God’s Call to the Sleeper

Derek Chancellor

 “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, ‘Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:11-16) The Bible uses many terms to describe the sinner. In these verses the sinner is described as being asleep. What are some of the things that can be said about one who is asleep?

While asleep our eyes are closed, we do not see light nor observe the things around us. The soul in spiritual darkness is without saving knowledge of God’s word. Jesus spoke of this darkness, “For the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them.” (Matt. 13:15) Jesus told Paul he was being sent to the Gentiles, “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.” (Acts 26:18) As long as one has his eyes shut, he will never be able to see.

The person asleep is in a state of inactivity. The body is at ease, no desires are being formed, no plans are being made, and no work is being done. The sinner is not striving for the goal; he is not working out his own “salvation with fear and trembling.” (Phil 2:12) He is not making preparation to meet God. (Amos 4:12)

Often times when we sleep we are in a state of illusion. Sleep is quite often a time of dreams when imaginations take charge. The sinner may be dreaming of his spiritual health and riches, but the reality of God’s word says he is poor and in need. This was the case with the church at Laodicea they were saying; “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.” God said that they were, “wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,…” (Rev. 3:17) It is sad when one is condemned and yet he is dreaming of heaven and eternal life. Life is slipping away, but the sinners dream of many years to come. The “rich fool” of Luke 12 said to his soul, “you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.” (Lk 12: 19) However God said, “You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?” (Lk 12:20)

When a person is asleep he is not able to neither watch nor defend himself. He is at the mercy of others. Peter tells us of an adversary that we must be on guard for. Satan prowls around and when we are asleep is just when he will strike. Most sinners will continue to sleep and awaken in eternity, when it is too late.

The sleep of a sinner is not healthy. In fact it eventually leads to death. In this passage God is calling to those who are asleep to wake up. Paul wrote to the Romans, “Do this, knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Rom. 13:11-12) If we are asleep, it is time to wake up. We need to wake up, arise, and consider our ways. We need to make the best use of our time. We only have a limited amount.

It is sad that most people are unwilling to hear the voice of the Lord while they live on this earth. However, there is going to come a time when this will not be the case at all. Jesus said, “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:28)

Are you awake spiritually? Have you obeyed the Gospel of Christ? As a child of God are you awake and faithful to the Lord and His cause? Remember, out text was addressed to the church at Ephesus. It is possible for God’s children to be asleep. Each of us is nearer to death and judgment than we have ever been. May we be sure that our preparation is complete.