Signs Of Spiritual Death

SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL DEATH

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Revelation 3:1

“And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.”

Supporting Texts: Romans 8:6; Ephesians 2:1-2; 1 Timothy 5:6; Matthew 23:27-28; John 15:6

INTRODUCTION:

Spiritual death is a serious and often unnoticed condition where a person becomes disconnected from the life and presence of God. It is possible to have an appearance of life—active in church, known among believers, doing religious activities—yet be spiritually dead on the inside. Jesus addressed this in Revelation 3:1, pointing out that the church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive but was, in reality, dead.

Spiritual death doesn't always come suddenly; it often begins gradually as a person drifts away from intimacy with God, ignores the Holy Spirit, and embraces sin or spiritual complacency. It is the condition of the soul being unresponsive to God and alive to sin, worldliness, and flesh.

In this message, we shall examine the major signs that indicate spiritual death. These signs serve as warnings and call us to repentance and spiritual revival.

1. LOSS OF INTIMACY WITH GOD

Before spiritual death sets in, one of the first signs is that the person no longer enjoys deep fellowship with God.

a) Prayer life becomes cold or nonexistent (Luke 18:1)

A spiritually dead person rarely prays, and when they do, it's mechanical and dry.

b) Bible study becomes boring or neglected (Psalm 119:105)

There is no hunger for the Word of God.

c) Worship becomes routine (John 4:23-24)

Worship is no longer in spirit and truth but just activity.

d) There is no desire for God’s presence (Psalm 42:1-2)

The heart no longer longs for closeness with God.

Biblical Example: King Saul lost fellowship with God and sought the help of a medium instead (1 Samuel 28:6-7).

2. INDIFFERENCE TO SIN

One of the clearest signs of spiritual death is a seared conscience that no longer feels convicted over sin.

a) Sin is justified or downplayed (Romans 1:32)

Wrong becomes right in their eyes.

b) No repentance after falling (1 John 1:9)

They no longer seek God's mercy after sinning.

c) They continue in secret sins (Ephesians 5:11-12)

Darkness becomes a comfortable place.

d) They influence others to compromise (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Rather than lifting others, they become a snare.

Biblical Example: Samson continued in disobedience until God's Spirit left him (Judges 16:20).

3. LACK OF SPIRITUAL FRUIT

Spiritual death is evident when a believer no longer produces the fruit of the Spirit.

a) No love, joy, or peace (Galatians 5:22-23)

Their lives are marked by bitterness, fear, and restlessness.

b) Worldly character dominates (1 John 2:15-17)

They prefer the pleasures of the world to holiness.

c) They become self-centred (Philippians 2:3-4)

Life revolves around self, not God or others.

d) They become unteachable and rebellious (Hebrews 13:17)

They reject correction or spiritual guidance.

Biblical Example: The barren fig tree had leaves but no fruit and was cursed (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21).

4. DEADNESS IN SPIRITUAL SERVICE

One may still be involved in ministry and yet be spiritually dead.

a) Serving without passion or sincerity (Colossians 3:23)

Service becomes a duty, not a delight.

b) Focus shifts from God to self-promotion (Matthew 6:1)

They serve to be seen by men.

c) No spiritual impact or changed lives (John 15:5-6)

Their labour lacks divine backing.

d) They become legalistic or performance-driven (2 Timothy 3:5)

They have a form of godliness but deny its power.

Biblical Example: The Pharisees were outwardly religious but inwardly dead (Matthew 23:27-28).

5. SEPARATION FROM THE BODY OF CHRIST

Spiritual death often leads to isolation from fellowship with other believers.

a) Withdrawal from church and community (Hebrews 10:25)

They neglect the gathering of the saints.

b) Offense and bitterness rule the heart (Ephesians 4:31-32)

They avoid others due to unresolved conflicts.

c) Pride and independence grow (Proverbs 18:1)

They believe they don’t need accountability.

d) They stop serving in the body of Christ (1 Peter 4:10)

Their gifts are buried and unused.

Biblical Example: Demas forsook Paul and the ministry, loving the present world (2 Timothy 4:10).

6.  STRENGTHS OF A REVIVED SOUL

a) Desires God's presence daily (Psalm 27:4)

The revived soul seeks God with passion.

b) Quick to repent and turn back (Luke 15:18)

They don't hide in sin.

c) Always fruitful in the Spirit (John 15:5)

Their life glorifies God consistently.

d) Engaged in fervent service (Romans 12:11)

They serve with zeal and grace.

e) Living in fellowship with the brethren (Acts 2:42-47)

They grow with and support others.

7.  WEAKNESSES THAT LEAD TO SPIRITUAL DEATH

a) Complacency in spiritual growth (Hebrews 5:12)