The Danger Of Passivity

THE DANGER OF PASSIVITY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Revelation 3:15-16

Supporting Texts: Proverbs 24:30-34, James 4:17, Matthew 25:24-30, Hebrews 6:12

INTRODUCTION:

Passivity is one of the greatest dangers to a believer’s spiritual growth and destiny. Many Christians today remain indifferent, uninvolved, and spiritually sluggish, failing to engage in prayer, evangelism, and active service for God. While they claim to love God, their actions show no commitment to advancing His kingdom.

The Bible makes it clear that God rejects lukewarmness. In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus rebuked the Laodicean church for their spiritual passivity, warning that He would "spit them out" because they were neither hot nor cold. This passage highlights the serious consequences of being spiritually indifferent. A passive Christian is ineffective in God's work and vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks.

God expects every believer to be diligent, watchful, and fruitful. Passivity is a weapon the devil uses to hinder spiritual progress, weaken faith, and cause stagnation. In this sermon, we will explore the dangers of passivity and why every Christian must actively engage in their spiritual walk.

1. PASSIVITY LEADS TO SPIRITUAL STAGNATION

A believer who is passive stops growing in faith and knowledge of God. Instead of moving forward, they remain stagnant, failing to experience new dimensions of God's power.

a) A Passive Life Lacks Spiritual Growth (Hebrews 5:12-14)

A Christian who does not study the Word and pray will remain immature and ineffective.

b) Spiritual Negligence Leads to Decline (Proverbs 24:30-31)

Just as a neglected field becomes overgrown with weeds, a passive Christian’s life is filled with spiritual decay.

c) Stagnation Breeds Complacency (Zephaniah 1:12)

Those who do not actively seek God become comfortable in their spiritual laziness.

d) God Desires Growth and Fruitfulness (John 15:2)

Every believer is called to bear fruit, and passivity hinders this divine expectation.

e) Biblical Example: The Lazy Servant (Matthew 25:24-30)

The servant who buried his talent out of passivity was cast into outer darkness.

2. PASSIVITY OPENS THE DOOR TO THE ENEMY

When a believer becomes passive, they become an easy target for the devil. Without spiritual alertness, they are vulnerable to attacks and deception.

a) The Devil Targets the Spiritually Idle (1 Peter 5:8)

Satan looks for weak and passive Christians to devour.

b) Passivity Breeds Temptation and Sin (2 Samuel 11:1-2)

David fell into sin because he was idle instead of engaging in battle.

c) Neglecting Prayer Invites Spiritual Attacks (Luke 22:46)

Jesus warned His disciples to watch and pray to avoid falling into temptation.

d) A Passive Christian Loses Spiritual Authority (Judges 16:20)

Samson lost his strength because he became careless and spiritually inactive.

e) Biblical Example: The Sleeping Disciples (Matthew 26:40-41)

While Jesus prayed, the disciples slept, making them unprepared for the coming trials.

3. PASSIVITY HINDERS DIVINE PURPOSE

God has a purpose for every believer, but passivity prevents one from fulfilling their calling. Many people miss divine opportunities because they refuse to act.

a) God Calls Us to Be Diligent in His Work (Romans 12:11)

We must serve the Lord with zeal and enthusiasm, not with laziness.

b) A Passive Life Wastes Divine Opportunities (Ecclesiastes 10:18)

Just as a house collapses due to neglect, a passive Christian loses their God-given potential.

c) Indecision and Delay Lead to Lost Blessings (Genesis 19:16)

Lot’s hesitation almost cost him his life when God was leading him out of destruction.

d) The Kingdom of God Requires Action (Luke 9:62)

No one who looks back and hesitates is fit for God’s kingdom.

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites' Delay in Entering Canaan (Numbers 13:31-33)

Their fear and reluctance kept them in the wilderness for 40 years.

4. PASSIVITY WEAKENS FAITH

Faith requires action. A passive Christian does not exercise their faith and, as a result, experiences little or no spiritual victories.

a) Faith Without Action is Dead (James 2:17)

A Christian must act on their faith to see God move in their life.

b) Fear and Doubt Thrive in Passivity (Matthew 14:29-31)

Peter began to sink when he hesitated in his faith.

c) A Passive Life Leads to Missed Miracles (2 Kings 13:18-19)

King Joash failed to receive full victory because he did not act boldly.

d) Active Faith Brings Supernatural Breakthroughs (Mark 5:27-29)

The woman with the issue of blood took action by touching Jesus' garment.

e) Biblical Example: The Four Lepers Who Took Action (2 Kings 7:3-9)

Instead of sitting in hopelessness, they moved forward and received divine provision.

5. PASSIVITY MAKES ONE SPIRITUALLY INDIFFERENT

A passive Christian eventually loses interest in spiritual matters, becoming indifferent to God's work, lost souls, and personal holiness.

a) Indifference Leads to Lukewarmness (Revelation 3:16)

Jesus warns that He will reject those who are neither hot nor cold.

b) A Passive Christian Becomes Spiritually Blind (2 Peter 1:9)

Those who do not actively seek God lose their spiritual vision.