THE DANGER OF SPIRITUAL INSENSITIVITY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Samuel 11:1-4
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 4:23, Ephesians 5:14-17, 1 Peter 5:8, Hebrews 2:1, 1 Corinthians 10:12
INTRODUCTION
Spiritual insensitivity is a dangerous condition in which a person loses awareness of God’s presence, His warnings, and His direction. It occurs when the heart becomes dull and unresponsive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. A spiritually insensitive person is vulnerable to sin, deception, and eventual destruction. The Bible warns in Proverbs 4:23, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” When a believer becomes spiritually insensitive, they lose discernment, make careless decisions, and fall into dangerous traps.
One of the most tragic examples of spiritual insensitivity in the Bible is found in the life of King David. Despite being a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), David allowed himself to become spiritually dull, leading to one of the greatest moral failures in his life. Instead of being at the battlefield where he was supposed to be, David remained in his palace, which led to his sin with Bathsheba. His failure to recognise the danger of idleness, lack of self-control, and unaccountability resulted in adultery, deception, and murder.
David's story serves as a warning to all believers. No matter how strong we may seem spiritually, when we stop being sensitive to God’s leading, we become vulnerable to temptation. This sermon will explore the causes of spiritual insensitivity, its consequences, and how to remain vigilant in our walk with God.
1. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL INSENSITIVITY
a) Neglect of Spiritual Responsibilities (2 Samuel 11:1)
David was supposed to be at war, but he remained in Jerusalem. When a believer neglects their spiritual duties, they become idle and open to distractions.
b) Lack of Discernment (1 Timothy 4:1-2)
Spiritual insensitivity makes it difficult to distinguish between right and wrong. David should have walked away when he saw Bathsheba, but he entertained the temptation.
c) Ignoring the Voice of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30)
When a person continually ignores the warnings of the Holy Spirit, their heart becomes hardened, making it easier to fall into sin.
d) Seeking Pleasure Over Purpose (Luke 12:19-20)
David indulged in personal comfort rather than fulfilling his kingly duty. Many Christians today prioritise pleasure over their divine calling.
e) Biblical Example: Samson (Judges 16:20-21)
Samson ignored multiple warnings from God, and his spiritual insensitivity led to his downfall at the hands of the Philistines.
2. CONSEQUENCES OF SPIRITUAL INSENSITIVITY
a) Vulnerability to Temptation (James 1:14-15)
David’s decision to stay behind made him vulnerable to sin. When a believer is not spiritually alert, the enemy takes advantage of their weakness.
b) Loss of Spiritual Authority (2 Samuel 12:10-12)
David’s sin with Bathsheba weakened his moral authority and brought disgrace to his kingdom. Sin diminishes the spiritual power of a believer.
c) A Chain of Destructive Decisions (2 Samuel 11:14-17)
To cover his sin, David arranged the murder of Uriah. One act of spiritual insensitivity can lead to multiple sins and devastating consequences.
d) Loss of Fellowship with God (Psalm 51:11-12)
David later realised that his spiritual condition had affected his relationship with God, and he cried for restoration.
e) Biblical Example: King Saul (1 Samuel 15:22-23)
Saul’s disobedience and spiritual insensitivity caused him to lose his throne and divine favour.
3. HOW TO STAY SPIRITUALLY SENSITIVE
a) Maintain a Consistent Prayer Life (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
A prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian. Prayer keeps the spirit alert and strengthens discernment.
b) Meditate on God’s Word Daily (Psalm 119:105)
The word of God acts as a light, guiding believers away from temptation and sin.
c) Stay Accountable to Godly Mentors (Proverbs 11:14)
David had prophets like Nathan, but at the time of his fall, he had no one to keep him in check. Accountability prevents spiritual failure.
d) Walk in the Fear of God (Proverbs 8:13)
A deep reverence for God keeps believers conscious of their actions and decisions.
e) Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 39:7-12)
Unlike David, Joseph remained spiritually sensitive and fled from temptation when faced with Potiphar’s wife.
4. WARNING SIGNS OF A HARDENED HEART
a) Justifying Sin (Isaiah 5:20)
When a person begins to make excuses for sinful actions, it is a sign of a hardened heart.
b) Loss of Spiritual Hunger (Matthew 5:6)
When there is no desire for prayer, worship, or God’s presence, spiritual insensitivity is taking root.
c) Repeatedly Ignoring Conviction (Hebrews 3:15)
When the Holy Spirit warns but the person refuses to listen, they gradually become spiritually deaf.
d) Unrepentant Attitude (Proverbs 28:13)
David tried to cover his sin instead of repenting immediately. A hardened heart resists correction.
e) Biblical Example: Pharaoh (Exodus 9:12-35)
Despite witnessing God’s power, Pharaoh refused to humble himself, leading to his destruction.
5. STEPS TO SPIRITUAL RESTORATION
a) Genuine Repentance (Psalm 51:1-4)
David eventually repented and sought God's mercy. True repentance brings restoration.
b) Renewing the Mind with God’s Word (Romans 12:2)
A renewed mind helps to realign one’s life with God’s will.
c) Seeking Godly Counsel (Proverbs 27:17)
Surrounding oneself with godly influences helps to regain spiritual sensitivity.
d) Committing to a Life of Holiness (1 Peter 1:16)
Holiness keeps a believer’s heart sensitive to the voice of God.
e) Biblical Example: Peter (Luke 22:61-62)
Though Peter denied Jesus, he repented and was restored to spiritual strength.
CONCLUSION
The fall of King David serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of spiritual insensitivity. No one is too strong to fall, and no one is exempt from temptation. When we neglect our spiritual responsibilities, ignore the Holy Spirit, and fail to remain accountable, we make ourselves vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes.
However, there is hope. If we remain prayerful, diligent in God’s word, accountable to godly mentors, and walk in the fear of the Lord, we can maintain spiritual sensitivity and avoid falling into the traps of the enemy. May we always remain watchful and never allow our hearts to become hardened.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, keep my heart sensitive to Your voice and warnings.
2. Father, deliver me from every form of spiritual complacency.
3. Holy Spirit, help me to flee from every temptation that seeks to destroy me.
4. Lord, let me remain in my place of divine assignment and not be distracted.
5. Father, restore every lost spiritual sensitivity in my life.
