SPIRITUAL SLUMBER.
Written by Senior Pastor Ndayiragije Misigaro Joel, June 29, 2023
1 Peter 5:8–9 (ESV): 8 Be sober-minded and watchful. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.
DEFINITION
Spiritual slumber means being disconnected from one's inner self and the divine. It is a state of spiritual neglect where one may feel lost, unfulfilled, and lacking purpose. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and disconnection from others. To awaken from this slumber, one must begin to prioritize their spiritual well-being through practices such as meditation, prayer, and self-reflection. By doing so, they can find a deeper sense of meaning and connection to themselves and the world around them. being disconnected from one's inner self and the divine energy that surrounds us. It is a state of spiritual lethargy where one feels uninspired and lacks motivation to pursue their spiritual journey. To awaken from this slumber, one must engage in practices such as meditation, prayer, and self-reflection to reconnect with their inner spirit and find renewed purpose in life.
There are spiritual entities that rule over specific geographic regions. These spirits are believed to have significant influence over the people and events in their territory, and therefore, it is important to engage in spiritual warfare to overcome their negative influence.
As believers, we must remain alert and vigilant in our spiritual walk, for the devil is always seeking to lure us into a state of spiritual slumber.
1. MAKE NO PROVISION FOR THE FLESH.
Romans 13:11–14 (ESV): 11 Besides this, you know the time; the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires.
Paul urges the Romans to wake up from their spiritual slumber and be prepared for the coming of Christ. He reminds them that salvation is closer than ever and encourages them to live in the light, avoiding sinful behaviors and instead putting on the righteousness of Christ. By doing so, they will be able to resist temptation and live a life that honors God.
The devil is always looking for ways to deceive and tempt us, but with faith and perseverance, we can resist his attacks. As Christians, we must be alert and aware of the spiritual battle that surrounds us. The devil seeks to lull us into a spiritual slumber, but we must resist him and stand firm in our faith.
2. WHEN EVIL CRUSHED UNDER MY FEET.
When we put on the righteousness of Christ and resist the devil's temptations, we can overcome evil and crush it under our feet. It is through our faith and perseverance that we can experience victory over the enemy and live a life that is pleasing to God.
Romans 16:19–20 (ESV): 19 For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is with you.
This passage from Romans reminds us that while the devil may seek to deceive and weaken us, ultimately God will triumph over evil. We can take comfort in knowing that, with obedience and faith, we too can overcome the spiritual battles we face.
We must resist his temptations and remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. As believers, it is important to stay alert and aware of the spiritual battles we face.
By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and relying on His grace, we can find the strength to persevere and overcome any obstacle. Let us hold fast to our faith and trust in the power of God to see us through every trial.
3. DO NOT HOLD TO EVIL TEACHINGS.
Do not hold to evil teachings Instead, seek wisdom and guidance from God's Word and surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and support you in your faith journey. Remember that the enemy will try to deceive and lead us astray, but by staying rooted in truth and righteousness, we can stand firm against his schemes. Let us choose to walk in the light and reject any teachings that go against God's principles.
Revelation 2:24 (ESV): 24 But to the rest of you in Thyatira who do not hold this teaching and who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden.
We must instead hold fast to the truth of God's word and seek guidance from the Holy Spirit in discerning what is right and wrong. It is through this steadfastness that we can overcome the temptations of evil teachings and remain faithful to our Lord.
Philippians 4:8–9 (ESV): 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned, received, heard, and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
By focusing our thoughts on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy, we can align ourselves with God's will and resist the allure of false teachings. As we actively practice these virtues in our daily lives, we invite the presence of God's peace to guide and strengthen us.
Paul also reminds us to put into practice the teachings we have received from him and from other faithful believers, so that we may experience the peace of God in our lives.
