God's Call To The Sleeper

GOD’S CALL TO THE SLEEPER

Ephesians 5:14

INTRO: There are several similarities in the Bible used to describe the state of the sinner. He is represented as an alien, a rebel, an outcast, as blind, wretched, and lost.

Out text describes him as asleep, and also dead.

I. THE SINNER’S AWFUL STATE.

A. It is a state of darkness.

1. In sleep the organs of vision are closed. Nothing is seen.

2. Such is the condition of the soul, in a state of darkness.

B. It is a state of insensibility.

1. Asleep, a person hears not, he is temporarily dead to all.

2. The same is said of the sinner.

C. It is a state of inactivity.

1. In sleep all the limbs are at ease.

2. Such is the state of the sinner.

D. A state of illusion.

1 Sleep is the season of dreams.

2. The lost soul dreams of health, poor dream of riches, etc.

II. GOD’S GRACIOUS CALL.

A. By the various circumstances and events of life.

1. Often by adversity — by affliction — by bereavements, etc.

B. By His blessed word.

1. By the Word — written. and. preached.

a. Most of us read, or hear it read, and how it describes us.

2. Especially by the preaching.

a. Have you not been called hundreds of times?

C. By the admonitions of conscience.

1. To awake; to arouse themselves.

2. To arise from the dead; to forsake the position of sleep.

III. THE GREAT PROMISE.

A. The blessing promised is light.

1. The light of saving knowledge.

2. Peace and joy by forgiveness.

3. Of holiness.

B. The source of blessing is Christ

C. the manner of bestowment.

1. It is a gift.

a. All His gifts are free.