MULTITUDES OF GOD’S PEOPLE ARE LOST IN LAZINESS AND SLUMBER! By Major Frank Materu
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Key Scripture: “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” – Ephesians 5:14 (NKJV)
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Introduction
The call of God to His people is one of vigilance, diligence, and steadfast commitment. Yet, multitudes have succumbed to laziness and spiritual slumber. This has left them vulnerable to deception, rebellion, and idolatry. The Lord desires His people to live in reverence and obedience to Him, rejecting the allure of ease and complacency. This teaching seeks to awaken the body of Christ to the urgency of repentance, a renewed commitment to righteousness, and a life that is pleasing to the Lord.
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The Danger of Spiritual Sloth
Proverbs 24:33-34 says, “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – so shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.” Many believers have allowed laziness to take root in their lives. They have reclined in their comfort, forgetting the urgency of living in the fear of the Lord. God never intended for His people to give themselves over to ease and indulgence. Such complacency leads to spiritual poverty and susceptibility to the schemes of the enemy.
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The Call to REPENTANCE REVOLUTION
2 Chronicles 7:14 declares, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual posture of humility before God. Many have resisted the conviction of the Holy Spirit, hardening their hearts and refusing to acknowledge their need for transformation. This resistance opens the door to pride, laziness, and idolatry, further separating them from God.
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The Consequences of Rejecting Conviction
Hebrews 3:15 warns, “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” When believers reject God’s conviction, they grow dull in their spiritual senses. They become vulnerable to spiritual diseases and demonic influences. Pride and idolatry take root, leading to rebellion against God’s purpose. The refusal to repent results in a life devoid of God’s blessing and direction.
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Living in the Fear of the Lord
Proverbs 9:10 teaches, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” God’s people are called to live in reverence and obedience, aligning their lives with His will. This requires an active pursuit of righteousness and a rejection of anything that leads away from Him. The fear of the Lord keeps believers grounded, focused, and vigilant against the wiles of the enemy.
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Beware of Idolatry
Exodus 20:3 commands, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Idolatry is not limited to physical idols but includes anything that takes precedence over God. Laziness and ease can lead to a return to old habits and sinful lifestyles, which become idols in the lives of believers. The Israelites’ longing to return to Egypt is a stark warning against the danger of forsaking God for temporary comfort.
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The Abundance of God’s Mercy
Lamentations 3:22-23 proclaims, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” God’s mercy is abundant and available to all who repent and seek His face. He provides strength, truth, and light to those who choose to walk in His ways. A life committed to God is one of blessing, joy, and eternal hope.
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Summary
Spiritual laziness and slumber are dangerous traps that lead to rebellion, idolatry, and separation from God. The Lord calls His people to wake up, repent, and live in the fear of Him. By embracing a life of repentance and rejecting complacency, believers can experience the fullness of God’s mercy, strength, and guidance.
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Conclusion
The time for action is now. God is calling His people to rise from their slumber and walk in the light of His truth. Repentance must be a daily practice, and vigilance must replace complacency. Let us heed the call to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord, rejecting laziness and embracing His purpose.
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Call to Action
Examine your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas of laziness, slothfulness, or idolatry. Commit to a lifestyle of repentance and obedience. Seek God daily through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. Share this message with others and encourage them to join the REPENTANCE REVOLUTION.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Stay steadfast in your walk with the Lord. His grace is sufficient, His mercy is new every morning, and His promises are true. Awake from slumber, reject laziness, and pursue the abundant life that God has prepared for you.
