Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 7
He claims “lawlessness” (rebellion, self-expression, individualism) is what makes “the love of many wax cold,” and that this explains loss of early fervor; what specific forms of “lawlessness” does your church culture tolerate or even celebrate, and how might those be directly connected to spiritual coldness rather than merely “burnout” or “busy schedules”?
Another way to ask: What kinds of “lawlessness” (rebellion, self-focus, extreme individualism) does your church culture allow or even praise? How might that be causing spiritual coldness more than just busyness or burnout?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript points to lawlessness—rebellion and self-centered independence—as a root cause of spiritual coldness, not just tiredness. So tolerated “self-expression” that resists order, discipline, and submission could directly weaken love and fervor over time.
- He defines the issue: “Because iniquity, which is lawlessness, shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”
- He lists expressions of lawlessness: “rebellion, resistant spirit, selfishness, self-expression, individualism.”
- He connects loosened discipline to false freedom: “Any freedom that is not based upon discipline is a false freedom.”
- He says lawlessness “destroys the fervor and the love and the passion of the gospel.”
- He warns the kingdom has “no place” for people who treat law lightly.
- He contrasts God’s design with fleshly drift: the “flesh just tends to wander away,” needing a “reset” (fasting) to restore right desires.