WHEN THE CHURCH BECOMES LUKEWARM
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Text: Revelation 3:15-16
Theme: The Danger of Half-Hearted Christianity
OPENING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we come before You today in the name of Jesus Christ. Lord, open our hearts and minds to receive Your Word. Let Your Spirit convict us of any lukewarmness in our lives, our homes, and our churches. Ignite within us a fire that cannot be quenched. Lord, let Your power transform every half-hearted attitude into zeal, passion, and full devotion to You. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
INTRODUCTION
The church in Laodicea serves as a warning to us today. Revelation 3:15–16 says: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
A lukewarm church is one that has lost spiritual fervency. Believers become indifferent, comfortable, and self-satisfied, yet powerless. Lukewarm Christianity is dangerous because:
• It blinds the believer to the need for repentance.
• It weakens the church’s spiritual witness.
• It grieves the heart of Jesus Christ.
The goal of this sermon is to awaken believers, to stir a return to wholehearted devotion and passionate service.
1. UNDERSTANDING LUKEWARMNESS
a) Definition of Lukewarmness
Being lukewarm means being spiritually indifferent: neither cold (hostile or antagonistic) nor hot (zealous and committed).
It is a state of complacency and self-satisfaction (Revelation 3:16).
b) Symptoms of a Lukewarm Church
• Minimal prayer life
• Weak participation in service and evangelism
• Spiritual compromise or moral apathy
• Focus on comfort over God’s calling
c) Causes of Lukewarmness
• Overemphasis on material blessings or church programs
• Lack of personal devotion and intimacy with God
• Influence of worldly culture and distractions
• Repetition without reverence in worship
d) Illustration
Imagine a light bulb that is only half-on: it gives some light, but it is insufficient. That is what a lukewarm Christian is in the world—visible but ineffective.
2. THE DANGER OF LUKEWARM CHRISTIANITY
a) Grieves the Heart of Christ
Lukewarmness is displeasing to Jesus. He prefers complete opposition (cold) or complete devotion (hot) over half-heartedness.
b) Weakens Witness and Testimony
A lukewarm believer cannot impact the world. Zeal is necessary for influence (Matthew 5:14-16).
c) Blocks Spiritual Growth
Spiritual mediocrity limits breakthroughs, blessings, and personal maturity (Hebrews 5:12-14).
d) Endangers Destiny
Lukewarmness may lead to missed opportunities, spiritual setbacks, and divine discipline (Revelation 3:16).
e) Illustration
A soldier who fights half-heartedly is defeated. Likewise, a Christian without zeal is ineffective in spiritual battles.
3. HOW TO IDENTIFY LUKEWARMNESS IN YOUR LIFE
a) Assess Your Prayer Life
Are you consistent or just praying occasionally?
Is prayer a ritual or a conversation with God?
b) Evaluate Your Passion for Worship
Do you worship because it’s convenient or because you love God?
c) Examine Your Engagement in Ministry
Do you participate only when convenient?
d) Check Your Witness to the World
Are you boldly sharing your faith, or blending with worldly values?
e) Self-Reflection Exercise
Ask: Am I living for God, or for myself? Am I hot, cold, or lukewarm?
4. HOW TO TRANSFORM LUKEWARMNESS INTO ZEAL
a) Renew Your Commitment to God
Pray: “Lord, I choose to be hot, fully devoted, and passionate for You.”
Romans 12:11 – “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
b) Ignite Your Prayer Life
Spend focused time in prayer and fasting.
Let prayer stir your passion and dependence on God.
c) Revive Your Worship
Worship with expectancy, not habit.
True worship fuels the spirit and rekindles love for Christ.
d) Serve with a Purpose
Engage in ministry that stretches your faith.
Passionate service leads to breakthrough and impact.
e) Surround Yourself with Zealous Believers
Influence of a passionate community fosters your own zeal.
5. SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES TO STAY HOT
• Daily Devotion and Bible Study – Feed your spirit (Psalm 1:2–3).
• Consistent Prayer and Fasting – Develop intimacy with God (Matthew 6:6).
• Active Ministry and Evangelism – Exercise your faith practically (Matthew 28:19–20).
• Regular Worship and Praise – Keep your heart ignited (Psalm 100:1–2).
• Accountability and Mentorship – Avoid spiritual stagnation (Proverbs 27:17).
6. THE BENEFITS OF BEING HOT FOR GOD
• Powerful Testimony – People are drawn to genuine passion.
• Divine Favour – God’s blessings follow wholehearted devotion.
• Spiritual Breakthroughs – Opportunities manifest faster.
• Strong Spiritual Resilience – You withstand trials with faith.
• Gratifying Ministry – Satisfaction in serving God with love.
7. EXAMPLES OF HOT BELIEVERS IN THE BIBLE
Elijah – Passionate prophet who prayed fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:36-38).
Paul – Zealous missionary, fully committed to the gospel (Acts 20:24).
Mary, the mother of Jesus – Fully surrendered and obedient (Luke 1:38).
8. CALL TO ACTION: AWAKEN FROM LUKEWARMNESS
• Examine your life honestly.
• Confess any indifference to God.
• Commit to becoming a “hot” Christian: fully zealous, fervent, and devoted.
• Let this be a turning point in your spiritual journey.
9. PRACTICAL STEPS TO MAINTAIN ZEAL
• Begin each day with praise and gratitude.
• Set aside dedicated time for prayer and Bible study.
• Serve in areas of ministry that challenge and stretch you.
• Avoid spiritual laziness and complacency.
• Surround yourself with passionate believers.
• Keep a spiritual journal to track growth and answered prayers.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
A lukewarm church is a warning to all believers. It is not enough to be Christians in name; we must be zealous, passionate, and devoted. Jesus desires hot, wholehearted followers who influence the world for Him.
Remember: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:15–16)
Do not settle for mediocrity. Ignite your spirit, fan your flame, and walk in passion for Christ.
CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Word today. Lord, forgive us for every act of lukewarmness in our lives. Rekindle the fire of passion in our hearts. Make us hot for You, committed, and zealous in prayer, worship, service, and witness. Father, fill us with the power of Your Spirit to serve You with love and courage. Let our lives be a testimony of Your greatness. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
