A HEALTHY BODY, A DYING SPIRIT

A HEALTHY BODY, A DYING SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Revelation 3:1

Supporting Texts: 1 Timothy 4:8, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Matthew 23:27-28, Romans 8:6, Proverbs 4:23

INTRODUCTION:
In today’s world, physical health and external appearances are often given the utmost priority. People invest in diets, exercise, skincare, and fitness regimes to ensure the body is in perfect shape. But while the body may appear healthy, there is a growing neglect of the inner man—the spirit.

Just like a phone with a perfect screen but a dead battery, many look vibrant on the outside but are disconnected from the Source of true life. Jesus warned the church in Sardis, saying, “You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” This is the reality of many believers—outwardly religious but spiritually lifeless.

This sermon is a call to examine the true state of your inner man. A healthy body without a healthy spirit is a dangerous deception. God desires wholeness—both in body and spirit.

1. SIGNS OF A DYING SPIRIT
Even though the body is active, there are spiritual symptoms that reveal the decay within.

a) Lack of Appetite for God's Word (1 Peter 2:2)
A dying spirit loses interest in the Word of God, just as a sick body often loses appetite for food.

b) Weak Prayer Life (Luke 18:1)
A vibrant spirit longs for communion with God; a dying spirit avoids prayer and spiritual disciplines.

c) Growing Love for Sin (Galatians 5:19-21)
Sin becomes easier to justify and indulge in when the spirit is disconnected from God.

d) Absence of Conviction (John 16:8)
When wrongdoing no longer pricks the conscience, it is a sign the spirit is no longer alive to God.

Biblical Example: Samson's life (Judges 16:20) – He did not know the Spirit of God had departed from him. Physically strong, yet spiritually dead.

2. THE DANGERS OF SPIRITUAL DEATH
Neglecting the spirit has eternal and earthly consequences.

a) Separation from God (Isaiah 59:2)
Spiritual death breaks fellowship with the Father, leaving a person vulnerable to deception.

b) Vulnerability to the Devil (Ephesians 4:27)
When the spirit is weak, the enemy gains ground in the life of a believer.

c) Loss of Discernment (1 Corinthians 2:14)
A spiritually dead person cannot perceive spiritual truths or divine direction.

d) Eternal Damnation (Romans 6:23)
Spiritual death unrepented leads to eternal separation from God in hell.

Biblical Example: The Rich Fool (Luke 12:16-21) – He cared for his body but lost his soul.

3. CAUSES OF SPIRITUAL DEATH
Understanding what weakens or kills the spirit helps us avoid it.

a) Neglect of Spiritual Disciplines (Hebrews 2:1-3)
Ignoring prayer, Bible study, and fellowship leads to slow spiritual decay.

b) Hypocrisy and Religious Pretence (Matthew 23:28)
Putting on a religious mask while harbouring sin within invites spiritual death.

c) Disobedience and Rebellion (1 Samuel 15:23)
Consistent disobedience disconnects a man from God's presence and power.

d) Pursuit of Fleshly Desires (Galatians 6:8)
Feeding the flesh while starving the spirit results in spiritual malnourishment.

Biblical Example: King Saul (1 Samuel 28:6-7) – He disobeyed God and eventually lost divine connection.

4. HOW TO REVIVE A DYING SPIRIT
There is hope for those who recognise their spiritual state and seek restoration.

a) Genuine Repentance (Acts 3:19)
Turning from sin is the first step toward spiritual renewal.

b) Reconnect with the Word (Psalm 119:25)
God's Word revives the soul and brings nourishment to the spirit.

c) Engage in Fervent Prayer (Jude 1:20)
Praying in the Holy Ghost ignites spiritual fire and vitality.

d) Seek Fellowship and Accountability (Hebrews 10:25)
Fellowship strengthens and encourages spiritual growth.

Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:17-24) – Though spiritually dead, he was restored when he returned to the Father.

5. MAINTAINING SPIRITUAL HEALTH
Spiritual life must be preserved through intentional daily practices.

a) Daily Walk with God (Micah 6:8)
A consistent relationship with God guards against spiritual decline.

b) Feeding the Spirit Man (Matthew 4:4)
Prioritise spiritual nourishment even more than physical food.

c) Living in the Spirit (Romans 8:5-6)
Make decisions and set your mind based on the Spirit's leading.

d) Guarding the Heart (Proverbs 4:23)
What enters the heart affects the health of your spirit.

Biblical Example: Daniel (Daniel 6:10) – Despite threats, he maintained a healthy and disciplined spiritual life.

CONCLUSION:
Your physical health is important, but your spiritual life is even more critical. A healthy body without a healthy spirit is like a beautiful house with a rotting foundation. Spiritual death is not always loud or dramatic—it creeps in quietly through neglect and compromise.

God is calling His children to spiritual renewal. Don’t be satisfied with looking alive—be truly alive in Christ. Examine your heart today and reconnect with the Source of true life.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, revive every dying part of my spiritual life.
2. Father, give me a hunger and thirst for Your Word.
3. Lord, help me to prioritise my spiritual health daily.
4. Any area where I have grown cold, ignite fresh fire.
5. I break free from spiritual laziness and weakness.
6. Father, restore my first love for You.
7. Let my spirit be sensitive to Your voice and leading.
8. I reject every appearance of hypocrisy and pretence.
9. Fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit and fire.
10. Let my life be truly alive in Christ, not just outwardly.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You will not appear alive while you are dead inside.
2. The fire of God will rekindle your spiritual life.
3. Every spiritual decay is giving way to renewal.
4. You shall walk in intimacy and power with God.
5. Your inner man is receiving divine strength today.
6. You will hunger for the things of God like never before.
7. Your spiritual eyes will be open to discern truth.
8. You will be vibrant in the Spirit and fervent in prayer.
9. Nothing will separate you from the love of Christ.
10. You shall be a true carrier of God’s presence.