Are you Hot, Cold or Lukewarm? Don't Fall For It
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Key Texts
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
Examínense para ver si están en la fe; pruébense a sí mismos. ¿No se dan cuenta de que Cristo Jesús está en ustedes? ¡A menos que fracasen en la prueba!
“ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
»Conozco tus obras; sé que no eres ni frío ni caliente. ¡Ojalá fueras lo uno o lo otro! Por tanto, como no eres ni frío ni caliente, sino tibio, estoy por vomitarte de mi boca.
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared,
El Espíritu dice claramente que, en los últimos tiempos, algunos abandonarán la fe para seguir a inspiraciones engañosas y doctrinas diabólicas. Tales enseñanzas provienen de embusteros hipócritas, que tienen la conciencia endurecida.
Introduction
Introduction
People are in one of three of the following conditions when it comes to being in relationship to God: (1) Cold, (2) Hot or (3) Lukewarm. God’s Word alone provides the standard for us to know whether we are in the faith i.e. right relationship with God, and for determining whether we are hot, cold or lukewarm. Being in a Hot or Cold condition are easy to distinguish but the Lukewarm condition is the most difficult to determine because when a person is in this condition, they are usually unaware of it, and this is why self-examination is so important. I will provide characteristics of all three conditions. I will discuss characteristics of the “cold” believers, discuss characteristics of “hot” believers and provide challenges for “hot” believers and provide but we will focus primarily on the Lukewarm condition so that we can truly know where we stand with the Lord.
Cold Believers are characterized by a complete lack of spiritual fervor and a dispassionate, indifferent attitude toward their faith.
Cold Believers
Cold Believers
Absence of Spiritual Passion
Lack of Compassion
No Prayer
No Respect for God’s Word
No Worship of God
Selfish Service
No Righteous Indignation towards sin
Essentially Cold Believers are Backsliders. They may have believed at one time or not at all but now they are in a lost state. These are the ones that we target primarily on the mission field through prayer and evangelism.
The believers that are in the “Hot” category are those that bear the fruit of Christ, they have a passionate devotion and an active commitment to their faith.
Hot Believers
Hot Believers
Fervent passion and enthusiasm: A hot believer has a burning desire to know and please God, which is reflected in an energetic and heartfelt commitment to their faith.
Active in good deeds: Their faith is not static but active, as they eagerly engage in good works to serve God's mission. These actions are driven by genuine love rather than an attempt to earn salvation.
Obedience to God's will: Hot believers strive to follow God's commands and live according to biblical teachings, making God's will their priority over their own desires.
Hunger for God's presence: They pursue an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus, eagerly spending time in prayer, studying the Bible, and communing with God.
Courage and determination: True zeal provides the courage to stand firm in one's convictions, even in the face of hostility or persecution. This commitment is resilient and does not waver with opposition.
Bold in proclaiming the Gospel: They are not ashamed of their faith and are eager to share God's love with others, viewing it as a core part of their calling.
Selfless service: Hot believers dedicate their time, talents, and resources to serving others, embodying Christ's love in their actions.
Righteous indignation toward sin: Their love for God leads to a hatred for sin and injustice, prompting them to stand for righteousness and call out unrighteousness.
Challenges/Warnings for “Hot” Believers (Revelations):
1. Ephesus (Rev 2:1-7): You have left your first love for Christ. Is Christ still your first love? Is Christ who you think about when you first wake up? Do you think about Him throughout your day? Is He #1 in your heart?
2. Smyrna (Rev 2:8-11): No rebuke, but a warning to persevere through suffering and imprisonment, with a promise of the crown of life for faithfulness until death.
3. Pergamum (Rev 2:12-17: Some members are influenced by false teachers, specifically the Nicolaitans and those holding to Balaam's teaching.
o Nicolaitans promoted a form of antinomianism—the belief that Christians were not bound by moral laws—which justified sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols, teaching that faith in Christ meant believers could indulge their appetites without consequence
o In practical terms, the teaching or doctrine of Balaam is the view that Christians can—or even should—compromise their convictions for the sake of popularity, money, sexual gratification, or personal gain. It’s the attitude that treats sin as “no big deal.”
4. Thyatira (Rev 2:18-29): You tolerate the false prophet Jezebel, who leads others into sexual immorality and idolatry. What are the characteristics of the Jezebel Spirit?
o Manipulation and Control: The Jezebel Spirit seeks to manipulate people and circumstances to gain power, often at the expense of others’ spiritual well-being. It thrives on control rather than servant leadership.
o Seduction: Just as Jezebel seduced Israel into idolatry, this spirit lures believers into compromise, often through the appeal of pleasure, ambition, or influence.
o Idolatry: At its core, the Jezebel Spirit promotes the worship of anything other than the one true God—be it status, success, relationships, or false beliefs. Idolatrous practices in the Bible involved worshipping and sacrificing to idols and false gods, building altars to pagan deities, engaging in rituals like licentious acts and orgies to ensure fertility, practicing human sacrifice, divination, and consulting mediums, and observing heathen festivals and feasts.
o False Teaching: In Thyatira, Jezebel claimed to be a prophetess, but her teachings led believers astray. The Jezebel Spirit distorts truth, undermines sound doctrine, and elevates personal revelation above Scripture. Examples of false teachings occurring int eh Bible include the following: teachings denying the divinity of Christ (like Nestorianism and Eutychianism) or God's existence, the prosperity gospel, hyper-grace, Gnosticism's claim of exclusive spiritual knowledge, and teachings that promote seeking personal wealth or denying God's judgment and hell.
o Opposition to True Authority: This spirit resists godly leadership and seeks to replace it with self-appointed authority, often sowing seeds of rebellion and discord within the church.
o Recognizing the Jezebel Spirit
§ Constant criticism or attack on spiritual authority
§ Promotion of personal agendas over corporate unity
§ Use of charisma and charm to manipulate others
§ Encouragement of compromise in moral or doctrinal areas
§ Unrepentant attitude and refusal to submit to accountability
o Consequences of tolerating Jezebel
§ Judgment: In Revelation 2, Jesus warns Thyatira that judgment will follow if they do not repent.
§ Division: Spiritual compromise leads to discord within the church.
§ Loss of Authority: Allowing the Jezebel Spirit results in the loss of spiritual authority.
§ Removal of God’s Blessing:Tolerating false teaching and immorality opens the door to the removal of God’s favor.
§ Spiritual Decay and Confusion:When churches do not address false teachings, they face spiritual decay and confusion.
§ Undermines the Holy Spirit: The Jezebel Spirit erodes the work of the Holy Spirit in the church.
§ Damages Unity and Witness: It destroys unity and harms the church’s testimony to others.
§ Destroys Relationships: This spirit can break down relationships within the church body.
§ Hinders Spiritual Growth: It impedes the spiritual growth of believers.
§ Invites Discipline from the Lord: Tolerating the Jezebel Spirit invites discipline from the Lord.
o How to Defeat the Jezebel Spirit
§ Repentance: The first step is genuine repentance—turning away from compromise, confessing where we have allowed the Jezebel Spirit a foothold, and asking God for cleansing.
§ Prayer: Spiritual warfare is fought on our knees. Pray for discernment, protection, and the courage to confront what is not of God.
§ Spiritual Authority: Recognize and uphold godly leadership. The Jezebel Spirit thrives where there is weak or compromised spiritual authority. Support leaders who serve with humility and integrity.
§ Discernment: Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment to distinguish truth from error. Test every teaching and spirit against the Word of God.
§ Accountability: Establish systems of accountability within the church. Encourage open communication, transparency, and a culture of correction rooted in love.
5. Sardis (Rev 3:1-6): Though you have a name for being alive, you are spiritually dead; you need to wake up and repent.
6. Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13): No rebuke but commended for keeping Christ's word and being steadfast.
7. Laodicea (Rev 3:14-22): You are lukewarm, self-righteous, and spiritually indifferent, leading Christ to "spit you out".
"lukewarm" Believers are spiritually apathetic, indifferent, and complacent, lacking fervent commitment to God.
Lukewarm Believers
Spiritual self-deception
Lukewarm believers are often blind to their true spiritual condition. They feel rich and self-sufficient, not realizing they are spiritually "wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked".
Scripture: "For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17).
Compromise and worldliness
A lukewarm believer tries to have the best of both worlds, blending in with secular culture while claiming to follow Christ. This leads to prioritizing popularity over biblical standards and seeking comfort over sacrifice.
Scripture: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect" (Romans 12:2).
Scripture: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15).
Inconsistent or neglected spiritual disciplines
While they may engage in religious activities like going to church, a lukewarm believer's prayer life and Scripture reading are often inconsistent or done without genuine heart engagement. Their faith is compartmentalized to specific days or times.
Scripture: "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).
Scripture: "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money" (Matthew 6:24).
Lack of love and urgency for God's mission
Lukewarm believers lack the fiery passion to share their faith with others or to pursue the Great Commission. They are often indifferent to the needs of those who are lost or struggling.
Scripture: "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet" (Matthew 5:13).
Scripture: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Giving God their leftovers
Instead of offering their best time, resources, and energy to God, they give what is convenient or leftover. Sacrificial giving is rare because they prioritize their own luxuries and comfort.
Scripture: "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, 'How have we despised your name?' By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, 'How have we polluted you?' By saying that the Lord's table may be despised. When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts" (Malachi 1:6–8).
Content with a lack of spiritual fruit
A lukewarm believer's life does not demonstrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. While true believers still sin, a lukewarm life is characterized by a pattern of habitual sin without conviction, rather than a pattern of righteous living.
Scripture: "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?" (James 2:14).
Scripture: "No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God" (1 John 3:9).
If you fall into the category of Cold or Lukewarm, you are in danger of eternal separation from God.
Causes:A lukewarm state can develop from spiritual complacency, self-sufficiency, and a prioritization of worldly pursuits over God.
Consequences: The spiritual consequences are significant, including a hardened heart, spiritual blindness, and the risk of eternal separation from God. Jesus urges lukewarm believers to repent and regain their zeal before it's too late.
There are many opinions on the subject. Some believe there are many ways to God. Some believe good works will get them into heaven i.e. if I do more good than bad then I will get in. Some believe you can play with sin and still be a committed Christian.
Repent and seek forgiveness
The first step is to recognize and repent of the self-reliance and apathy that define a lukewarm state. This requires humbling oneself before God and confessing where one has drifted.
Practical application: Honestly acknowledge your spiritual condition and confess it to God. This may involve specific sins of compromise, prioritizing worldly things, or neglecting your relationship with him.
Scriptural reference: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9, NIV).
Recommit to a life of prayer
Prayer is a direct line of communication with God and a primary tool for growing in intimacy with him. It should move beyond a simple ritual to an ongoing, heartfelt conversation.
Practical application: Establish a consistent daily prayer routine. This can include setting aside quiet time, using a prayer journal to track your thoughts and gratitudes, or simply talking to God throughout your day.
Scriptural reference: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, ESV).
Immerse yourself in scripture
Faith is built and strengthened by engaging with the Word of God. Regularly reading, studying, and meditating on the Bible helps renew the mind and aligns thoughts with God's truth.
Practical application: Create a daily routine for reading scripture, perhaps starting with a few minutes a day and using resources like devotional guides. The goal is to let the Word "read you," allowing its message to shape your heart and mind.
Scriptural reference: "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17, NKJV).
Embrace spiritual discipline and obedience
A lukewarm faith often compromises with worldly desires. Rekindling faith requires actively putting off sinful behaviors and worldly influences, even when it is difficult.
Practical application: Identify and remove influences that distract you or lead you into sin, such as certain music, media, or relationships. Replace old habits with new, God-honoring ones, and make a conscious effort to obey God's commands in all areas of your life.
Scriptural reference: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:1–2, NIV).
Cultivate a zealous community
Isolation fuels lukewarmness, while fellowship with other passionate believers can reignite your spiritual fire. Engaging with a supportive community provides encouragement and accountability.
Practical application: Get actively involved with a local church community. Join a small group or Bible study where you can share struggles, receive support, and grow alongside other committed Christians.
Scriptural reference: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:24–25, NIV).
Serve others sacrificially
The focus of a lukewarm believer is often on personal comfort, but a vibrant faith is active and others-centered. Giving one's time, talent, and resources is a powerful antidote to spiritual complacency.
Practical application: Find opportunities to serve within your church or local community. Look for ways to help the needy, visit the sick, or share your faith with others. Your service should be driven by a desire to glorify God, not for personal recognition.
Scriptural reference: "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45, NIV).
Fast from worldly distractions
Fasting can serve as a spiritual reset, helping to break the hold of worldly things and focus the heart on God. It cultivates self-discipline and fosters greater clarity in hearing God's voice.
Practical application: Set aside a period to fast from something that distracts you, such as food, social media, or entertainment. Use the time you would have spent on that activity for prayer, scripture reading, or quiet reflection.
Scriptural reference: As recorded in Matthew 6:16–18, Jesus gives instructions for fasting, which is a private act of devotion that strengthens one's relationship with God.
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Ask for an increase in faith
When feeling spiritually weak, it is appropriate to follow the example of the apostles, who asked Jesus to increase their faith when confronted with a difficult teaching.
Practical application: Humbly pray and ask God to increase your zeal and passion for him. Acknowledge that the motivation comes from his grace, not just personal effort.
Scriptural reference: "The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!'" (Luke 17:5, ESV).
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
