Escaping the Dangers of Spiritual Lukewarmness

Title: Escaping the Dangers of Spiritual Lukewarmness

With Bishop Ronald K. Powell

Introduction:
Beloved congregation, we gather here today to address a spiritual state that is subtly perilous
and all too common among believers: lukewarmness. This condition is neither hot with passion nor cold with indifference but lies hazardously in between. Christ Himself warns us about this in the book of Revelation, speaking to the church in Laodicea.

Scripture Reference:
“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So,
because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” –
Revelation 3:15-16 (ESV)

The Lukewarm Condition:
Lukewarmness is a spiritual state where one’s faith has become complacent, comfortable, and unresponsive to the transformative power of God. It is a place where conviction has softened, where zeal has faded, and where the pursuit of God has been replaced by the pursuit of worldly comfort and self-satisfaction. This is a state that the Lord finds distasteful, for it reflects a heart divided, a life that professes faith but denies its power in action and truth.

The Causes of Lukewarmness:
Several factors can lead to a lukewarm state. The pressure to conform to the world (Romans
12:2), the deceitfulness of wealth (Matthew 13:22), and the absence of fervent prayer and
meditation on God’s Word (Psalm 1:2) are but a few. When we allow these influences to
dominate, we lose our spiritual vitality.

The Consequences of Lukewarmness:
The consequences of a lukewarm faith are severe. It hinders our relationship with God, it dims the light we are called to shine before others (Matthew 5:14-16), and it makes us ineffective in our Christian witness. A lukewarm heart does not bear fruit, and as Jesus teaches in the parable of the sower, such seed is in danger of withering away (Mark 4:16-19).

Taking Action Against Lukewarmness:
So, what actions can we take to escape this state of lukewarmness? Let us consider the
following steps grounded in Scripture:

1. Repentance:
The first step is to acknowledge our lukewarm state and repent. We must ask for God’s
forgiveness and for the zeal of His Holy Spirit to rekindle our hearts.
“Return to me,” says the LORD of hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD of hosts. –
Zechariah 1:3b (ESV)

2. Renewal of First Love:
We must remember the fervor of our first love for Christ and strive to return to that level of
devotion and commitment.
“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” – Revelation
2:4 (ESV)

3. Consistent Prayer and Worship:
A vibrant prayer life and regular worship keep our hearts aligned with God’s will and our spirits attuned to His presence.
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” – Colossians 4:2 (ESV)

4. Engaging in God’s Word:
We must immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, allowing them to correct, teach, and train us in
righteousness.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,
and for training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

5. Serving Others:
True faith is demonstrated through our love and service to others. We must be doers of the
Word, not hearers only.
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22 (ESV)

Conclusion:
In conclusion, let us heed the warning against lukewarmness and strive to live lives that are hot with passion for God. Let us be vigilant in our spiritual fervor, serving the Lord (Romans 12:11).

May our prayers be fervent, our study of Scripture diligent, and our service to others a
reflection of Christ’s love. In this way, we will not only escape the dangers of lukewarmness but will also shine as lights in a world that desperately needs to see the hope that is within us.
Let us pray for the courage and strength to take these actions and for the transformation of our hearts, that we may be pleasing in the sight of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.