How can we guard against spiritual complacency as warned in Job 15:27?

Setting the Scene

Job 15:27: “Though his face is covered with fat and his waistline bulges with flesh.”

Eliphaz paints a literal picture of a man so comfortable and self-indulgent that he has grown spiritually dull. The physical excess mirrors a heart numbed to God.

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Symptoms of Spiritual Complacency

• Diminishing hunger for Scripture, prayer, and worship

• Satisfaction with yesterday’s victories rather than today’s obedience

• Quickness to critique others while excusing personal sin

• Resistance to correction or accountability

• Preoccupation with comfort, possessions, and reputation

• Assumption that present blessings guarantee future security

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Why Complacency Is Dangerous

• Blinds the heart—Revelation 3:17

• Provokes divine discipline—Deuteronomy 32:15

• Precedes sudden ruin—1 Corinthians 10:12

• Chokes spiritual fruit—Mark 4:19

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Guardrails That Keep the Heart Awake

• Daily self-examination—Psalm 139:23-24

• Continual repentance—Proverbs 28:13

• Dependence on the Spirit—Galatians 5:16

• Consistent corporate worship—Hebrews 10:24-25

• Honest accountability—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

• Sacrificial generosity—1 Timothy 6:17-19

• Humble service to the needy—Matthew 25:40

• Regular fasting—Matthew 4:4

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Practices That Cultivate Vigilance

1. Scripture Intake

– Read widely, meditate deeply (Psalm 1:2)

– Memorize passages that confront complacency (Revelation 3:14-22)

2. Prayer Rhythms

– Short, frequent prayers (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

– Planned seasons of extended solitude (Mark 1:35)

3. Gratitude Journaling

– Record daily mercies (Psalm 103:2)

4. Gospel Remembrance

– Celebrate the Lord’s Supper regularly (1 Corinthians 11:26)

5. Missional Engagement

– Share Christ in word and deed (Romans 1:16)

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Scriptures Echoing the Same Call

• Romans 13:11—“It is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep.”

• Proverbs 1:32—“The complacency of fools will destroy them.”

• Ephesians 5:14—“Awake, O sleeper….”

• Hebrews 2:1—“We must pay closer attention…lest we drift away.”

• 2 Peter 1:10—“Be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.”

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Encouragement to Persevere

Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” Stay pliable under His hand; vigilance becomes joy when fueled by His power.