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AWAKE FROM SLUMBER |
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TEXT: 1 Thess 5: 1-25; Eph 5:9-20; Foundation Scripture: 'Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober' 1 Thess 5:6 (KJV)
1. Introduction - Rest is good, but slumber is slothful - A man that slumbers does not face reality (In fantasy land) - A man that slumbers dwells in darkness
2. Effects of Spiritual Slumber (a) Spiritual slumber causes lethargy (weakness) in the things of God - makes us forsake the assembly of the brethren; - Spiritual slumber makes us prayerless
'.....What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not' (Jonah 1:6)
(b) Spiritual slumber makes us fall prey to the attacks of Satan - Watch and pray, lest ye fall into temptation (Luke 22:46) - The enemy steals when men sleep - The enemy also sows tares when men sleep (Matt 13:25)
(c) Spiritual slumber makes us insensitive to sin - Lot and his family lingered in Sodom (Gen. 19; 15-17) - David fell fell into sinning with Bathsheba (Uriah's wife)
(d) Spiritual slumber makes us fritter away precious time - we must redeem the time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:16)
3. How to Overcome Spiritual Slumber (a) Walk in the light of God's word and be Sober (John 8:12) - They that sleep sleep in the night (darkness)
(b) Put on the whole armour of God (Eph 6:10-18) - Put on the breastplate of faith and love (righteousness) and for an helmet, the hope of Salvation (1 Thess. 5:8)
4. Conclusion: - He that follows the Master, Jesus Christ shall not abide in Darkness.
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