Turning the World Upside Down: The Danger of Falling Asleep in Church: Acts 20:1-16

I. Falling Asleep to Spiritual Realities vs. 1-6

A. Paul leaves Ephesus and goes and encourages the churches he planted in Macedonia.

B. He then goes to Greece. Remember he left dejected, through at least 2 were saved. While Paul had been gone 4-5 years the church grew. We can get discouraged when we fall asleep to spiritual realities. I Cor. 3:6-9

1 Corinthians 3:6–9 NASB95

I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth. So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth. Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.

C. Paul leaves when they try to kill him.

II. Falling Asleep Because of Dullness vs. 7-12

A. Paul stops by a church he didn’t plant, and encouraged them.

B. While Paul is preaching Eutychus falls asleep and dies. There are some that fall asleep because of the backsliding while in church. Judges 16:20

Judges 16:20 NASB95

She said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson!” And he awoke from his sleep and said, “I will go out as at other times and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.

C. Some fall asleep because they become so familiar, that the glory of God is dulled. “None are so unholy as those whose hands are cauterized with holy things”- C.S. Lewis

D. Others fall asleep, because they’ve never been alive church is just a place to go to. Col. 2:13

Colossians 2:13 NLT

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.

E. Still, there are those who are dead, because they’ve been hurt. They want to believe it, but they just don’t know if they can trust God. You can, don’t confuse religious folks for God’s people, or accidents for intents.

F. When you are alive then worship is sweet. Paul continues all night.

III. Falling Asleep to Opportunities vs. 13-16

A. Paul must have had some opportunity to present the gospel, but everyone else gets on the boat, or he just wanted the quite. Don’t miss these opportunities to be used or to listen to God.

B. Even though he was in a hurry, he encourages the brethren, from Ephesus. Don’t miss an opportunity to do good and encourage one another.