Sanctification is a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives.19 Imparted righteousness is applied imputed righteousness, or to put in simpler terms; sanctification is applied justification. Both Laodicea and Philadelphia served as gateways to the eastern region of Phrygia and as ambassadors for Greek culture. If I go to the store to purchase something, I exchange my money for the goods I wish to purchase. Laodicea on the Lycus, located at the crossroads of important trade routes, was once a prosperous city, famous for its black wool, banking services, and medical achievements. The second theory is that the Greek word is a human messenger, instead of an angel. Laodicea was also known as a center for the wool and dye trade. In addition, its wealth came from the production of a fine quality of famous glossy black woolwhether dyed or natural in color is not known. 3. 2019 by Steven P. Wickstrom, all rights reserved. He has given us Gods Word as a guide, help, and a weapon. Even Aristotle spoke of the medicines from Laodicea that supposedly helped with eyesight and hearing. Laodicea was a town in the Lycus River valley in present-day Turkey. With so much wealth pouring into Laodicea, one of the most noted banks in the Greek and Roman world was located there. Hot water is only effective while it is hot. Jesus wants you to be cold. "Laodicea had a famous school of medicine; and a special ointment known as "Phrygian powder," famous for its cure of eye defects, was either manufactured or distributed there, as were ear ointments also. After letting him ineffectively try to cover himself, God provided clothing for him. If anyone in the church hears Christ's voice and opens the door, he will come and dine with them. Its critical to keep in mind that Laodicea, who Jesus speaks to, is a church, a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ (Christians). Laodicea was a town in the Lycus River valley in present-day Turkey. God the Father sanctifies (1 Corinthians 1:30) by the Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2) and in the name of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). The Holy Spirit will come and show us the way out. For a faster response, please call us directly at 888-666-8135. Verse three follows with, Incline your ear and come unto Me. This messageas well as all of the othersis still important for Christians today. The Greek word for "witness" ( - martus) means "one who can or does aver what he has seen or heard or knows. 1 Peter 1:5-9 compares faith with refined gold. Jesus lived a life of humility. The Laodiceans were rich and self-sufficient, with no need for God to supply their needs. If were not doing things for the glory of God, then we are doing them for the wrong reason. Therefore be zealous and repent. Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. Call (626) 587-0033! Laodicea lies 40 miles southeast from Philadelphia in the Lycus Valley. John 1:3 (HSCB) says, All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. John 1:10 (HSCB) says, He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (HSCB) says, yet for us, there is one God, the Father. They are not getting people saved or healing the sick, or leading lives that are a pleasant taste and aroma to Christ. The great Roman road stretching to the inland of Asia from the coast at Ephesus ran straight through its center, making Laodicea an important center of trade and communication. It is a message of hope and victory. (Luke 9:23, Luke 14:26) It costs us something. What does it mean to be hot? Since Christ is referring to spitting something out of his mouth, the image of lukewarm wine comes to mind. Works, or deeds, are more than simply what we do; they are how we live. He was diligent and committed to the will of God the Father (John 4:34). Hydrotherapy for the sick became accompanied by religious practices in the local temples. Your time in the Word should be at a minimum, four times a week. valley. You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize them. ""To the angel of the church in Laodicea write the following: "This is the solemn pronouncement of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God's creation: 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. Laodicea was so conscious of its medical skill in the care of the eyes that it never realized that it was spiritually blind. They may have been well off economically, but they were poor in their relationship with God. About Laodicea (See Colossians 2:1; 4:13-16) . Additionally, it was the home of a medical school known for the treatment of eye problems, where it produced a famous eye salve. Before considering the significance of this term and the rest of the message from Christ, lets note a few things about Laodiceas history. The Greek used here, emesai, means to vomit. Jesus used scripture as a weapon. 3 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Lukewarm Church. The word for overcomes is the Greek word (nika), which means to be victorious.25 What does it mean to overcome, to to be victorious? The word amen is used thirty times in the Old Testament. Used by permission. As a man, Jesus also had this self-will and was tempted, but His firm resolve from the very start was, Not My will, but Yours! For us to overcome as He overcame, we need to make that same decision and faithfully stick to it, no matter what happens or how we feel. The act of hearing implied obedience. Many portions of the city remained unusable afterward. The residents of Laodicea would have also traveled up to Hierapolis to sit in the hot mineral baths. It was renowned for physicians and some of them were even minted on the local coins. What did we read in Isaiah 55:1-3? We're currently processing your request and we'll be in touch soon. God's discipline may be gentle persuasion to return to right behavior, or he may use punitive action if persuasion fails. As Jesus warned in His Olivet Prophecy, But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. EYESALVE i'-sav (kollourion; collyrium; Revelation 3:18 ): A Phrygian powder mentioned by Galen, for which the medical school of Laodicea seems to have been famous (see Ramsay, The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia), but the figurative reference is to the restoring of spiritual vision. Revelation 3:14-22. Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2. There are a couple of points that I need to make here that you might not have seen before. What is the time of need? Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothingand do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and nakedI counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. Perhaps the most famous ones they produced were an ointment for the ears (for a time produced only in Laodicea), and an eye salve made from Phrygian powder and oil. NPI number for Mrs Salve Aldea Pineda is 1669536868 and her . Those who do not have "ears to hear" are spiritually dead and cannot obey God until they respond to His work in their hearts (John 6:65; Romans 11:8). Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? He humbled Himself to the Father's will. Christs words showed them that He knew that the citizens of their city were wealthythey had at least twice declined the governments help to rebuild their city after an earthquake and had rebuilt it with their own funds. Why you are doing something is just as important, if not more so, than the works or deeds. God advises them to obtain spiritual riches produced through trials, which the self-sufficient Laodicean avoids by compromising. 15a I know your deeds. It was about 100 miles east of the port city of Ephesus. For all its wealth, the city had poor water (comments on Revelation 3:14-22). It doesnt matter if you sit on the hot side of the room, or the cold side of the room, dont sit in the lukewarm center. Rather this is the Creator of the Universe, adjuring those He loves to recognize and admit their spiritual emptiness and turn to Him for complete healing and righteousness. Chemicals such as cyanide solution or mercury are introduced to the gold to separate the gold from other metals. On the cross daily, they suffer and die. Laodicea is the seventh of the seven churches listed in the Book of Revelation. Cling to the Vine "I am the vine; you are the branches. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version ( 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.). Whats valuable both now and in eternity is what God cares about: treating people right, forgiveness, and loyalty (Matthew 23:23, Micah 6:8).Were meant to use possessions and love people, not love possessions and use people. 4. The ancient Greeks liked to drink hot water. The fact that he does call them friends shows that he expects them to get the spiritual priorities straightened out, and back on the right path. The sin in His nature had received its death sentence when He said, Your will be done, God. As disciples who follow Jesus, we must learn to hate the sin in our own life, deny ourselves, and take up our cross. They had somehow taken off the white clothing they received during salvation and stood naked before God. People went to Hieropolis from all over the empire to sit the large public baths, filled with hot mineral water. The city's reputation was for its money transactions and the good quality of raven-black wool grown in the area.1 The black wool, spun into dark yarn, was added to yarn dyed in other colors and made some very intricately patterned colored clothing, which sold for a high price in Rome. Laodicea was a church that had not overcome sin but rather been overcome by sin. 1. They were doing a lot of things (works and deeds). The ancient Greeks thought that only a barbarian would drink undiluted wine. If there had been a corresponding word in the Greek language, then amen could have been translated. Revelation 3:20. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:5-9 NASB). The first thing we need to look at is what it means to be cold. Jesus desires to come in, sit down at the table, and enjoy the food and company. It is important to understand that Jesus does not call just anyone his friend. The salve is responding to the work of God's Spirit as His word . 18cand eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. There is a difference between transliteration and translation. Are they so focused and preoccupied with prosperity that they cannot hear Christ's voice or hear his knock? Laodicea was a city located in what is today the nation of Turkey, then called Asia Minor, in a section of the Roman Empire called "Phrygia" (Acts 18:23). A 1,000-year-old Anglo-Saxon 'eye salve' made from onion, garlic, wine and part of a cow's stomach has been shown to wipe out 90 percent of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as MRSA. Near the temple of the special god associated with healing there was a market for trading all sorts of goods. What, or rather, who, are these angels? The word beginning (arch) could be translated as that by which anything begins to be, the origin, active cause.12 The New Testament scriptures are very clear about Christ's role in creation. 2. To be a cold Christian is to take care of needs, provide moral support, and genuinely care about people. There are several thoughts on who they are: (1) actual angels, (2) a human representative of them, i.e., the bishop of the church, (3) they are a personification of the church. Instead of looking to God to supply their every need, they look to their wealth instead. For us to purchase something from Christ, something is required. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 NASB. His entire life was a fulfillment of God's Word, and thereby, Gods will. If we pray for help as Jesus did, with humility and desperation to gain victory, then we will get help. Laodicea boasted of one of the most renowned medical schools in the world, and with it came all of its associated industries like pharmaceuticals. Please understand that this verse does NOT say that hot is good and cold is bad; they are both good. He was very careful about whom he called friend. Jesus never referred to anyone who was not his disciple as a friend. and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote that the Laodiceans had again refused aid from Rome following an earthquake that badly damaged the city in A.D. 60 (Annals, 14:27). In Gods eyes, anything not done for Him, has no value, no use, no purpose. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. 2. Instead of being victorious over temptation, temptation had been victorious over them. In Matthew 4:1-11, during Jesus' temptations, His reply always started with, it is written. But Jesus didnt only quote the Word; He had authority when He used Gods Word because He also lived by it. What I said was important! Those who have ears to hear allow the Word to bear fruit to the glory of God. Sign up to receive the week's latest articles, blog posts andupdates. To be a hot Christian could have several different meanings (or a combination of them) to the Laodiceans. What did Christ mean when He said He would spit them out of His mouth if they did not change? Mrs Salve Aldea Pineda, RPH is a Pharmacist based in Baldwin Park, California. You see Laodicea was a very wealthy city. Both churches were in a downward spiral of carnality. Colossae had been a major trade center on the trade route from Sardis to Konya and was famous for the dark red wool cloth that carried that its name, colossinum (also derived from the madder root). By knowing and obeying the Word of God, you will be trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. It is the ordinary daily trust of the Son of God (Galatians 2:20) by which we live and minister to others. His obedience was because, as a man, He had self-will that was in agreement with the Father's. Gods perspective of their condition was a stark contrast as to how they saw themselves. Whenever Christ says, He who has ears to hear, let him hear, He is calling for people to pay careful heed. The wine was almost always served either hot or warm, as the ancient Greeks had no efficient way to chill the wine. This suffering was not the physical suffering on the cross of Calvary. Setting wine flasks in hot water allowed the wine to heat to the desired temperature. "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. There are multiple lessons that we can learn from Christs message to Laodicea. He is the one who addressed the church at Laodicea. Copyright 2004 -, Transliteration of Amen From Hebrew to Greek to English. Thats pretty strong language. into Greek letters, and then into English letters. Eye salve in Laodicea The city of Laodicea was known for its extraordinary eye salve, as well as a medical school. You would probably spit it out at the first sip. Kris Udd In Revelation 3:18, God advises the church in Laodicea to purchase eye salve from him, "so that you may see." In the context this is clearly a metaphor for gaining spiritual sight and avoiding spiritual blindness, but the metaphor is based off of a well-known Roman practice. Our eternal perspective affects our earthly priorities. Verse 20 is not a salvation message for non-Christians; it is a warning to Christians. Keep in mind as you read about the Laodiceans that they are a church filled with Christians. The church is being called on to pay close attention and seek Gods wisdom concerning the written Word. The city of Laodicea was located between the cities of Hierapolis and Colossae. While many impurities are burned off in the furnace, other metals remain. Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothingand do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked (verse 17). It was the perfect water for drinking, cooking, or even bathing. Its another way of saying, Listen up! The focus of sanctification is the healing of the dysfunctionality of sin (it is imparted). In John 1:14, we read the astonishing words that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus could be described as the Word personified. Christ told the church (in verse 17) that they were blind, and in verse 18, they are instructed to purchase eye salve. The name is derived from two words: laos, meaning people and dike, meaning decision (Strongs Concordance). It is my opinion, therefore, that the angel is a symbol, or personification, of the church, rather than one of the heavenly angelic hosts. What they were doing wasnt being done for the glory of God. 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