The message that Jesus had for the church in Laodicea is as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago.

The church had grown “lukewarm” in their faith and zeal for Jesus.

The Christian life is a call to action, but followers of Jesus are susceptible to distractions.

Jesus points out two of those distractions to the church in Laodicea, and they are shockingly relevant to the Christian church today.

Distraction #1: Wealth

Laodicea was a city famous for its wealth.

Laodicea felt invincible.

What was true 2000 years ago is still true today: wealth can lure us away from our greater purpose as Christians.

Money is a gift from God, but when it moves to the center of our lives, it becomes a distraction from the main purpose of every disciple of Jesus: helping people pursue God.

Money distracted the Laodicean church 2000 years ago, and it may be even more distracting for American Christians today.

Distraction #2: Culture

Popular culture preys on the insecurities of the masses, and apparently this is not a new phenomenon.

They were proud of their famed black wool, but Jesus saw past their outward appearance to their souls.

How much more do we get distracted and deceived by our popular culture?

What we perceive to be valuable in this life can so easily draw us away from what really matters in eternity.

Getting a New Focus

So what does define us?

For Christians the answer is twofold: our relationship with Jesus and our purpose for Jesus.

The church in Laodicea had grown lukewarm and useless.

Their selfish focus on wealth and culture kept them from living on purpose in this life, but Jesus offered them a second chance.

What about you? Can you relate to these distractions in your own life?

It’s not too late to let Jesus in again.

Discussion Questions:

Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.

When did you feel most “on fire” for Jesus? What caused you to feel that way?

Read Revelation 3:14-15. What’s the problem with lukewarm water? What does Jesus say he will do with it? How would you have responded to that message if you were part of the church in Laodicea?

Read Revelation 3:17-18. How has wealth become a distraction for your pursuit of God? What are some signs that money has moved to the center of your life?

What are some things in our popular culture that can distract us from a pursuit of God? Share about a time when you perceived something in this life to be more valuable than it really was. How did God open your eyes to the truth?

Jesus wants his followers to live on purpose instead of wasting their lives on distractions. Who can you start investing in for the kingdom of God? Learn how to become a disciple-maker at pursueGOD.org/mentor.

Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

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