Apathy: The Silent Killer, and the Urgent Cure
Introduction:
We confront a spiritual malady that can silently erode the vitality of any church: apathy. Apathy, the slow fade, the gradual cooling of our zeal, can leave us stagnant and ineffective. The book of Haggai paints a stark picture of this condition, and we will use it as a mirror to examine our own hearts and find the cure.
Jesus was busy…
- (Mat. 4:25) Followed everywhere He went.
- (Mat. 5:1; 13:2) Only way He could have a moment alone was to climb a mountain or get into a boat.
- (Mat. 14:13) Wherever He went, once the people heard of Him, they rushed to him by the hundreds!
- (Mat. 14:15) Even hunger would not drive them away.
- (Mat. 12:15) “…He healed them all.”
I. Apathy: A Problem Among God’s People (Haggai 1:2, 4, 9):
A. "The Time Has Not Come" (Haggai 1:2):
• Haggai reveals a people who prioritized their own comfort over God’s house. They rationalized their inaction, claiming it wasn't the right time to rebuild the temple.
• How often do we make excuses, delaying our service to God? "I'm too busy," "I'm too tired," "Someone else will do it."
B. "Your Paneled Houses" vs. "This Temple in Ruins" (Haggai 1:4):
• They lived in comfort while God's house lay in ruins. Their priorities were misplaced.
• Are we more concerned with our own comfort and convenience than with God's work?
C. "You Looked for Much, But It Came to Little" (Haggai 1:9):
• God withheld blessings because of their apathy. Their efforts were fruitless.
• When we neglect God's priorities, we forfeit His blessings.
D. The Principle of Matthew 6:33:
• "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
• Our focus must be on God's kingdom, not our own.
E. The Example of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42):
• Martha was distracted by busyness, while Mary prioritized Jesus' presence.
• Even good service can become a distraction if it takes precedence over our relationship with Christ.
II. Signs That Apathy Exists In a Church:
A. "I'm Too Busy" Excuses:
• Even Jesus, who was constantly surrounded by crowds and demands, made time for God.
B. "I'm Too Tired" Excuses:
• Jesus, despite his humanity, rose early to pray and spent nights in prayer.
• Other godly men, like Paul and Silas, prayed and sang hymns at midnight.
C. "I'm Bored In Church" Complaints:
• Revelation 3:16: Lukewarmness is repulsive to God.
D. Apathy Heard:
• Lack of volume or enthusiasm in worship.
• Lack of preparation.
• Lack of spiritual conversations.
• Complaining and gossip.
• Silence.
E. Tolerated Sin:
• When sin is ignored, it breeds apathy.
F. Lack of Work Being Done (Revelation 2:4-5, Acts 4:34-35):
• "You have left your first love."
• Apathy leads to inactivity and a decline in service.
• The early church was marked by generosity and active service.
III. The Cure For Apathy:
A. Get Your Faith Stirred Up! (Hebrews 10:24-26):
• We must encourage one another to love and good works.
• We must not forsake assembling together.
• We must avoid willful sin.
B. Rebuild "the temple" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Ephesians 3:17, Colossians 3:16):
• Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
• We must allow Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith.
• We must let the word of Christ dwell in us richly.
C. Continue to Grow (1 Peter 2:2, Matthew 7:21):
• Desire the pure milk of the word.
• We must do the will of the Father, not just say we believe.
- Preaching on King Asa: A Model of Righteous Leadership 2 Chronicles 14
- Preaching on Duties as Members of Christ's Church
- Preaching on Zacharias and Elizabeth: Barren Wombs, Boundless Faith
Conclusion:
Apathy is a dangerous enemy, but it is not invincible. We can overcome it by stirring up our faith, rebuilding our spiritual lives, and continuing to grow in Christ. Let us heed the warning of Haggai and embrace the call to active, passionate service. Let us seek first the kingdom of God, and let our lives reflect the vibrant, living faith that Christ desires. Amen.
