Awake Sermon Notes

Opening (spider story)

Point 1 (Definition)

The main focus Ephesians 5:14–17

we get a definition of what it means to be spiritually awake

as Paul is instructing Ephesus avoid misconduct and pursue righteousness

Ephesians 5:14–17 “…Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is…”

this is what it means to be awake

To walk carefully and intentionally, not carelessly or passively

Christian life is lived with awareness, wisdom, and daily pursuit of God’s will.

He calls us to wake up

to paint a broader picture of what it means to be awake

Background on Ephesus

it was bad. Anything that would be considered illegal or barbaric today, if it could be used or done to make money, they probably did it.

famous for its massive temple to Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world

think of Paris, New York, London, to some bucket list destinations

it was the place to be

But for the Godly, a war zone. danger around every corner.

their cultures thoughts on worship ware so perverted.

There worship was bad. And to put it in perspective it would pretty much violate every stipulation in a content police, you couldn’t live stream it on youtube, you’d get banned so fast

this was the culture of Ephesus

and it was starting to show in the lives of the christians there.

What kind of culture do we live in? How much are we letting it effect us?

Are we allowing our culture to choose how we spend our time, or what we value. How we practice fidelity, and how we ought to love?

I have, but no longer. Let’s fight to walk in light of God’s commandments. Wake up!

Paul compares the Ephesians to dead people by quoting the prophet Isaiah

Does anyone know the best way to check if someone is dead?