Apathy is one of the biggest problems for churches in the US. Our nation was once known as a Christian nation. Now, our own president proclaims to the world that we are not a Christian nation. While US churches enjoy the greatest resources in the world, they have been in steady decline for forty years. What does God think of our apathy? We will find the answer in Revelation 3:14-22. This passage records a letter dictated by Christ to the Apostle John, for the ancient church of Laodicea, a church that was also crippled by apathy.
If our churches are to be healthy, we must overcome apathy. In Christ, we can overcome apathy. To overcome apathy we must understand: The Characteristics of Apathy, The Causes of Apathy, The Consequences of Apathy, The Conquest of Apathy
First, to overcome apathy we must understand…
The Characteristics of Apathy (vv. 14-16)
Jesus contrasts His own faithfulness as the “faithful and true witness [martyr]” with the horrible apathy of the church of Laodicea. Apathy is lukewarm. They were neither cold nor hot, completely indifferent. Apathy is loathsome. Jesus said He would “vomit” them out of His mouth. Their apathy made Jesus sick.
Over time, we sometimes loose the zeal we once had for Christ. We begin to loose interest in church, witnessing and personal devotion. We need to stir up the fire we once had in our souls for Jesus, and serve Him faithfully.
Second, to overcome apathy, we must understand…
The Causes of Apathy (vv. 17-18)
Where does this apathy come from? From Jesus’ words we may learn two causes of apathy.
Self-reliance is a cause of apathy. The Laodiceans were relying on their wealth and technology, rather than on Jesus. They thought once they were saved, they didn’t need Jesus anymore. Self-deception is a cause of apathy. Their physical prosperity masked their spiritual poverty.
We need to stop relying on our grand buildings, budgets, schools and programs and begin relying on Jesus. Without Him we can do nothing. We need to look beyond the exterior, and take a good hard look at our spiritual condition.
Third, to overcome apathy, we must understand…
The Consequences of Apathy (vv. 19-20)
Jesus told the church of Laodicea of two consequences of apathy. Discipline from Christ is one consequence of apathy. The true child of God who goes astray will face the discipline of the Lord. Sometimes we need to be taken out to the spiritual woodshed and put back on the right track. He loves us too much to let us continue in the destructive pattern of sin. Distance from Christ is another consequence of apathy. Jesus stated that He was at the door, knocking, waiting to come in and fellowship with those whom He had died to redeem. He is speaking to church folks, not lost pagans. They did not lose their salvation, but their apathy had separated them from fellowship with Christ. Their love of the things of this life had caused apathy to set in and push Christ out. What a sad commentary.
We need to be zealous, to be committed to Christ. We need to repent, to turn from our sin and apathy. We need to allow Jesus full access and control of every part of our lives. When we do, He will come in and spread the banquet table before us, and feed our starving souls.
Fourth, to overcome apathy we must understand…
The Conquest of Apathy (vv. 21-22)
In the last two verses, Jesus speaks of promises for those who overcome. These verses teach us two things about overcoming apathy. Overcoming apathy is possible. It is only possible in Christ, but it is possible. This promise is extended beyond the church of Laodicea to “the churches.” Overcoming apathy is powerful. The one who overcomes is promised the opportunity to sit with Christ on His throne – a position of power and prestige.
Are you tired of playing church? Do you want to be a part of something that is meaningful, something that will change lives and change your community, something that will last forever? Repent of any apathy in your life. Open up your heart to Christ and give Him control. Invite Him to take away the apathy, and restore the zeal in your heart once more. It is time to wake up, get up and get going for Jesus!
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This is a synopsis of a sermon presented on 6-28-2009 at Hatch Bend Baptist Church, by Paul A. Coleman.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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