THE DANGER OF BEING FRIGID, RIGID, AND FROZEN IN RELIGION By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:5 - "Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people."
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INTRODUCTION
The spiritual journey of a believer is meant to be a dynamic, transformative process that brings one into deeper communion with God. However, many Christians, after accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, become stagnant in their faith. Instead of moving forward in their relationship with God, they become locked into religious formalities, doctrines of men, and self-righteousness. This rigidity in belief leads to spiritual stagnation, preventing them from experiencing the fullness of God's power, including miracles, healing, and deliverance.
God desires that His people walk in faith, obedience, and an ever-growing relationship with Him, rather than being trapped in lifeless religion. The danger of being spiritually frigid, rigid, and frozen is that it renders believers ineffective, powerless, and ultimately, unable to be chosen for the greater works of God.
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RELIGION VERSUS RELATIONSHIP
John 14:6 - "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'"
Many people confuse religious practices with a true relationship with God. Religion without relationship is nothing more than dead works. It emphasizes outward appearances, rituals, and self-righteousness while neglecting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Such individuals, though they attend church and participate in religious activities, lack a genuine connection with Jesus Christ.
Jesus did not come to establish a religion; He came to reconcile humanity to God. Yet, those who become rigid in their beliefs, refusing to be led by the Holy Spirit, miss out on the essence of salvation.
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THE DANGER OF SPIRITUAL STAGNATION
Revelation 3:16 - "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth."
Stagnation in faith is a serious danger. Many Christians start well in their walk with Christ but eventually become resistant to spiritual growth. Instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to refine them, they cling to past traditions and man-made doctrines. This resistance results in:
• Lack of spiritual growth and maturity.
• Inability to hear and follow God's voice.
• Doubt and unbelief in God's power and miracles.
• Harsh judgment of others instead of demonstrating love and grace.
When believers refuse to move forward with God, they become spiritually paralyzed, unable to experience His mighty works in their lives.
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THE PHARISAICAL SPIRIT: A RELIGIOUS PRISON
Matthew 23:27 - "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean."
Jesus encountered fierce opposition from the Pharisees and religious leaders of His time. These individuals were so bound by religious traditions that they rejected the very Messiah they had been waiting for. They prioritized rules over relationship, judgment over mercy, and appearance over genuine faith.
Today, the same spirit of legalism exists in many churches. Those who are trapped in religious legalism resist the move of the Holy Spirit and reject anything that does not align with their rigid understanding. This results in:
• Spiritual pride and arrogance.
• Opposition to true revival and transformation.
• Hostility toward those who walk in the freedom of Christ.
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RELIGIOUS OPPOSITION TO MIRACLES AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
Mark 16:17-18 - "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."
One of the most tragic effects of spiritual rigidity is the rejection of the supernatural power of God. Many so-called believers do not experience miracles because they have closed their hearts to the move of the Holy Spirit. Instead of walking in faith, they criticize, doubt, and analyze the works of God, preventing Him from working in their lives.
The early Church walked in great power because they believed and demonstrated the Kingdom of God through signs and wonders. When believers today refuse to embrace God's power, they hinder their own spiritual growth and prevent others from seeing the reality of the Gospel.
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SUMMARY
Spiritual stagnation, religious legalism, and rejection of the Holy Spirit lead believers into bondage rather than freedom. God desires His people to walk in faith, embrace the fullness of His power, and grow in their relationship with Him. Those who remain rigid in religion miss out on the blessings and miracles that come through faith and obedience.
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CONCLUSION
The danger of being spiritually frigid, rigid, and frozen is that it keeps believers from experiencing the transformative power of God. It prevents them from growing in faith, receiving miracles, and fulfilling their God-given purpose. True Christianity is not about rigid doctrine but about a living, dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ.
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CALL TO ACTION
Now is the time to break free from the chains of religion and step into a deeper relationship with Jesus. If you have been trapped in legalism or spiritual stagnation, ask God to renew your heart and fill you with His Holy Spirit. Seek Him daily, study His Word, and allow Him to guide you into the fullness of His presence and power.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Isaiah 43:19 - "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
God is calling His people to move forward in faith, embracing the newness of life in Christ. Do not allow yourself to be frozen in religion, but instead, seek the living God with all your heart, and He will lead you into His marvelous light.
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PRAYER OF SALVATION
If you have never accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or if you desire to rededicate your life to Him, pray this prayer with sincerity:
Heavenly Father, I come before You recognizing that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again. I confess Jesus as my Lord and Savior and surrender my life to You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, guide me in Your truth, and help me to walk in Your ways. Thank You for Your love, mercy, and salvation. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
