Ep 490 – Revelation 3:14-22

Self-sufficiency isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it can lead to an attitude of independence and result in an unhealthy dose of pride. It is especially dangerous for believers, because we are meant to find our strength in Christ, not ourselves. It is when we become self-confident and seemingly autonomous, that we run into problems in the Christian life. And Jesus had some strong words to say to the final church on His list. This time, He is addressing a church that seems to have it all. In Revelation 3:14-22, John records the words of Jesus to the church in Laodicea. They were a relatively wealthy congregation who evidently saw themselves as relatively self-sufficient and in need of nothing. They had gotten cocky. Unlike some of the other fellowships, they weren't having to deal with persecution or financial difficulties. Jesus accuses them of thinking too highly of themselves, claiming to be rich, prosperous, and in need of nothing. But they were actually blind to their true spiritual condition. And their blind spot had resulted in their inability to see their tremendous need for what Jesus had to offer. They were sick and didn't even know it. They were measuring themselves by the wrong standard and drawing the wrong conclusions. But Jesus loved them enough to tell them the truth. And just as He had with all the other churches, Jesus lets this congregation know that He wants them to repent and recommit themselves to Him. They could still be conquerors, but only if they confessed their self-sufficiency and turned to Him in total dependency.