April 23, 2019
Adrian Rogers
Scripture Passage: Revelation 3:14-22
The tragedy today is half-hearted Christians in a world rapidly approaching destruction. Believers find themselves with no fire—no zeal or enthusiasm for the things of God.
In Revelation 3, God warns the seven prophetic churches of the dangers of lukewarm Christianity. God addresses the problem of these churches prophetically, practically, and powerfully, because He is also speaking to us.
Therefore, we must open our ears and our hearts to the instructions about how to keep our spiritual fire burning.
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:15-16).
Lukewarmness is the state of being neither hot nor cold; spiritually, it is the state of being neither unsaved nor on-fire for Christ.
Lukewarm Christians can be indifferent about their sanctification or personal holiness. They can be half-hearted in their service or their study of Scripture. They will allow their prayer lives to dwindle, losing their desire for supplication before God. They know nothing of suffering for Christ because they haven’t sacrificed their lifestyle to follow their convictions.
Adrian Rogers says, “Lukewarm Christians are the alibi of sinners; they double-cross Christ. Jesus would rather have you on the wrong side of the fence than sitting on the fence.”
These seven churches didn’t see their own need for revival. Their backsliding is not drastic; rather, they cool down by degrees, little by little.
Adrian Rogers says, “There are none so blind as those who refuse to see. There are none so deaf as those who have ears but will not hear.”
The cure is the gold of God’s glory and the garments of God’s righteousness (18). We are instructed to be zealous and repent (19). Loving God wholeheartedly is the greatest commandment; therefore, to do otherwise would be the greatest sin.
May we return to our First Love and love Him like never before.
Do you recognize where your spirit has cooled down over time, and are you ready to be zealous once more? Repent of half-hearted Christianity and return to your First Love.
