Wake Up Sleepy Head Series

WE’VE GOT THE POWER – 3

“WAKE UP SLEEPY HEAD”

Text: Ephesians 5:14-21

Introduction: Over the past few weeks I’ve been preaching a series called, “We’ve Got The Power”. This morning, I want to continue with the third part of this series called, “Wake Up Sleepy Head”. But before moving on, let me recap what I have preached so far.

The first sermon in this series was called, ”Where It All Began”. In this sermon I talked about when the New Testament Church actually began. Through Scripture we learned that the church did not begin on the Day of Pentecost, as some believe, but that it began at the day Jesus ascended up into heaven. I then went on to explain that there are in fact two distinct and very different baptisms (three if you want to get technical) (explain the 3).

Then, in the second sermon called, “What’s The Purpose”, I spoke on some of the purposes of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit - both individually as well as collectively. In other words, the purpose of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Today, the title of my message is: “Wake Up Sleepy Head” Our text is found in, Ephesians 5:14-21. It says, “Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light." See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” (NKJ)

There is an illustration that comes from one of George Orwell’s essays. It offers a graphic image of human laziness. Orwell describes a wasp that "was sucking jam on my plate and I cut him in half. He paid no attention, merely went on with his meal, while a tiny stream of jam trickled out of his severed esophagus. Only when he tried to fly away did he grasp the dreadful thing that had happened to him."

We are living in the VERY LAST DAYS! as described in Luke 21.

In this Scripture, Christ Himself says in verses 31 - 33, "So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

Billy Graham wrote in his book, Storm Warning, “In the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew’s devastation, as my grandson, Stephan-Nelson, was working night and day helping the survivors to get water and food, he noticed a sign on the roof of one house which read: "Okay, God. You’ve got our attention. Now what?" I see storms of apocalyptic proportions on the horizon. God is beginning to get our attention. Now what?

I. My question to you today is this: Is God really getting the Church of God universal’s attention? (expound)

A. Look at verses 34 & 35 of our text this morning. It says, "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. "For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth.” (expound)

B. Revelation 3:15-21 describes it this way: "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. "Because you say, ’I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’-- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked--"I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. "To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (NKJ) (Expound).