The Fear of The Lord

Revelation 3:14-22

““To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.””

Revelation 3:14-22 NIV

The Scripture, Revelation 3:14–15, addresses the church at Laodicea. The section beginning with “Be watchful,” “Strengthen,” and “Hold fast and repent” comes from Revelation 3:2–4, where

Jesus addresses the church at Laodicea and Sardis.

Sardis illustrates the danger of spiritual decline, while Laodicea illustrates the danger of spiritual complacency.

These churches provide two related but distinct warnings:

• Sardis — Revelation 3:1–6: A church with a reputation for being alive, yet spiritually dying.
• Laodicea — Revelation 3:14–22: A church that has become lukewarm and complacent.

The body of Christ is on the brink.

brink

/briNGk/

The noun brink means the literal edge of a steep place or cliff, or a critical point where a new, important, or dangerous event is about to happen. [1, 2, 3]

Key Definitions

• Literal edge: The top margin or border of a steep drop, cliff, or body of water (such as a riverbank).
• 
  
• Figurative point (The Verge): The exact moment just before a major change, often signaling danger, crisis, or a significant breakthrough. [1, 2, 3, 4]

1. The edge of neither being hot or cold.

Point 1 — The Danger of Spiritual Complacency

Revelation 3:14–17

Are we spiritually alive, or have we become comfortable with a faith that no longer challenges how we live?

Point 2 — Where Spiritual Renewal Begins

Revelation 3:2–4; 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Remember God's Word, strengthen what remains, hold fast, and repent. God calls His people to return to Him with sincere hearts.

Point 3 — The Fear of the Lord Changes How We Live

1 Thessalonians 4:1–2

“As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 NIV

Our reverence for God must influence our conduct, decisions, priorities, and private lives.

Point 4 — The Fear of the Lord Changes How We Pray and Serve

Matthew 6:5–6; Matthew 22:37–40

We seek God's presence rather than human recognition, and we serve Him by loving Him and our neighbors.

Point 5 — The Fear of the Lord Changes How We Treat People

Ephesians 4:17–32

“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:17-32 NIV

Unforgiveness, bitterness, anger, dishonesty, and harmful speech reveal areas where God wants to transform our hearts.

Conclusion — Return to a Life of Reverence

Revelation 3:19–20

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

Revelation 3:19-20

Jesus calls His people to repentance, renewed fellowship, and a life that honors Him.