A CALL TO WAKE UP FROM SPIRITUAL SLUMBER By Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture:
"And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed."
(Romans 13:11, NIV)
Introduction
The Lord desires a vigilant and spiritually awake people, yet many have fallen into a deep spiritual slumber.
The distractions of this world, complacency, and sin have lulled believers into spiritual laziness, leaving them vulnerable to the schemes of the enemy.
This is not a time for indifference;
it is a time to rise and remain alert in the Spirit.
God is sounding the alarm and sending His servants to issue a call to wake up, repent, and be watchful. Will you heed this call and stand firm in your faith?
1. Spiritual Slumber: The Enemy’s Trap
Key Scripture:
"Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
(1 Peter 5:8, NIV)
Many have unknowingly fallen into spiritual lethargy, allowing the enemy to steal their spiritual inheritance.
They resemble wellfed dogs, content in their comfort, oblivious to the thief who comes to destroy.
The enemy preys on the spiritually asleep, seeking to devour them. Like a lion hunting its prey, he waits for moments of vulnerability, striking when we least expect it.
If we remain complacent, we risk losing not only our spiritual vitality but also the protection over our families and communities.
2. The Danger of Worldly Distractions
Key Scripture:
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
(Romans 12:2, NIV)
The allure of worldly pleasures and the sins of modern “Sodom” have blinded many believers. Voices from the world, Egypt, and Canaan have drowned out the voice of God. Many have allowed these influences to dominate their lives, making them deaf to God’s warnings.
Worse still, even leaders—those entrusted to shepherd God’s people—have succumbed to greed and spiritual laziness. Instead of guarding the flock, they have become like dogs too full to bark, leaving God’s people exposed to the enemy’s attacks.
3. God’s Call to Repentance
Key Scripture:
"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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
(2 Chronicles 7:14, NIV)
Despite the dire situation, God in His mercy sends His prophets and servants to call His people to repentance.
This is a wakeup call to examine our spiritual state, repent of our complacency, and return to God with all our hearts.
God desires a people who are spiritually awake, who seek His face and listen to His voice. When we repent and turn from sin, He restores us and equips us with His Spirit to remain vigilant against the enemy’s schemes.
4. Be Watchful and Prayerful
Key Scripture:
"Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
(Matthew 26:41, NIV)
Spiritual vigilance requires active participation. It is not enough to avoid sin; we must actively engage in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength. Prayer is our weapon against the enemy and our lifeline to God.
Like a soldier on duty, we must stay alert, guarding our hearts and homes against spiritual attacks. The enemy will continue to prowl, but through prayer and reliance on God, we can stand firm and overcome.
5. The Urgency of the Hour
Key Scripture:
"The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light."
(Romans 13:12, NIV)
The alarm has been sounded, and the time to act is now.
This is not a time to remain indifferent or distracted by the world. Instead, we must put on the armor of God and be ready to face the challenges ahead.
Let us separate ourselves from the sins of Sodom and Egypt, embracing the righteousness and holiness of God. By staying spiritually awake, we can discern the enemy’s tactics and resist his plans to destroy us.
Conclusion
The spiritual slumber of God’s people has allowed the enemy to steal, kill, and destroy.
But God, in His mercy, is calling us to wake up, repent, and remain vigilant. He is ready to equip us with His Spirit so that we can stand firm and fulfill His purposes.
Let us not be like the wellfed dog that sleeps while thieves ransack the house.
Instead, let us rise, watch, and pray, trusting in God’s power to protect and guide us.
The time to act is now, for the enemy is near, but our salvation is nearer.
"Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
(Ephesians 5:14, NIV)
