Sunday School Lesson 46
SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
MEMORY VERSE: “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:6
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-8
INTRODUCTION: Spiritually, sleep could either be caused naturally (Proverbs 3:24) or supernaturally (Genesis 2:21). Sleep is also used as a figurative expression of death (John 11:11-13), spiritual weakness or lukewarmness (Ephesians 5:14). Spiritual sleep is considered dangerous for any believers. This calls for spiritual awakening, i.e. waking up from spiritual sleep.
LESSON OUTLINES
- SIGNS AND DANGERS OF SPIRITUAL SLEEP
- REMEDIES FOR SPIRITUAL SLEEP
1. SIGNS AND DANGERS OF SPIRITUAL SLEEP
There are signs or indicators of spiritual sleep that every believer should watch out for. When you notice that you are: more interested in the things of the world or vigorously pursuing wealth (1John 2:15; Ecclesiastes 5:10); manifesting more of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21); not hungry for spiritual food (Colossians 3:15-16); no longer impacted by the word of God (Isaiah 6:9-10; Jeremiah 15-16); no longer praying or hearing the voice of God (Romans 11:7-8); no longer thirsty for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). In addition, you may be sleeping spiritually when you think you do not need to learn(Proverbs 18:2; Galatians 6:3); pursuing fame or self-glory (Jeremiah 45:5); unmindful of danger(Judges 16:16-25; Jonah 1:3-5); lack commitment in spiritual relationships with spiritually-minded Christians (Hebrews 10:25).
If you are asleep spiritually you cannot discern spiritual matters (1 Corinthians 2:11-14; Proverbs 29:18). By implication whatever you cannot see you cannot get (Genesis 13:14-18; Jeremiah 17:5-6). You are open to spiritual attack(1 Kings19:1-8; Matthew 13:24-30) and sudden destruction ( Acts 20:9-12; Judges 4:17-21). You will become weak (Judges 16:20) and bring disappointment (2 Timothy 4:10). You can miss divine appointment (Matthew 25:1-12).
2. REMEDIES FOR SPIRITUAL SLEEP
The Bible calls for spiritual awakening especially for believers that are slumbering or already asleep in spiritual matters (Romans 13:11). Why should and how can such believers wake up?
One clear reason for spiritual awakening is the nearness of the second coming of Jesus Christ (Romans 13:11b; Matthew 24:42-44). Believers should also note that we are children of light and of ‘the day’ and not of ‘the night’ nor of darkness (1Thessalonians 5:5). To enjoy the true light in Christ, those that are sleeping spiritually must wake up (Ephesians 5:14). Another reason to awake from spiritual sleep is to receive deliverance from the snare of the devil (2Timothy 2:26). Believers should wake up spiritually because, we are in the season of harvest of souls into God’s kingdom (Luke 10:2). Also, it is a time of war and the enemy is wide awake (Matthew 13:25; 1Peter 5:8).
1 Corinthians 15:34 charges every believer to awake to righteousness, strive to know God and stop sinning. If you claim to be a believer in Christ, you must constantly check your lifestyle habits to know whether you are slumbering or sleeping spiritually (2Corinthians 13:5; Luke 21:34). Watch and pray constantly in order to remain spiritually alert (Luke 21:36; Matthew 26:41).
CONCLUSION: Learn to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit in order not to sleep spiritually. If you are already sleeping, wake up.
QUESTIONS
- What are the signs and dangers of spiritual sleep?
- Mention the remedies for spiritual sleep