Pursue wholehearted devotion!

I. Jesus warns us against lukewarm devotion!

* Our risen Lord deserves our wholehearted allegiance!

  1. "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:" (Revelation 3:14).
  2. "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing, and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked" (Revelation 3:15-17).

II. Jesus advises us to be zealous in devotion!

* Our risen Lord graciously offers His remedy for transformation!

  1. "I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see" (Revelation 3:18).
  2. "Ho! Every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy" Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. Incline your ear and come to Me. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David" (Isaiah 55:1-3).
  3. "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent" (Revelation 3:19).

III. Jesus invites us to personal intimate devotion!

* Our risen Lord welcomes repentant people into communion!

  1. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:20).
  2. "He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Revelation 3:21, 22).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, May 5th, 2024

Life group flow and discussion questions

"Pursue wholehearted devotion!"

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Keeping one another from becoming lukewarm in our devotion to Jesus needs to be a constant exhortation. How can your Life Group help prevent 'skimming with God' in one's devotional life?

Getting Started:

  1. Which of the seven letters in Revelation 2 & 3 challenges your spiritual walk with Jesus the most?
  2. Based on the seven different letters, what should characterize a vibrant, true, and healthy church?

Discussing Truths:

  1. What kind of church makes Jesus sick (Rev. 3:16)? What is the temperature of your devotion?
  2. Why is affluence often harder for someone to handle spiritually than dealing with poverty (Matthew 19:23-26)?
  3. How does the description of Jesus inspire devotion (Rev. 3:14; 2 Cor. 1:20; Jn. 3:11; Col. 1:15-17)?
  4. Are you clothed in Christ's righteousness as a pure white garment (Isa. 61:10; Phil. 3:9; Rev. 19:8)? How does one experience His righteousness?
  5. Can you recall a time when Jesus disciplined you because He loves you (Rev. 3:19; Heb. 12:6, 11)?
  6. How do you love people who are difficult to love? What can you do to have a loving mindset toward ALL people?
  7. Why do so many churches/Christians get distracted from the main thing (2 Cor. 11:3)?

Now What? Application:

  1. Who can you share the gospel message with this week and let them know that Jesus loves them and is knocking at their heart to enter by faith?
  2. How will you dedicate yourself to wholeheartedly worship and adore Jesus?