God's Call to those in Spiritual Slumber

Ephesians 5:14 (NLT)

14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

INTRODUCTION:

I- THE PROBLEM TO AVOID (Ephesians 5:14b)

Ephesians 5:14b (NLT)

14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

(πᾶν γὰρ τὸ φανερούμενον φῶς ἐστιν. διὸ λέγει· Ἔγειρε, ὁ καθεύδων, καὶ ἀνάστα ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν, καὶ ἐπιφαύσει σοι ὁ Χριστός.)

A- Unconscious

1- Unconscious to what is going on around them.

Like Rip Van Winkle - asleep for years! Rip slept for 20 years, totally unaware of what was going on in the world.

2- Spiritual eyes closed.

a. Spiritual eyes closed to personal sin.

(John 9:41)

John 9:41 (NLT)

41 “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.

b. Spiritual eyes closed to the reality of the spiritual warfare occurring around them.

(Ephesians 6:10-17)

Ephesians 6:10–17 (NLT)

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

3- Spiritual hearing turned off

a. Not hearing vital spiritual truths … they slip by unnoticed.

(Romans 10:17)

Romans 10:17 (NLT)

17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

(Isa. 6:10)

Isaiah 6:10 (NLT)

10 Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.”

(Jer. 5:21)

Jeremiah 5:21 (NLT)

21 Listen, you foolish and senseless people, with eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear.

B- Uncooperative

1- Won’t be moved out of comfort zone.

*Pharisees in Jesus’ day are a good example.

a. It is dangerous to remain spiritually comfortable.

(Amos 6:1)

Amos 6:1 (NLT)

1 What sorrow awaits you who lounge in luxury in Jerusalem, and you who feel secure in Samaria! You are famous and popular in Israel, and people go to you for help.

2- Grouchy when aroused fro their comfortable slumber.

a. Make much noise about what really does not matter.

(Philippians 2:14)

Philippians 2:14 (NLT)

14 Do everything without complaining and arguing,

Like a snoring man

C- Uncaring

1- Not concerned about the needs of those around him.

a. The lost

(LUKE 19:10)

Luke 19:10 (NLT)

10 For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

b. Babies in Christ

(John 21:15)

John 21:15 (NLT)

15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

(Matthew 18:6)

Matthew 18:6 (NLT)

6 But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.

2- Not concerned about kingdom matters.

a. The building up of the church.

(I Thess. 5:11)

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT)

11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

b. The glory of the Lord.

(I Cor. 6:20)

1 Corinthians 6:20 (NLT)

20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

II- THE PROPOSITION TO ACCEPT (Ephesians 5:14b-c)

Ephesians 5:14b–c (NLT)

14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

(πᾶν γὰρ τὸ φανερούμενον φῶς ἐστιν. διὸ λέγει· Ἔγειρε, ὁ καθεύδων, καὶ ἀνάστα ἐκ τῶν νεκρῶν, καὶ ἐπιφαύσει σοι ὁ Χριστός

A- Wake Up! (Ephesians 5:14b)

Ephesians 5:14 (NLT)

14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

Ἔγειρε”= to cause someone to awaken—‘to cause to wake up, to awaken someone, to wake up someone.’

1- Listen to the Master’s call.

a. Tune in to Him!

(John 10:27)

John 10:27 (NLT)

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

b. Totally commit to Him.

(Matthew 12:30)

Matthew 12:30 (NLT)

30 “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.

2- Clear your head of the worldly cobwebs.

a. Turn away from making this world the focus of all you do.

(Hebrews 12:2)

Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)

2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.

Hymn: “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

1. O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, And life more abundant and free!

2. Thro' death into life everlasting, He passed, and we follow Him there; O’er us sin no more hath dominion-- For more than conqu’rors we are!

3. His Word shall not fail you--He promised; Believe Him, and all will be well: Then go to a world that is dying, His perfect salvation to tell!

Refrain:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

B- Wise Up! (Ephesians 5:14a,c)

Ephesians 5:14 (NLT)

14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”

1- Look to God and His Word for guidance.

(2 Timothy 2:15)

2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)

15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

(Psalm 119:105)

Psalm 119:105 (NLT)

105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

2- Listen to the Holy Spirit for instruction.

(John 16:13)

John 16:13 (NLT)

13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.

3- Walk in the light He gives.

(1 John 1:7)

1 John 1:7 (NLT)

7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

CONCLUSION: