From lukewarm to on Fire
Good morning brethren, I would like to share on the topic “From lukewarm to on fire.” My focus scripture is Revelation 3:15-16: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” The word lukewarm describes spiritual complacency—being indifferent in one’s walk with God, neither rejecting Him outright (cold) nor fully committed (hot). The church in Laodicea thought they were rich and needed nothing, but in reality, they were “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.” As Matthew 15:8 says, “These people honour Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” We also read how the Israelites in the wilderness worshiped God but quickly turned to the golden calf (Exodus 32:1-6)—a sign of a divided heart.
Some signs of lukewarmness include lack of hunger for prayer or God’s Word (Psalm 119:97), serving God only when it is convenient (Malachi 1:13), compromising with the world (James 4:4—friendship with the world is enmity with God), and living in religious routine without true devotion (2 Timothy 3:5—“having a form of godliness but denying its power”). God’s desire for believers is to be on fire—passionate, zealous, and fully surrendered to Him. Jeremiah 20:9 tells us the Word was like a fire shut up in Jeremiah’s bones; he could not hold it in. In Acts 2:3-4 we see how on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came as tongues of fire, igniting the disciples’ passion and boldness. Paul encourages us in Romans 12:11, “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” King David was a man after God’s heart; in 2 Samuel 6:14 we see how he worshiped God passionately. Apostle Paul, once a persecutor of believers, became consumed with the gospel, saying, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Lukewarmness leads to spiritual death, but when we are on fire for God, our spirit is transformed, and we can influence those around us. Moving from lukewarm to on fire begins with a sincere desire from the heart. It requires repentance and returning to God, renewing our first love (Revelation 2:4-5), feeding on God’s Word, and fanning our fire into flames through prayer and worship (2 Timothy 1:6).
Ephesians 5:18 instructs us not to be drunk with wine but to be filled with the Spirit. To remain hot, we must stay in fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25), stirring one another toward love and good deeds. We must stop procrastinating and intentionally set aside time with God daily, saying no to sin, distractions, and negative influences. Serving others with love and passion fuels our fire, and sharing the gospel boldly with unbelievers spreads that fire further. In conclusion, God calls us to quit half-hearted devotion and be on fire—burning with love, passion, and zeal for Him. Service is at 10:30am, and workers’ meeting is at 10am. God’s blessings. – Mike