Breaking The Chains Of Spiritual Slumber Series

BREAKING THE CHAINS OF SPIRITUAL SLUMBER

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 13:11

"And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."

Supporting Texts: Ephesians 5:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:6, Matthew 25:5-6, Revelation 3:2-3, Proverbs 6:9-11

INTRODUCTION

Spiritual slumber is a dangerous state where believers become complacent, indifferent, and unaware of the urgency of God's calling. Just as physical sleep makes a person unaware of their surroundings, spiritual slumber blinds believers to the move of God, the tricks of the enemy, and their divine assignments.

In Romans 13:11, Paul sounds the alarm that it is time to wake up because the return of Christ is nearer than before. Many believers fall into spiritual sleep due to comfort, distractions, or prolonged waiting for God’s promises. However, God is calling His people to awaken, arise, and break free from every form of spiritual laziness.

This sermon will explain the dangers of spiritual slumber, signs of spiritual sleep, and how to break free into a life of revival and spiritual alertness.

1. THE DANGER OF SPIRITUAL SLUMBER

Spiritual slumber is a tool of the enemy to weaken believers and hinder their walk with God. It leads to spiritual decay and opens the door for the enemy to operate.

a) Loss of spiritual sensitivity – When a believer is asleep spiritually, they no longer hear God’s voice or sense His direction (1 Samuel 3:1-4).

b) Exposure to the enemy’s attack – The devil takes advantage of spiritually sleeping believers, just as an enemy sows tares while men sleep (Matthew 13:25).

c) Missed divine opportunities – Spiritual slumber causes believers to miss God's timing and purpose for their lives (Luke 19:41-44).

d) Backsliding and worldliness – A sleeping Christian gradually drifts away from God and conforms to worldly ways (James 4:4).

e) Biblical Example: Samson’s Downfall – Samson fell asleep on Delilah’s lap, and in that moment, he lost his strength and destiny (Judges 16:19-20).

2. SIGNS OF SPIRITUAL SLUMBER

Many believers do not realise they are spiritually asleep until they face the consequences. Recognising these signs early helps in taking corrective action.

a) Lack of passion for prayer and the Word – A spiritually asleep believer finds prayer and Bible study burdensome (Psalm 119:105).

b) A diminishing hunger for God’s presence – When a person loses their desire to worship and seek God, it is a sign of spiritual sleep (Psalm 63:1-2).

c) Comfort with sin and compromise – A sleeping believer tolerates sin and is no longer convicted by the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 3:12-13).

d) Loss of discernment and spiritual alertness – A spiritually sleeping person fails to perceive the move of God or detect the enemy’s schemes (1 Peter 5:8).

e) Biblical Example: The Foolish Virgins – They slept without preparation and missed the bridegroom's arrival (Matthew 25:5-10).

3. HOW TO BREAK FREE FROM SPIRITUAL SLUMBER

Waking up from spiritual sleep requires intentional actions and a renewed commitment to God.

a) Return to the place of fervent prayer – Prayer is a key to reviving spiritual fire and staying alert (Colossians 4:2).

b) Reignite passion for God’s Word – The Word of God revives and awakens a sleeping soul (Psalm 119:50).

c) Engage in spiritual fasting – Fasting breaks spiritual dullness and revives hunger for God (Isaiah 58:6).

d) Surround yourself with spiritually awake believers – Fellowship with fiery Christians stirs up spiritual zeal (Proverbs 27:17).

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son’s Awakening – He realised his spiritual slumber, repented, and returned to his father (Luke 15:17-20).

4. LIVING A LIFE OF SPIRITUAL ALERTNESS

Breaking free is not enough; believers must remain spiritually awake to walk in victory.

a) Maintain a lifestyle of prayer and worship – Continuous prayer keeps the spirit alive and alert (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

b) Stay filled with the Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit keeps believers spiritually vibrant and on fire for God (Ephesians 5:18).

c) Be watchful against spiritual distractions – Guard your heart against anything that weakens spiritual focus (Proverbs 4:23).

d) Stay committed to soul-winning and service – Engaging in God's work keeps believers spiritually awake (John 9:4).

e) Biblical Example: The Early Church – They remained spiritually alert through prayer, fellowship, and evangelism (Acts 2:42-47).

CONCLUSION

God is calling His people to awaken from spiritual slumber and step into divine purpose. Every believer must examine their heart and determine if they are spiritually alert or asleep.

The time is short, and the return of Christ is nearer than ever. It is dangerous to remain spiritually complacent. Now is the time to rise, shake off every form of spiritual laziness, and rekindle the fire for God.

Will you wake up and pursue God passionately, or will you remain asleep and miss your divine moment? The choice is yours!

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, awaken me from every form of spiritual slumber.

2. Father, set my heart on fire for You again.

3. Holy Spirit, restore my hunger for prayer, worship, and the Word.

4. I reject every distraction keeping me from seeking God passionately.

5. Lord, give me fresh spiritual sensitivity to discern Your voice.