7. Laodicea - Man`s Purposes.                                  (Rev. 3: 14 – 19)

Christ reveals Himself to this group as the Originator (Beginning) & the one who will Terminate all things, (Amen) plus the one who oversees all in between. It is His purposes that will prevail, not man`s.

                          `These things says the Amen, ......the Beginning of the creation of God.`

                                                                                                                            (Rev. 3: 14)

This group believe that by partnering with the world system they can transform & change the world bringing peace, hope & justice, through man`s efforts. This is shown by their name, which reveals their character & motives.

            Laodicea -  `Laos` - people,   & `dike` - justice,     meaning – the people`s justice.

This is spiritual adultery, joining with the world & not relying on the Lord.

                                        `....friendship with the world is enmity with God.`      (James 4: 4)

                        Friendship – from the Gk word, `philia`  friendship & `philos` friend, associate, partner

This group also look to the world for leadership techniques & business strategies, measuring their success by worldly standards.

                                `I am rich, have become wealthy, & have need of nothing.`

                                                                                                                            (Rev. 3: 17)

The Lord however chastises them quite severely saying that He sees them as -

                                           `wretched, miserable, poor, blind & naked -`

                                                                                                            (Rev. 3: 17)   

This group should have been a `Witness` to the world of the power of God to change people.

They should have been `faithful` to show that it is by His Spirit people are changed, & not by man`s efforts – promotions of organisations, entertainment, or big events etc.

They should have been `true` to God`s word declaring that He will judge the world, instead of saying that He is transforming it for the better.

The Lord  `the faithful & True Witness` then addresses their watered down witness or `lukewarmness.`  He tells them quite strongly, that unless they repent He will `vomit ` them out of His mouth.(Rev. 3: 16)  He then counsels them to know Him as their source -   

                               `buy from Me gold....white garments...& anoint your eyes...`

                                                                                                                    (Rev. 3: 18)  

Gold  -  Faith in Christ & not in man.    (1 Peter 1: 7)

White Garments -  Christ`s righteousness not man`s efforts.  (Titus 3: 5 & 6)

Anoint your eyes -  Insight by the Holy Spirit into Christ`s purposes, & not man`s purposes.

                                                                                                                                                    (John 16: 13)