENT WORLD..."
DEMAS did NOT ENDURE & STAND FIRM IN GOD’S WORD when Tested with these Cares, Trials, etc. He was a FALSE CONVERT (from what we can tell in scripture)— A Person who Appeared outwardly to be a Believer— even came to the Edge of Saving Faith, but did not endure (Matt 10:22). Paul not only mentions DEMAS in 2 TIMOTHY…he NAMES THE NAMES of 8 PEOPLE in 2 TIMOTHY (including Demas) who walked away, Deserted the Lord, or are Doing much Harm…etc.. We list the 8 here on this page: Judging Ohers— Should Christians Judge? He is one of the MANY that Jesus warned us about on JUDGMENT DAY (Matt 7:21-23) that will PERISH. He was a mere FALSE CONVERT— a THORNY, ROCKY, HARD GROUND HEARER of the PARABLE OF THE SOWER in: Matt 13:3-23, Mark 4:3-20, Luke 8:5-15.
Jesus warns too that "MANY" people will PERISH, and FEW (Percentage wise) Truly become Born Again— Matt 7:13-14, Matt 7:21-23, Luke 13:23-30, Matt 22:14, Phil 3:18-19.
One of the Reasons people DO NOT TRULY COME TO CHRIST is they LOVE & HOLD onto their DEEDS OF DARKNESS & THIS LIFE MORE than wanting to come to the Light (Jesus)…and they don't BELIEVE GOD’S WORD— nor do they Truly FEAR GOD.
• John 3:19 “And the JUDGMENT is based on this fact: God’s LIGHT (JESUS) came into the WORLD, but people LOVED the DARKNESS MORE than the LIGHT, for their ACTIONS WERE EVIL.”
Lukewarm Church of Laodicea - Rev 3:14-22 |
Rev 3:14-22 Jesus says, “Write this letter to the Angel of the Church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the Faithful and True Witness, the beginning of God’s new creation: I know ALL the things you DO, that you are neither HOT nor COLD. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like LUKEWARM WATER (BAD WATER), neither Hot nor Cold (GOOD WATER), I WILL SPIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH! (Perish in Hell) You say, ‘I AM RICH. I HAVE EVERYTHING I WANT. I DON'T NEED A THING!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy WHITE GARMENTS from Me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I CORRECT AND DISCIPLINE EVERYONE I LOVE. SO BE DELIGENT AND TURN FROM YOUR INDIFFERENCE. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as Friends. Those who are VICTORIOUS (over sin) will sit with Me on My Throne, just as I was VICTORIOUS and sat with my Father on His Throne. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches.”
Like Lukewarm Water that has been sitting out for weeks gathering fungus, etc. Lukewarm Christians are Stagnant too— and Unproductive for Jesus, full of Indifference to being Obedient to God's Word (John 14:15). There is no Life.
Jesus says He is "Living Water"— and the opposite of Living Waters is Dead Water.
Jesus talks about LIVING WATER when He sat alone next to a Water Well. A Samaritan woman came to draw Water from this Well. Jesus asked her for a Drink of Water...she replied, and he said to her:
Lukewarm Water, on the other hand, appears to start out Hot or Cold (Good Water), but when left to itself it becomes Lukewarm, Stagnant, & Unusable— just like what happens to Lukewarm Christians. Lukewarm Christians also can start out "Good" (so to speak)— they Accept & Receive God's Word with Joy, but when later Tested with the Storms & Cares of this Life, their Faith & Obedience to God's Word Fizzles.
Read More: Parable of the Sower (Matt 13:3-23, Mark 4:3-20, Luke 8:5-15, Matt 13:37-43)
"Faith that Fizzles & Fails Before the Finish Line is Not a Saving Faith"
Lukewarm Christians can appear to Look Alive, Busy, and Productive for Jesus in the Church, but Jesus sees something totally different (they are deceived by Satan - Rev 12:9). Jesus sees that they are DEAD, and they will Perish unless they, in His Words, "Repent & Turn to Me again".
In Rev 3:14-22 (Re: The Church of Laodicea), Jesus talks about how He wishes that the Church of Laodicea (which is also a warning to us in the Church too) were "Hot or Cold", but if you are like Lukewarm Water "I will Spit (vomit) you out of My Mouth".
Rev 3:15-16 Jesus says, “I know ALL the things you DO, that you are neither HOT nor COLD. I wish that you were one or the other (HOT OR COLD)! But since you are like LUKEWARM WATER (BAD WATER), neither Hot nor Cold (GOOD WATER), I WILL SPIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH! (Perish in Hell)"
There are Two Main Interpretations of this Scripture for what Hot or Cold means. Here are the Two Main Interpretations of Hot & Cold vs being Lukewarm, I believe the *Second Interpretation below is what Jesus is talking about:
1st Interpretation
COLD Water represents being an UNSAVED PERSON— If you are "Cold" towards Jesus than at least you have a NEED for Warmth—a need for Jesus, and this is seen as being "Good". HOT represents being a SAVED Person who is "ON FIRE for Jesus" (so to speak)...and this is also seen as being Good too. Lukewarm Water here represents being Stagnant & Bad. |
I personally believe that Jesus was actually referring to Hot & Cold vs Lukewarm like this below Second Interpretation:
*2nd Interpretation
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We are NOT saved by our "Good Works", but we PROVE that we are Saved BY Are Our Works.
See the Bible Study on: IS OBEDIENCE TO JESUS NECESSARY FOR SALVATION?
If you are Not Producing Good Fruit, you will Prove to be a False Convert or Unsaved, and you will Perish.
Faith comes from: Hearing God's Word (Rom 10:17), then you Believe it (Heb 11:6), and then you Faithfully Obey it (John 14:15, 21, 24, James 2:14-20).
Like Jesus, we are to Overcome Sin & Temptation through Christ & God's Word. (Luke 4:4, Matt 4:4)
8 Scripture Promises from Jesus (in Revelation) for those Believers who Overcome Sin thru Christ: Rev 2:7, Rev 2:11, Rev 2:17, Rev 2:26, Rev 3:5, Rev 3:12, Rev 3:21, Rev 21:7
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AUDIO— True & False Conversion - Ray Comfort - MP3 FOR MORE GO TO: BIBLICAL EVANGELISM |
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Jesus is always talking about True & False Conversion in His Parables, and in God's Word (i.e. Good vs Bad such as the: Narrow Gate (Saved) vs Wide Gate (Unsaved), Solid Rock (Saved) vs Sinking Sand (Unsaved), Wheat (Saved) vs Weeds (Unsaved) etc.
Here are some "True & False Conversion" (Good vs Bad) Examples from God's Word:
See the SO4J Bible Study called: TOP 10 WAYS UNSAVED PEOPLE THINK THEY'RE SAVED
Because the Lukewarm Church is seen as being Bad Fruit, Bad Fish, Bad Water....Jesus is going to Spit or ("Vomit" in the Greek) the Lukewarm Church out of His "Body" (the Body of Christ).
They are on the Broad Path, Foolish, Bearing No Fruit, Bad Soil— wrong attitude that is not Humble, and not Obedient to God's Word. Once again, we are not saved by "Works", but we Prove we are Saved by our Works.
Many Lukewarmers Love, Approve Of, and "Wink At" what God Hates. THEY MINIMIZE THEIR SIN. MOST Lukewarmers do not understand the HOLINESS of God, and/or they simply choose to NOT OBEY GOD'S WORD.
They PRACTICE SIN, and do not understand the Seriousness and Consequences for Continual Sin.
All of God's Word should be taken Seriously and Obeyed— not in a legalistic way, but in a way that pleases the Lord because of our Great Love for Jesus. (John 14:15,21,24, John 15:10,14, John 8:31)
Many Lukewarmers can also APPEAR to look like they are really "GOOD" people, and in MANY cases you cannot tell a True Believer from the False Convert (Saved or Self-Deceived? Re: Matt 7:21-29).
They LOVE THIS LIFE (they love family, pleasures, etc.) MORE than they love Jesus.
Lukewarm Christians consistently make their: Family, Friends, Homes, Jobs, Pleasures of this Life, etc. MORE important than Jesus.
The Outside Appearance of a Lukewarm Christian can look the Same as a True Repentant Believer— it's the Foundation of their Character, and Obedience to Jesus that is Different.
The Only way one can tell a True Believer from a False Convert is: Do They Obey God's Word? (Luke 6:46) Obedience to God's Word out of a Love for Jesus (John 14:15).
Otherwise they are Merely Thorny Ground, Rocky, and/or Hard Ground Hearer - Described by Jesus in the Parable of the Sower (Re: True & False Conversion). |
Lukewarm Christians can Appear Outwardly Godly & Appear Very Spiritual
Some Lukewarm "Christians" Appear Outwardly Godly and Very Spiritual.
They might TALK & LOOK just like a Christian by VERBALLY PROFESSING JESUS AS THEIR "LORD", Performing "Signs & Wonders", Prophesying, Praying, and doing Good Deeds— but in reality they Deny, Reject, and Resist the True Gospel that could Save them from Hell. (A True Believer is to do Good Deeds...but we're talking people who are trying to Earn their Salvation thru doing Good Deeds, much like the Pharisees).
If and when a Lukewarm Christian talks about Jesus with the World, it is a HALF-HEARTED WARM & FUZZY "gospel" that "tickles people's ears" (2 Tim 4:3-5). Their Teaching merely makes people FEEL GOOD about themselves— Temporarily— for this life. Many Preach the SELF-ESTEEM "gospel" (like Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Robert Schuller, and many others). Their Heretical Preaching (a departure from the Core Beliefs and Teachings in the Word of God) is never too Convicting, because it's usually TALK that builds up a: Church, a Person, or an Organization and/or Ministry, and NOT a Message of which Jesus preached about (John 16:8-11); and what God's Word exhorts and warns us about which is: Repentance (Acts 17:30-31), Sin, God's Righteousness, Holiness, Coming Judgment,Obeying Jesus & God's Word— or a warning of Eternal Hell (which is all over God's Word).
Can you imagine hearing John the Baptist, Noah, Peter, or Paul Preaching sermons like: Discover Your Self-Confidence, or Let's Feel Good About Ourselves: God's Way to the Good Life, or how about: Self-Love: the Dynamic Force of Success...? These are the actual Book Titles of "Christian" Author Robert Schuller! Jesus never preached such heresy! This is all contrary to God's Word.
Or could you imagine seeing your Neighbor's House starting on Fire, and instead of going over to warn the people in the house to get out, you ask the people who own the home, "Can we mow your lawn?" That's not love at all— in this case. Instead you would hopefully do whatever you could do to Save those in this home from certain death. God sent his only Son as a living Sacrifice, to Die a Torturous death in order to save us. Now that IS Love. One of the most LOVING things we can ever do for someone is to tell them the True Terms of the Gospel, which is what will Save them, which is: "Repentance—along with having Faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21; Acts 17:30-31) A turning from Sin (Matt 4:17, Acts 2:38) to a life of Holiness (1 Cor 5:17, 1 Pet 1:14-17; John 3:3)
Many Lukewarm Churches and people simply do not want to "OFFEND" anyone, for fear of "turning people off", yet Jesus clearly offended MANY people (John 6:60-70; Matt 10:34-39), and so did Paul; people thought Paul was Crazy (Acts 26:24). MANY people were Offended by Jesus' Teachings (John 10:19-20), and MANY of His Disciples (not the 12), turned Away from Jesus & Deserted Him (John 6:60-68), as His messages were too hard they said. Jesus was later Crucified when He Died for our Sins. Many of the early N.T. Followers of Jesus like: Peter, Paul, John the Baptist, etc. were Arrested & Persecuted by being: Beaten with Rods, Whipped, Stoned to Death, Tortured, Thrown in Prison, Sawed in Half, Beheaded (2 Cor 11:23-31, Heb 11:33-40), etc. Jesus says that if you are going to be a Follower of His you too WILL Suffer Persecution (Matt 24:8-14, John 15:20). Your Families will be: Offended with you, and there will be Division in Families (Mother against Daughter, Father against Son) when the True Gospel is Preached Matt 10:32-39, Luke 12:49-53. Jesus tells us if we're going to be a Disciple of His we too will have to "Pick up our Cross Daily & Follow Him" Luke 9:23-26.
Lukewarm People do not Obey God's Word (1 John 2:3-6). They practice Sin in their THOUGHT LIFE (Mark 7:20-23) and in their Heart, etc. They are Deceived, and according to Jesus, because they are Lukewarm (Rev 3:15-20), they will be "spit out of His Mouth" (Perish in Hell). (2 Tim 3:1-5, Matt 7:21-23)
Many Lukewarm People live by their "Natural Sinful Nature" or by their Natural Instincts.
They do NOT RESIST SATAN by Humbly submitting to Jesus Christ (James 4:6-10), and then living an Obedient Life to God's Word. Because Lukewarm people live by their "Natural Man", they base their Salvation on their Feelings—they "FEEL" Saved or they are "SPIRITUAL". (Prov 14:12) They Rationalize and Judge themselves to be in right standing with Jesus because they go to Church, or are involved in some sort of Religious Activities. Once again, they deceive themselves by being led by their "Natural Man, Natural Instincts, or Feelings", and not being led by God's Word. (1 John 2:3-6)
MANY these days are being led astray from God's Word and Sound Doctrine because of Hearing Personal Words From God - Personal Prophecies. Many of these "Special Revelations & Words from God" are UNBIBLICAL and go Contrary to the Word of God— that is why we are seeing soo many False Teachings in the Christian Church, and Cults rising up in the World.
Take a look at this Statement that I came up with— I believe it's a good reminder to us—
"If What You Say, Think, or Do is Contrary To The Word of God, You Are Being Deceived!"sm
Rev 12:9 "Satan deceives the WHOLE WORLD."
Satan deceived people in Noah & Lots Days
(Luke 17:26-33,
Matt 24:37-39), and he is doing it in our day too (1 Tim 4:1, 2 Tim 4:3-4). Jesus clearly warned us about a Great Time of Deception that will come upon the Whole Earth, and it is here! (Matt 24:23-26, Mark 13:22) Do not underestimate Satan's power to lure you away from the Lord— for he wants you to doubt God's Word as he did with Adam & Eve. He wants to keep you from 100% Trust, Obedience, and Reliance ONLY to God's Word. Satan is the Great Deceiver, and the Father of Lies (John 8:44).
Many of these "SPECIAL WORDS FROM GOD" are merely people listening to their Conscience or Feelings about: themselves, a situation, or others. We can become our OWN PERSONAL FALSE PROPHET. We should be more focused on HEARING WORDS FROM GOD's WORD & OBEYING IT, than we are in hearing words that we THINK (not 100% positive because it is untested) are coming from God (Special Words, Visions, or Prophecies from others). These words are UNRELIABLE, where God's Word is always 1000% RELIABLE.
We don't need a NEW Word from God, we need THEE WORD OF GOD!
Re: Special Revelations, Hearing Voices & False Visits To Heaven & Hell— One well known Doctor told people that he died and went to Heaven, he wrote a Book on this (see Audio right below). He told people that Jesus talked to Him in Person, and that Jesus told him (the Doctor) that he wouldn't die until He (Jesus) came back to Earth. Well many people believed this man's claims of Dying and Talking to Jesus face to face. The man came off as soo credible. One reason they believed him is because he was warning people, and telling people that Jesus is Coming, etc. So in many people's minds they are thinking "Why shouldn't we believe this man? Who would lie about that?" Well this man has since Died— which totally proves in the end that his Visions of Heaven and talking to Jesus were FALSE. Many were deceived by this nice man. You can hear about this in the Audio below.
Re: 23 Minutes in Hell Book— There is another popular Book out called "23 Minutes in Hell" by Bill Wiese. Most people are believing his claims, because the Author is warning people of Hell (even using God's Word). The fact of the matter is that Satan is VERY SUBTLE. He has a way of getting people to focus on the EXPERIENCE...and to get us to also PROMOTE EXPERIENCE rather to be Promoting only God's Written Word. Satan's Job has ALWAYS been to TWIST GOD'S WORD & to get us to UNDERMINE GOD'S WORD. He will go to great lengths to deceive the many, and he starts in most movements subtly. In fact right now many of the websites that are promoting this book & video are also caught up in other people's false visions...angels,etc. Please understand,
I DO believe that there have been people who truly have Died and gone to Hell, etc, but he is not one of them... because the statements in his book do not line up fully with God's Word...even if it is warning people.
Below is an Audio that I recommend you listen to, that talks about much of what I just mentioned, and more. It is from Jan Markell's Radio Show from Olive Tree Ministries. She is talking with Pastor & Author Bob DeWaay— who speaks out against the many Deceptions in the Churches, and also these False Visits to Heaven & Hell.
AUDIO & ARTICLE
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When Satan Tempted & Tested Jesus, he Twisted God's Word to say what it did NOT say. What did Jesus do about Satan twisting Scripture, and his special words from God that he gave Jesus? Jesus quoted God's Word back at him:
God's Word is powerful to Save us, and Change lives. Trust in God's Word only, it will protect you from being led astray, and from becoming a UKEWARM & APOSTATE (a departure or falling away from Faith in God's Word).
MOST people are Lukewarm & Unsaved— and FEW EVER enter through what Jesus calls the Narrow Gate; FEW EVER walk what Jesus calls the Difficult Path (Matt 7:13-14) that leads to life.
Jesus died for the sins of the World, but Jesus tells us that the "World at Large" will not receive Him (John 14:22-24; John 14:17, John 1:10-12).
Our Next SO4J Bible Study in the Lukewarm Christian Series is:
For More Info on Lukewarm Christians go to:
Lukewarm Christians - What is a Lukewarm Christian? What do they Look, Talk, Act Like?- Part 1
Lukewarm Christians - Lukewarm Christian Test - 10 Questions - Part 2
Lukewarm Christians - Advice for Lukewarm Christians From Jesus - Part 3
Lukewarm Christians - Laodicea Church (Rev 3:14-22) - Advice from Jesus - Part 4
Lukewarm Christians - Examine Your Faith - 11 Biblical Tests of Genuine Salvation - Part 5
Lukewarm Christians - Todd Friel Article - Maybe Elvis Was Just a Carnal Christian - Part 6
Copyright © By Martha Mac / SO4J.com ® / SO4J-TV & Video Productions IT MUST BE REPRODUCED IN ITS ENTIRETY AND MAY NOT BE SOLD OR USED FOR PROFIT IN ANY WAY.
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