THE THING ABOUT SELF DECEPTION is that you do not even know you are deceived. Lukewarmness was a condition of a deeper issue in Laodicea. Jesus says to the church,
“For YOU say, I am rich; I have prospered and grown wealthy, and I am in need of nothing; and you do not realize and understand that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:17 ”YOU SAY”. All commentaries on this Scripture say the same thing: the riches have a double meaning, Laodicea was rich, but the people say they have grown and increased in spiritual riches. In fact “Laodicea” means “the judgment of the people”. They deceived themselves into thinking they were ok because they were “seemingly” thriving. They self-deceived into thinking they were good, but in reality they were in a wretched state, to the point of unregeneracy unless they REPENT. And here we have the state of the church. IF what’s coming out of your mouth is, “I’m good, I can do what I want”, you’re deceived and lukewarm. IF you are leading your own life apart from Jesus and His church, you are deceived and lukewarm. You can be increased in spiritual riches and STILL not know Him. You can be “seemingly” blessed and be lukewarm. Jesus requires ALL and if ALL is not on the altar, you are self deceived and lukewarm. If your life is about YOU and what YOU want, you’re deceived and lukewarm. IF someone questions your devotion to Christ and His Word, you should listen. Your life depends on it. A deceived person thinks they are OK. HEAR what the Spirit says to the church.
#runyourrace
