REVIVING A LUKEWARM SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Revelation 3:15-16

Supporting Texts: Matthew 24:12, Romans 12:11, 2 Timothy 1:6, Hebrews 10:38, Psalm 85:6

INTRODUCTION

Lukewarmness is a dangerous spiritual condition where a believer becomes indifferent, complacent, and lacking in spiritual fervour. In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus rebuked the Laodicean church for being neither hot nor cold, warning that He would "spit them out of His mouth." This shows that God desires His people to be spiritually passionate, not half-hearted in their faith.

Lukewarmness can set in when love for God grows cold, spiritual disciplines are neglected, or worldly distractions take priority over God’s presence. Many believers start their Christian journey with zeal but later lose their fire due to compromise, discouragement, or spiritual attacks. However, the good news is that a lukewarm spirit can be revived through genuine repentance, renewed passion for God, and a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

In this message, we will explore the dangers of lukewarmness and the steps to reignite spiritual fervour.

1. SIGNS OF A LUKEWARM SPIRIT

A lukewarm believer shows certain characteristics that reveal their lack of passion for God.

a) Loss of Spiritual Hunger (Matthew 5:6)

A lukewarm believer no longer desires the Word of God, prayer, or fellowship with other believers.

b) Inconsistent Prayer Life (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Prayer becomes a routine or an occasional activity rather than a lifestyle of communion with God.

c) Compromise with Sin (1 John 2:15-16)

There is an increasing tolerance for sinful habits, worldly pleasures, and moral laxity.

d) Lack of Evangelistic Passion (Matthew 28:19-20)

A lukewarm believer has no burden for souls and does not actively share the gospel.

e) Biblical Example: Samson (Judges 16:20)

Samson was once anointed and powerful, but he became spiritually weak due to compromise and lost his connection with God.

2. DANGERS OF BEING LUKEWARM

Lukewarmness has serious spiritual consequences that can lead to complete backsliding.

a) Spiritual Blindness (Revelation 3:17)

Lukewarm believers often do not realise their true spiritual condition, thinking they are fine when they are not.

b) Loss of God's Presence (1 Samuel 16:14)

When a person remains lukewarm, they gradually lose the presence and power of God in their lives.

c) Vulnerability to the Enemy (1 Peter 5:8)

A spiritually cold heart becomes an easy target for the devil’s deception and attacks.

d) Risk of Being Rejected by God (Revelation 3:16)

Jesus warns that those who remain lukewarm will be "spit out" of His mouth, signifying rejection.

e) Biblical Example: The Laodicean Church (Revelation 3:14-22)

This church was rich and comfortable but had lost its spiritual fire, and Jesus strongly rebuked them.

3. STEPS TO REVIVE A LUKEWARM SPIRIT

Revival begins when a believer recognises their spiritual decline and takes steps to restore their fire.

a) Repent and Return to God (Revelation 2:5)

Acknowledge spiritual decline and sincerely turn back to God in repentance.

b) Rekindle the Fire of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 1:6)

Ask the Holy Spirit to reignite your passion for God and His kingdom.

c) Renew Your Prayer and Word Life (Joshua 1:8, Colossians 4:2)

Commit to consistent prayer and daily meditation on the Word of God.

d) Surround Yourself with Fire-Carriers (Proverbs 27:17)

Fellowship with spiritually passionate believers who will stir up your faith.

e) Biblical Example: Peter (Luke 22:31-32, Acts 2:1-4)

Peter denied Jesus when he became weak, but after repentance and the infilling of the Holy Spirit, he became a bold preacher of the gospel.

4. THE POWER OF SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

When a believer revives their spiritual fire, they experience transformation in different areas of life.

a) Renewed Passion for God (Psalm 42:1-2)

A revived believer develops a deep hunger for God’s presence.

b) Increased Spiritual Strength (Isaiah 40:31)

Spiritual renewal empowers a believer to overcome temptations and challenges.

c) Boldness in Evangelism (Acts 4:31)

A revived Christian is passionate about winning souls and expanding God’s kingdom.

d) Restoration of Spiritual Gifts (Romans 11:29, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11)

Spiritual revival restores gifts that were lost due to lukewarmness.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:17-24)

He left his father’s house and became spiritually lost, but when he repented, he was fully restored.

5. MAINTAINING SPIRITUAL FERVOUR

It is not enough to be revived; we must remain spiritually hot to avoid falling back into lukewarmness.

a) Stay Consistent in Fellowship (Hebrews 10:25)

Regular gathering with other believers strengthens our faith.

b) Guard Your Heart from Worldly Distractions (Proverbs 4:23)

Be mindful of what influences your thoughts and desires.

c) Serve God Passionately (Romans 12:11)

Engaging in kingdom service keeps your spirit active and alive.

d) Stay Filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)

Regular infilling of the Spirit sustains spiritual fervour and zeal.

e) Biblical Example: Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 4:7-8)

Paul remained on fire for God until the very end of his life, finishing his race with joy.

CONCLUSION

Lukewarmness is a spiritual disease that weakens a believer’s relationship with God and can lead to backsliding if not addressed. However, through genuine repentance, renewal of spiritual disciplines, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, a lukewarm spirit can be revived. God desires that we remain passionate, fervent, and committed to Him. May we never lose our spiritual fire but continue to burn brightly for His glory.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, revive my spirit and set my heart on fire for You.
2. Lord, deliver me from every form of lukewarmness and spiritual complacency.
3. Holy Spirit, fill me afresh and restore my passion for God.
4. Father, rekindle my prayer life and hunger for Your Word.
5. Lord, help me to remain steadfast and never grow cold in my faith.
6. I break every hold of worldly distractions over my life in Jesus’ name.
7. Holy Spirit, breathe upon me and restore my first love for Jesus.
8. Father, let my zeal for Your kingdom never diminish.
9. Lord, surround me with people who will stir up my faith and spiritual fire.
10. I receive grace to finish strong and remain faithful to the end.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. I declare that your spiritual fire shall never go out in Jesus’ name!
2. Every trace of lukewarmness in your life is destroyed right now!
3. You shall hunger and thirst for righteousness more than ever before.
4. The Holy Spirit shall rekindle your passion for God and His kingdom.
5. No distraction shall quench your zeal for the things of God.
6. You shall walk in divine strength and spiritual boldness.
7. Your love for God shall grow deeper and stronger daily.
8. Every lost spiritual gift and anointing in your life is restored now!
9. You shall be a firebrand Christian, influencing others for Christ.
10. The Lord will uphold you till the end, and you shall finish your race strong!

May the Lord keep your spirit burning for Him always!