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Have you ever heard of the term “lukewarm Christian”?

It’s a phrase that gets used a lot in Christian circles. But where does it actually come from?

It comes from this verse.

Revelation 3:16 (NIV)

“So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

To understand what Jesus means, we need to read the verses around it.

Revelation 3:15–17 (NIV)

“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.”

Jesus was speaking to the church in Laodicea, and He used a picture they would immediately understand.

Nearby Hierapolis had hot springs. People used that hot water for bathing and healing.

Nearby Colossae had cold mountain water that was refreshing to drink.

Both hot water and cold water were useful.

But Laodicea did not have its own good water source. Water had to travel through aqueducts from those areas. By the time it reached the city, it was no longer hot like the springs of Hierapolis and no longer cold like the water of Colossae.

It had become lukewarm.

Lukewarm water was unpleasant. It was the kind of water people would want to spit out.

Jesus was using that everyday reality as a metaphor. Just like the water in their city had become lukewarm, their faith had become the same.

They believed they were spiritually rich and “did not need a thing,” but Jesus says they did not realize their true condition. Spiritually they were poor, blind, and empty.

They were the lukewarm water.

Lukewarm faith is believing in God while at the same time living as if you don’t truly need Him.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Lord, You alone are worthy of my whole heart.

Confession: Forgive me when my faith becomes lukewarm and I live as if I don’t truly need You.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for loving me enough to warn and correct me.

Supplication: Help my faith be sincere and dependent on You.

In Jesus name, Amen

“Is He Worthy” by Chris Tomlin

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See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God