In recent weeks, I’ve been contemplating the dangers of living lukewarm. If the Lord spits out the lukewarm, doesn’t this mean that lukewarmness is a sin that separates us from our Savior?
Let’s examine the Scripture:
“I know YOUR DEEDS, that you are neither COLD nor HOT; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are LUKEWARM, and neither hot nor cold, I will SPIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH.” (Revelation 3:15-16)
Lukewarmness is revealed through our deeds—the works we do with our hands and feet, the words we speak with our mouths, our daily pursuit of righteousness, our obedience to God’s Word, our humility, and our fruit.
COMPROMISED GRACE
Some may read this and defend their lukewarmness by saying, “Pastor, stop being religious and legalistic. I am saved by God’s grace, not by my works. Therefore, I do not need to work out my salvation through actions because God is loving, merciful, and gracious enough to allow me to do as I desire.” (Galatians 5:13)
Well, according to the Bible, faith without works is dead (James 2:26). This means that lukewarmness is ultimately an issue of salvation. To proclaim faith while refusing to be transformed by the One who saved you is evidence of a dead faith and the presence of unbelief. This reveals a dangerous spiritual stance: it potentially shows that a person has walked away from their salvation, or perhaps never truly surrendered to begin with (Matthew 7:21-23).
With the Lord, our obedience is the evidence of our salvation and reveals our intimacy with Him. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). We prove our love for Him through our obedience, and as we remain in Him, we naturally produce the fruit of the Spirit (John 15:5; Galatians 5:22-23).
THE ROOT OF LUKEWARMNESS
Lukewarmness is evidence of present unbelief. Within the body, unbelief isn’t accidental; it’s intentional (Hebrews 3:12). It is the act of tasting and seeing the grace of God (Psalm 34:8) and making a decision to deny what has been experienced in pursuit of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16).
SPIRIT vs. FLESH
When the uncrucified flesh speaks louder than our spirit, we choose our desires over the leading of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17). When this happens, we quench the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:19) and risk the hardening of our hearts. By knowingly attributing the Spirit’s work to the enemy, a person grieves and blasphemes the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32).
THE STEWARDSHIP OF FAITH
God’s infallible Word declares that we have all been given a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). But, we are all accountable to steward our measure to the fullest extent; not living in the fullness of that faith is, by definition, being lukewarm (Revelation 3:15-16). While it only takes faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains (Matthew 17:20), it takes a contrite heart to choose Jesus daily over the world’s temptations (Psalm 51:17; Luke 9:23).
THE REJECTION OF TRUTH
If faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1), then unbelief is the intentional act of denying the truth we have witnessed. To remain in a state of constantly seeking “one more sign” before we obey is not carefulness—it is lukewarmness, and lukewarmness will eventually lead to a loss of faith—salvation. This “wicked and adulterous” generation seeks after a sign (Matthew 16:4), yet God has already given us His Word and His Spirit.
To demand a sign when He has already given a command is a denial of the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). We must be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22). There is no other name under heaven by which a person is saved (Acts 4:12).
THE CALL TO SURRENDER
The solution for lukewarmness is not “trying harder”; it is REPENTING DEEPER. God isn’t looking for your religious effort; He is looking for your TOTAL SURRENDER.
The Holy Spirit is calling us back to our FIRST LOVE. He is inviting us into a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. He is inviting us back into the secret place.
LET’S PRAY
Lord, I repent for being lukewarm in any and all areas of my life. I repent for not being a better witness of Your amazing grace. Baptize me afresh with Your Spirit and Your fire. Burn in me afresh. Purify me with Your Fire. And forge my heart with Yours. I want to burn for You. I want more! In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
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