How can we stay spiritually "awake" as Revelation 16:15 advises believers to be? The Call to Wakefulness “Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who remains awake and clothed, so that he will not go naked and let his shame be exposed.” (Revelation 16:15) Jesus speaks in the midst of end-time judgment, urging His people to stay spiritually alert. The warning is literal: He will arrive suddenly; we must be ready. What It Means to Be Spiritually Awake • Alert to Christ’s imminent return (Matthew 24:42–44) • Aware of spiritual realities, not lulled by the world’s distractions (Romans 13:11–12) • Clothed in the righteousness and good works that testify we belong to Him (Revelation 19:7–8) Habits That Keep Our Eyes Open • Daily Scripture intake – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Reading, memorizing, and meditating renews our minds and keeps us from drifting. • Continual prayer – “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) – Short prayers throughout the day cultivate moment-by-moment dependence. • Regular self-examination – “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) – Ask the Spirit to expose complacency before it calcifies into sin. • Prompt obedience – “Do not merely listen to the word…do what it says.” (James 1:22) – Small acts of obedience keep spiritual muscles toned for larger tests. Guarding Our Garments: Walking in Purity • Reject hidden sin; secret compromise numbs spiritual senses (Ephesians 5:11). • Confess quickly; repentance keeps the garment white (1 John 1:9). • Choose holiness in thought life; what we entertain shapes what we become (Philippians 4:8). • Rely on the Spirit’s power, not self-effort (Galatians 5:16). Keep Watch in Community • Gather faithfully (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Invite accountability; trusted believers help us notice spiritual drowsiness (Proverbs 27:17). • Serve together; shared mission sharpens vigilance (1 Peter 4:10–11). Active Readiness Through Service • Use gifts to bless others (Matthew 25:14–23). • Share the gospel; soul-winning focuses the heart on eternal realities (2 Corinthians 5:11). • Care for the needy; compassion resists selfish slumber (James 1:27). Hope That Fuels Vigilance • Fix eyes on the “blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13) • Encourage one another: “The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near.” (Romans 13:12) • Remember the promised reward: “Blessed is the one who keeps the words of this prophecy.” (Revelation 22:7) Stay awake. Stay clothed. The King could step through the door at any moment. |
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