“I know your works, that they are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16).

The city of Laodicea had a water problem. She did not have a sufficient source of local water. Water had to be piped into the city from other places. Colossae, located about ten or eleven miles to the east, had cold water. However, it arrived in Laodicea lukewarm. Hierapolis, located about six miles to the north, had hot springs. However, it arrived in Laodicea lukewarm and filled with minerals. The water of Laodicea was disgusting, not pleasant to drink. [Note: The English “luke” in lukewarm is probably from the Middle English luek, meaning tepid. It has nothing to do with the name Luke.]

The church at Laodicea also had a problem with lukewarmness. The works of this church was neither cold nor hot. This sickened Jesus. He said, “I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

He said that He could wish that they were either cold or hot. What did he mean? (1) Let’s consider water. (a) Cold water is refreshing. (b) Hot water is therapeutic. (c) However, lukewarm water was neither refreshing nor therapeutic. (2) Let’s consider Christianity. (a) If one is cold in works, then probably few will identify him with true Christianity. The term “cold” is used of a shortcoming in some quality, e.g., Matthew 24:12. (b) If one is hot in works, then many will regard him as an example of true Christianity. (c) However, lukewarmness is confusing. Some will mistakenly think that this is true Christianity. This half-way form of Christianity does not accurately represent true Christianity. It destroys the church’s influence. It sets forth a wrong pattern for others to follow. It is deceptive. It is contagious. Many people conform their behavior to what they see others do.

Jesus said, “Therefore be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19). “Be zealous” means be hot. [Note: the term “zealous” (zeloo) and “hot” (zestos) are related terms] Let us be either hot or cold, entirely in or entirely out. Half-way Christianity will not please Jesus.