SIGNS THAT YOUR SPIRITUAL FIRE IS DYING
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Revelation 2:1-5
Supporting Texts: Matthew 24:12, 2 Timothy 4:10, 1 Kings 19:9-10, Jeremiah 2:2-5, Galatians 5:7
INTRODUCTION:
Fire represents passion, zeal, and the vibrant presence of God in a believer’s life. In Leviticus 6:13, God commanded that the fire on the altar must never go out. This fire symbolises a life ablaze with devotion to God—burning with worship, love, and consecration. However, in the journey of faith, many believers experience a slow decline in their spiritual passion without realising it.
When your spiritual fire begins to die, it may not be obvious at first. Like a flame slowly dimming, your passion fades, your prayer life weakens, and you become spiritually dry. This state is dangerous because it leaves you vulnerable to sin, deception, and discouragement. God desires us to remain hot, not lukewarm (Revelation 3:15–16).
It is important to recognise the signs early so that revival can take place before the flame goes out completely. Let us examine key signs that your spiritual fire is dying.
1. LOSS OF PASSION FOR GOD'S PRESENCE
When the hunger for God begins to fade, it is a clear sign of spiritual decline.
a) Neglect of Personal Devotion (Psalm 63:1–2)
You no longer prioritise quiet time, and reading the Word becomes a burden.
b) Dryness in Prayer (Luke 18:1)
Your prayer life becomes mechanical or nonexistent, lacking fervency and intimacy.
c) Avoidance of God's Presence (Genesis 3:8)
Instead of running to God, you find excuses to stay distant from Him.
d) No Excitement in Worship (John 4:23–24)
Worship becomes routine, and your heart is not moved by the presence of God.
Biblical Example: Adam and Eve hid from God’s presence after sin, showing how disconnection from God begins.
2. INCREASING COMFORT WITH SIN
Another sign that your fire is dying is when you tolerate or even enjoy what you once hated.
a) Conscience Becomes Dull (1 Timothy 4:2)
You stop feeling conviction over sinful habits and behaviours.
b) Compromise Becomes Acceptable (Romans 12:2)
You blend with the world and justify actions that go against God’s Word.
c) No Desire for Holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16)
You lose the urge to live a sanctified life and begin to excuse unclean living.
d) Secret Sin Becomes Normal (Psalm 19:12–13)
You practice sin in secret without seeking help or repentance.
Biblical Example: Samson continued in disobedience until the Spirit of God departed from him (Judges 16:20).
3. DISCONNECTION FROM SPIRITUAL FELLOWSHIP
When spiritual fire dies, the desire to fellowship with God’s people also fades.
a) Loss of Interest in Church (Hebrews 10:25)
You begin skipping church meetings and feel no guilt about it.
b) Isolation from Believers (Proverbs 18:1)
You intentionally avoid fellowship, accountability, and spiritual conversation.
c) Critical Spirit Toward Leaders (Hebrews 13:17)
You begin to find fault with pastors, sermons, and church systems.
d) Involvement in Church Becomes a Burden (Psalm 84:10)
What used to be a joy now feels like a duty or stress.
Biblical Example: Demas forsook Paul and the work of the Lord, having loved the present world (2 Timothy 4:10).
4. DECLINE IN SPIRITUAL FRUIT AND ZEAL
A dying fire affects your productivity, love, and witness for Christ.
a) Lack of Evangelistic Zeal (Romans 1:16)
You no longer care about the souls of others or sharing your faith.
b) Coldness in Love for Others (Matthew 24:12)
You become bitter, unforgiving, and selfish—losing the fruit of the Spirit.
c) Inconsistency in Service (Galatians 6:9)
You lose joy in serving and become easily weary or offended.
d) Disinterest in Spiritual Growth (Hebrews 5:12–14)
You stop learning, stop growing, and become spiritually stagnant.
Biblical Example: The Ephesian church left their first love and were warned to repent (Revelation 2:4–5).
CONCLUSION:
Spiritual fire does not die suddenly—it fades gradually. A believer must stay alert to the early warning signs. The good news is that no matter how far you have drifted, you can return to the altar of fire. God is always ready to rekindle your flame if you humble yourself and seek Him again. Fan the flame, return to your first love, and let your heart burn again for the things of God.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, rekindle my spiritual fire and restore my passion for You.
2. I repent of every sin and compromise that quenched my fire.
3. Holy Spirit, stir up fresh hunger for God’s presence in me.
4. Break every chain of spiritual lukewarmness and complacency.
5. Restore my zeal for prayer, the Word, and fellowship.
6. Lord, revive every area of my life that has gone cold.
7. Make me a vessel that burns continuously for Your glory.
8. Let every secret sin be exposed and uprooted from my heart.
9. Give me grace to return to my first love.
10. Father, set me on fire again for Your kingdom work.
