Title: Keeping My Faith Hot!
Introduction:
Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ! Today, I want to talk to you about an important topic that affects each and every one of us as followers of Christ: keeping our faith hot! In the book of Revelation, Chapter 3, verses 14 to 16, we find a message from Jesus to the church in Laodicea. This message holds valuable insights for us today as we strive to maintain a vibrant and passionate faith. So, let us dive into God's Word and discover how we can keep our faith burning bright.
I. Recognizing the Danger of Lukewarm Faith (Revelation 3:14-15):
In these verses, Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea, describing them as lukewarm in their faith. He cautions them about the dangers of being neither hot nor cold.
Lukewarm faith is a perilous state:
because it lacks the zeal
because it lacks commitment
It is a faith that has grown complacent and comfortable, resulting in spiritual stagnation.
We must examine our own hearts and assess whether we have fallen into a similar pattern of lukewarmness.
Have we become complacent in our faith?
Do we lack the passion and fervor we once had for God?
The next step down from Lukewarm is Iniqjuity.
That’s when you sin and it doesn’t bother you anymore
When gossip replaces giving Him Glory
When lies replace love
When riotous living goes unrepented
Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Recognizing the danger of lukewarm faith is the first step towards reigniting our spiritual fire.
II. Understanding the Call to Spiritual Zeal (Revelation 3:16):
In verse 16, Jesus expresses His strong desire for the Laodicean church to be either hot or cold, but not lukewarm. What does this mean for us today? It signifies the importance of having a vibrant and passionate faith, one that is characterized by wholehearted devotion to God.
Hot faith represents a fervent, passionate, and zealous pursuit of God.
It involves an unwavering commitment to living according to His Word
It involves sharing His love with others.
On the other hand, cold faith signifies a state of spiritual drought,
where we do not acknowledge our need for God and we offer resistance to be transformed by Him.
III. Embracing the Means of Keeping Our Faith Hot:
a) Cultivate a Personal Relationship with God: Building a vibrant faith begins with fostering a deep and intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father.
a. This is not a casual online date,
b. You must spend some quality time with God! Spend time in prayer, meditate on His Word, and seek His presence daily. Intimacy with God is the fuel that ignites the fire of our faith.
b) Guard Against Complacency: Complacency is the enemy of a hot faith. Be aware of the traps that lead to spiritual stagnation.
While complacency can certainly hinder spiritual growth.
Complacency refers to a state of contentment or satisfaction that can lead to a lack of motivation or effort toward further growth. In the context of faith, complacency can manifest as a reluctance to explore deeper spiritual truths, engage in self-reflection, or actively seek a closer connection with God.
Faith, on the other hand, is a deeply personal and individual experience that involves trust, belief, and a sense of meaning and purpose. It can provide guidance, strength, and inspiration in navigating life's challenges. Faith often requires ongoing cultivation and nurturing to flourish.
Actively combating complacency and cultivating a vibrant, evolving faith can lead to a deeper spiritual connection and a more fulfilling spiritual journey.
To nurture faith and guard against complacency, one can:
1. Engage in regular spiritual practices: Cultivate a daily practice that aligns with your beliefs, such as prayer, meditation, or study of the Word. These practices can deepen your connection to your faith and provide a framework for ongoing growth.
2. Seek new perspectives and knowledge: Explore different sources of spiritual wisdom, engage in dialogue with others, and remain open to learning. This openness can broaden your understanding and challenge any stagnant beliefs.
Embrace uncertainty: Recognize that faith is often intertwined with the unknown.
I don’t see how this is going to work
I can’t find a way out of this
The doctor says there is no hope
My month is still going by my money is stopped
Embracing uncertainty and get excited about trusting God. He brought you through before, he will do it again.
Serve others and practice compassion: Actively living out your faith through acts of service, kindness, and compassion can invigorate your spiritual journey and inspire ongoing growth.
By actively addressing complacency and nurturing your faith, you can overcome stagnation and embark on a dynamic and enriching spiritual path.
b) Engage in Worship and Fellowship: Active participation in corporate worship and fellowship with other believers is essential for keeping our faith ablaze. Be a regular at church, engage in worship services, and participate in small groups where you can encourage and be encouraged by fellow believers.
a. Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Share Your Faith with Others: One of the most effective ways to keep our faith hot is to share it with others. Jesus calls us to be His witnesses and to spread the good news of salvation.
c) Tell them about your former state before Jesus came into your heart.
d) Tell them how he has made a change in you.
e) Tell them about how he died on the cross.
f) Tell them how he got out of the grave on the third day with all power over death.
g) Ask them “Do you want to be part of this”
h) Ask them “Do you want to know how I can walk in this world of evil, hurt, and disappointment and still have joy unspeakable, that even I yourself don’t understand?
i) That will keep your faith hot.
j) Jer 20:9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones,
k) Luk_24:32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
Conclusion:
As we conclude today, let us remember that a lukewarm faith is not what God desires for us. He wants us to be fervent, passionate, and on fire for Him. Let us heed Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea and recommit ourselves to keeping our faith hot.
May we cultivate a personal relationship with God, guard against complacency, engage in worship and fellowship, and share our faith with others. By doing so, we will not only keep our faith burning bright, but we will also impact the world around us for the glory of God. Let us pray that God ignites and sustains a passionate faith within each one of us, transforming us into beacons of His love, grace, and truth. Amen.
