Ephesians 5:14
Introduction
In our text this week Paul writes, “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” The church of this age, just like that of Paul’s, has multitudes of believers who are spiritually asleep. Only those Christians who are conscious, attentive, and obedient can be used by the Lord to further His work. The apostle also speaks to those who have never come to Christ for salvation. It is time to awaken out of sleep.
Who are the sleepers?
Those who are spiritually asleep remain in the natural state and are controlled by the flesh. In fact, they are consumed by the darkness of this world and are under the dominion of the devil. Being asleep they do not know that they are fallen and depraved sinners. They do not see the need to be born again from above. They sleep in the arms of the world, tightly bound up by Satan and are destined for Hell. The sleeper is satisfied with living in sin, depravity and worldliness. He certainly has no desire to flee from the wrath to come (Matthew 3:7). They will never ask, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30).
There are sleepers to be found in the church too. They may profess Christ as Saviour, but there is very little sign of it in their lives. Such people usually feel uncomfortable amongst those who truly love the Lord. They will as much as possible avoid true Christian fellowship. The sleeper may even detest and ridicule those who are determined to live the Christian live by following Christ. The sleeper tries to comfort his heart with the notion that he is not as bad as others, and at least he goes to church once in a while. In fact such people are no better than those who are not believers, for both are spiritually asleep and overcome by darkness. It does not matter how high a position the sleeper holds in church, he is an abomination to God. The Lord Jesus Christ calls them whitewashed sepulchres that appear outwardly spiritual but are really full of uncleanness (Matthew 23:27). They abide in death since they are “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). This means they have backslidden and have separated themselves from God. They get to the point where they no longer feel any emotion, remorse or conviction when the Word of God is preached. They no longer understand even the basics of spiritual matters. They continue to harden their hearts and resist the Holy Spirit.
Wake up Sleeper!
It is time to wake up or perish! (Romans 13:11). Those who remain in sleep will taste God’s wrath. This is true for the unsaved and those who claim to be born again. Awake, do not rest until you are saved. Realise that you sleep in the arms of Satan if you do not walk in Christ. Awaken from the false dreams of happiness and contentment in this world. Do you not know that an eternity of happiness and blessing awaits you?
Do you think you will stand uncondemned in God’s presence in your present condition? Are you clothed upon with Christ? (2 Corinthians 5:2). Is there any oil left in your lamps? (Matthew 25:1-13). Are you truly a new creation in Christ Jesus? (2 Corinthians 5:17). Have you received the enabling power of the Holy Spirit that affects an inward change? If these questions offend you, it surely means that you do not belong to Christ.
Your clean living and reputation will not save you from God’s wrath. Salvation is by faith only, so return to faith in Him. You must live godly in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12). Are you willing to hear His voice while you still have time? (Hebrews 3:7).
The Promise to those who wake up
If you arise out of worldliness you will receive God’s light in your soul. He gives grace and glory to those who follow Christ (Psalm 84:11). The Sun of Righteous is able to heal your soul (Malachi 4:2). God is Light and will turn your darkness into morning (1 John 1:5). If you are spiritually dry then He promises to pour His life-giving flood upon you (Isaiah 44:3). God is mighty to save, forgive, justify and empower. We know that these things are true, for it is not possible to receive Christ and not experience such blessings. His glory is available to all who will believe.
Conclusion
We all have to make a choice. It is between God and this world. Onlookers criticise if you decide to commit your life to Christ. They may say you have become too religious. The fact remains, we must go all the way with Christ. We are meant to be the light and the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13-16) instead of living in its darkness. We must not wait until God awakens us in His wrath. It is high time to wake up from spiritual sleep. We must allow the light of His countenance to make us whole. The God of our salvation wants to fill our lives with His presence.
Preached by Charles Wesley (brother of John) 4 April 1742