How can we "wake up" spiritually as instructed in Revelation 3:1? The Wake-Up Call to Sardis “ ‘To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation for being alive, yet you are dead.’ ” (Revelation 3:1) Seeing Our Own Sleepiness • content with past reputation but lacking present vitality • outward activity masking inward barrenness (Matthew 23:27) • sin tolerated, holiness neglected, love grown cold (Matthew 24:12) Steps to Spiritual Awakening • Remember the gospel you received – “Remember, then, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent.” (Revelation 3:3) – keep returning to the cross (1 Corinthians 15:1–4) • Repent quickly and thoroughly – “Repent, therefore, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away.” (Acts 3:19) – name the sin, forsake it, embrace Christ’s cleansing (1 John 1:9) • Rekindle fellowship with the Holy Spirit – rely on “the seven spirits of God” (Revelation 3:1) for fresh power – “Be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18) • Re-engage Scripture with obedience – “The word of God is living and active.” (Hebrews 4:12) – move from mere hearing to doing (James 1:22) – schedule unhurried reading, memorization, and application • Restore watchful prayer – “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2) – set alarms—literal or figurative—to pray throughout the day – pray alertly for Christ’s imminent return (Luke 21:36) • Reconnect with the body of Christ – “Let us consider how to spur one another on… not forsaking the assembly.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) – invite accountability; serve with your gifts; worship corporately • Reignite hope in Christ’s coming – “It is already the hour to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11) – live each day as though the trumpet could sound tonight (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17) Daily Habits that Keep Us Awake • Begin mornings with praise and Scripture before any screen • Confess sin immediately; keep short accounts with God • Speak of Christ to someone every day • End evenings reviewing the day under God’s light, thanking Him and resetting intentions The Promise That Motivates “He who overcomes will be clothed in white garments, and I will never blot his name from the Book of Life, but I will confess his name before My Father and His angels.” (Revelation 3:5) Staying spiritually awake is not a one-time jolt; it is a continual response to Christ’s voice, empowered by His Spirit, fueled by His Word, and focused on His soon return. |
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