The Nothings of Security (Part Two) by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

* Revelation 3:17- Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: The Laodicean church suffered from corrupt conclusions and attitudes that caused them to believe they had no need for anything, when in essence they really had nothing at all. They were spiritually bankrupt. How did this happen? They suffered from self-deception, self-righteousness, and pride. They were indifferent as well as ignorant about what was going on in their lives. They were living in the Twilight Zone of faulty fantasy. This church was a church that was most likely filled with either backslidden, carnal, apathetic Christians, or people who were not Christians at all because they were arrogant and dependent on their self-righteousness to save them. Self righteousness, as well as pride, can leave you with nothing because you end up rejecting that which is helpful, essential, or needed in your life. Power or possessions are counterfeit securities because they can be lost or taken away from you. This church claimed to be rich because of their wealth, when in reality, they were poor even though they had gold and possessed great riches. Their wealth deceived them, clouded their thinking, and gave them a false sense of security. It made them nauseating to the Lord. In this message we talk about the lukewarm Christian and how this happens. We look at what is really secure according to the Bible. Where are you placing your security? The story is told of a monastery in Portugal, perched high on a 3,000 foot cliff and accessible only by a terrifying ride in a swaying basket. The basket is pulled with a single rope by several strong men, perspiring under the strain of the fully loaded basket. One American tourist who visited the site got nervous halfway up the cliff when he noticed that the rope was old and frayed. Hoping to relive his fear he asked, “How often do you change the rope?” The monk in charge replied, “Whenever it breaks!” Beloved, the religions of this world without Christ are like the swaying basket held by frayed ropes that will eventually break. When death comes, it will be too late for you. Put your security in Christ. This message was preached on Sunday night, April 24, 2022 at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.