Hot, Cold or Lukewarm?

[EricH]

Thanks to all who supplied the history behind the church of Laodecia and the usage of the terms "hot", "cold" and "lukewarm." I think that really adds value to the discussion and gives fresh insight into the meaning behind the passage. And, I thank you all for your candid approach to the subject of "lukewarmness," too. You have helped me gain insight into the meaning of the word and to what it means to be "hot" for God versus being "lukewarm" without getting legalistic about it. Yes, this should never be turned into a list of rules to follow, but obedience to God is certainly central and there are many, many passages in scripture that teach us how we must behave, how we must treat other people, etc.

Would it be safe to say that being "hot" for God is to walk in fellowship with him daily and to walk in obedience to his commands? And, "lukewarmness" could possibly be characterized by a lack of connection to the "vine" and perhaps a very casual approach to Christianity? Without getting legalistic and coming up with a bunch of rules, I still would like to hear some other opinions on how a life that is "hot" for God would be characterized by how we live our lives versus a life that is "lukewarm." On a more personal level, what should change in your life if you are to go from "lukewarmness" to being "hot" for God?

I think the safest place to land, is that part of what it means to live a Spirit filled life is to have an impact on culture. To be like the hot springs is akin to being salt. It heals and preserves. Just like the hot springs at Laodicea. To be like the cold springs is to give Spiritual refreshment. We do that by sharing the gospel and showing them that Jesus' burden is light and refreshing. To be Lukewarm is to be like the springs that were full of poison. We do that when we are disobedient to God's calling on the church to impact the culture around us in such a way that they "see our good works, and glorify our father who is in heaven".

[st. Worm]

"I think we have to be careful that we don't write off scripture as not being relevant to us because it was written to a specific group of people."

Did not say it was irrelevent friend. The warning to that church should be heeded by all churches at least in a sense. However it was still directed to a particular situation and church. Interpreting the Bible requires discernment and judgment. While all Scripture is true, not all is applicable to all persons and generations at all times. Or perhaps you continue to perform sacrifices of bulls and goats at your church and stone adulturers or those who don't properly respect the Sabboth?

[Guest shiloh357]

"I think we have to be careful that we don't write off scripture as not being relevant to us because it was written to a specific group of people."

Did not say it was irrelevent friend. The warning to that church should be heeded by all churches at least in a sense. However it was still directed to a particular situation and church. Interpreting the Bible requires discernment and judgment. While all Scripture is true, not all is applicable to all persons and generations at all times. Or perhaps you continue to perform sacrifices of bulls and goats at your church and stone adulturers or those who don't properly respect the Sabboth?

It is the spiritual principles we are applying here. If we are making a false application, why don't you demonstrate such?

[Kabowd]

Thanks to all who supplied the history behind the church of Laodecia and the usage of the terms "hot", "cold" and "lukewarm." I think that really adds value to the discussion and gives fresh insight into the meaning behind the passage. And, I thank you all for your candid approach to the subject of "lukewarmness," too. You have helped me gain insight into the meaning of the word and to what it means to be "hot" for God versus being "lukewarm" without getting legalistic about it. Yes, this should never be turned into a list of rules to follow, but obedience to God is certainly central and there are many, many passages in scripture that teach us how we must behave, how we must treat other people, etc.

Would it be safe to say that being "hot" for God is to walk in fellowship with him daily and to walk in obedience to his commands? And, "lukewarmness" could possibly be characterized by a lack of connection to the "vine" and perhaps a very casual approach to Christianity? Without getting legalistic and coming up with a bunch of rules, I still would like to hear some other opinions on how a life that is "hot" for God would be characterized by how we live our lives versus a life that is "lukewarm." On a more personal level, what should change in your life if you are to go from "lukewarmness" to being "hot" for God?

If we go according to the explaination shiloh gave us, no it wouldn't. Being "hot" and "cold" are both useful. For some reason though, modern christianity wants to associate "hot" as the only beneficial place to be. While "cold" is considered bad or useless. I like what nebula, EricH and shiloh have said. There are benefits to being hot and cold. Lukewarm is what we should avoid. Which, I also agree, is typically being apathetic....which alot of churches are these days.

[Gerioke]

I believe HOT christians are the ones who devote most of their time in fellowship, praying, worshipping, and/or witnessing with enthusiasm .Luke warm christians are the ones who devote most of their time seeking self fulfillment while going to church on Sundays to give a good appearance. They spend more time watching TV or other recreational activities than they do working for God.

Cold christians, to me, are the ones who say they believe in God and Jesus was a great man/prophet and they give other religions the same importance as the sacrifice our Lord made.

I would unfortunately fall into the second category and this worries me.

I could be way off base with my outlook but Jesus said the road is narrow and I seem to be on a 4 lane hiway right now.

[st. Worm]

"If we are making a false application, why don't you demonstrate such?"

Because I have no idea what application you are really making.

[st. Worm]

"I would unfortunately fall into the second category and this worries me."

"I could be way off base with my outlook but Jesus said the road is narrow and I seem to be on a 4 lane hiway right now."

Fear not dear soul. Consider the words of the Lutheran confessions which define the worthy communicant. To paraphase, those who are weak of faith, who are troubled by the number and magnitude of their sins, who truly desire to be more obedient Christians, THESE are the truly worth communicants and indeed the marks of the true believer!

[Guest shiloh357]

Cold christians, to me, are the ones who say they believe in God and Jesus was a great man/prophet and they give other religions the same importance as the sacrifice our Lord made.

I would unfortunately fall into the second category and this worries me.

Geri, Jesus said, "I wish you were either hot or cold." If "cold" meant what you are saying, why would Jesus say he wants you hot or cold?? It is the "lukewarm" that he hates. "Cold water" refers to that which is refreshing, edifying, encouraging." Cold water is not "bad."

The people you are describing who ascribe Jesus as a prophet on par with other religious figures would not be a Christian, and would therefore not be included in this description.

Are you saying that Jesus is no more important than Buddha, Or Hinduism?? Are you saying that Jesus is a great man, but you don't believe he is the Son of God, but just a prophet?

[Guest shiloh357]

"If we are making a false application, why don't you demonstrate such?"

Because I have no idea what application you are really making.

We are making the application based upon the hot and cold metaphor the Lord uses, which the Laodiceans would have picked upon immediately given their need to have water piped into them. They would have understood why lukewarmness was something repulsive to the Lord.

[Kabowd]

Cold christians, to me, are the ones who say they believe in God and Jesus was a great man/prophet and they give other religions the same importance as the sacrifice our Lord made.

I would unfortunately fall into the second category and this worries me.

Geri, Jesus said, "I wish you were either hot or cold." If "cold" meant what you are saying, why would Jesus say he wants you hot or cold?? It is the "lukewarm" that he hates. "Cold water" refers to that which is refreshing, edifying, encouraging." Cold water is not "bad."

The people you are describing who ascribe Jesus as a prophet on par with other religious figures would not be a Christian, and would therefore not be included in this description.

Are you saying that Jesus is no more important than Buddha, Or Hinduism?? Are you saying that Jesus is a great man, but you don't believe he is the Son of God, but just a prophet?

It doesn't seem to matter whether you show someone what proper interpretation of Scripture is or not. I'm beginning to think that people just don't want to know the truth. They'd rather cling to tradition and what they've been taught, because it's familiar I suppose. It's very discouraging. What happened to people who didn't believe everything they were fed? Where are the believers who test things, question and apply logic and reason to faith? Why do christians these days hold analogies, acronyms, bumper sticker theology and cute little sayings over what the Scripture actually teaches? Grrrr....