OVERCOMING SPIRITUAL DRYNESS (PART 4)
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: John 7:37-38
"On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’”
Supporting Texts:
Isaiah 58:11
Psalm 1:2-3
Romans 12:11
Revelation 2:4-5
2 Kings 6:1-7
INTRODUCTION:
As we continue our study on overcoming spiritual dryness, it is important to recognise that staying spiritually fresh requires a lifestyle of continuous spiritual renewal. Many believers experience revival but struggle to maintain it. In this fourth part, we will focus on how to experience a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit and ensure we never fall back into dryness.
1. SEEKING A CONTINUAL INFILLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
The Holy Spirit is the source of spiritual life and power. To overcome dryness, we must continually seek fresh infilling.
a) Thirsting for more of God (Psalm 42:1-2)
A deep hunger for God keeps us spiritually fresh.
b) Asking for fresh empowerment (Luke 11:13)
God is willing to fill those who ask for His Spirit.
c) Yielding completely to the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16)
Walking in the Spirit keeps us from spiritual weakness.
d) Living a Spirit-led life (Romans 8:14)
Those led by the Spirit remain spiritually vibrant.
e) Biblical Example: The disciples at Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)
They moved from dryness to power after receiving the Holy Spirit.
2. AVOIDING SPIRITUAL LEAKAGES
Many believers receive an anointing but lose it due to carelessness. We must identify and block spiritual leakages.
a) Guarding against spiritual pride (Proverbs 16:18)
Pride leads to downfall and dryness.
b) Repenting quickly from sin (1 John 1:9)
Sin quenches the fire of the Spirit.
c) Avoiding negative influences (1 Corinthians 15:33)
Wrong associations can drain spiritual life.
d) Staying away from distractions and worldly desires (James 4:4)
Friendship with the world weakens spiritual strength.
e) Biblical Example: Samson’s loss of power due to compromise (Judges 16:20-21)
He lost his spiritual strength because of carelessness and sin.
3. ENGAGING IN INTENTIONAL SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES
Revival is sustained by disciplined habits that keep the spirit man alive.
a) A lifestyle of fasting and prayer (Matthew 17:21)
Fasting renews spiritual strength and breaks limitations.
b) Daily study and meditation on the Word (Psalm 119:11)
The Word of God keeps us spiritually fresh and focused.
c) Active participation in corporate worship (Hebrews 10:25)
Fellowship with believers strengthens our spiritual fire.
d) Engaging in kingdom assignments (Matthew 6:33)
Serving God keeps us from spiritual stagnation.
e) Biblical Example: Daniel’s consistent devotion (Daniel 6:10)
Despite challenges, he remained spiritually strong through discipline.
4. STIRRING UP YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Many believers experience dryness because they fail to use the gifts God has given them.
a) Identifying and developing your spiritual gifts (1 Timothy 4:14)
Neglecting spiritual gifts can lead to stagnation.
b) Using your gifts in service to others (1 Peter 4:10)
Spiritual gifts grow when actively used.
c) Avoiding fear and timidity in spiritual matters (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
We must fan our gifts into flames.
d) Seeking continuous sharpening through learning (Proverbs 27:17)
Iron sharpens iron; we grow through mentorship and training.
e) Biblical Example: Elisha’s determination for a double portion (2 Kings 2:9-10)
He refused to settle for less and pressed for more power.
5. RETURNING TO YOUR FIRST LOVE
Spiritual dryness often happens when believers lose their passion for God.
a) Examining your spiritual condition (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Regular self-evaluation helps detect dryness early.
b) Rekindling your passion for God’s presence (Psalm 63:1-2)
Seeking God with passion restores spiritual fire.
c) Repenting from lukewarmness and complacency (Revelation 3:15-16)
God detests spiritual lukewarmness and calls us to fervency.
d) Doing the works of love and obedience (John 14:15)
Loving God means obeying Him and walking in His ways.
e) Biblical Example: The Ephesian church’s call to return (Revelation 2:4-5)
They were warned to return to their first love before losing their lampstand.
CONCLUSION:
To permanently overcome spiritual dryness, we must seek continuous infilling of the Holy Spirit, avoid spiritual leakages, engage in spiritual disciplines, stir up our gifts, and return to our first love for God. Revival is not a one-time experience but a lifestyle of walking closely with God.
