The Bible describes a believer who has died as “sleeping.” But when the Bible uses “sleep” to describe a believer who is alive, it means that he is not doing what he ought. Paul tells the Ephesian believers to awake from their spiritual sleep. Are we awake? We need to examine the following two areas of our life:

1.  Our relationship with God

(a) Our prayer life: The Bible teaches us to pray without ceasing, but a sleeping Christian will not do so. Self-confidence is a deadly transgression that dulls our spiritual senses. We are in a spiritual battle, and we need God’s help.

(b) Our worship: Worship is the heart and soul of all believers, even in eternity. How we view worship can be seen in our eagerness, and our preparation, to attend worship service on the Lord’s Day. Do we consider worship a chore?

(c) Our study of God’s Word: God speaks to us through His Word. Do we give His Word our full attention? God is not our servant, we are His servants. We must never say to God, “Don’t talk, let me talk.” We must be willing to listen to what God is saying to us through His Word. And He will help us to understand His Word. His Word is of vital importance.

2.  Our relationship with people

(a) Brethren: We are sleeping when we do not serve. We serve when we provoke our brethren unto love and good works. Has your life (your testimony, your service, etc) helped someone to become a better Christian? We are all endowed with at least one spiritual gift. Know your gift and use it to serve others.

(b) Unbelievers: Paul says, “…arise from the dead…” (Eph 5:14). Here, the “dead” refer to unbelievers. When we sleep, unbelievers remain dead (spiritually) in sin. Believers must wake up, arise and evangelize. How? “…Christ shall give thee light.” (Eph 5:14). Christ’s light is able to penetrate any darkness in every heart. We do not have to base on own ideas and opinions. Christ will teach us how to understand God’s Word, to evangelize, and be strengthened. God is able to answer all our worries. It’s a matter of obedience.

Do we allow ourselves to be awakened? We have no excuse to continue to sleep, and not do our spiritual duties and responsibilities.