Awakening to True Life in Christ
Summary
The call today is to awaken from spiritual dormancy and truly live out the new life given in Christ. It’s easy to slip into a routine—going through the motions of faith, reading devotionals, saying familiar prayers, attending church, but never really growing or making an impact. Just as a dormant seed is alive but not growing, so too can believers be spiritually alive yet stagnant, missing the fullness of what God intends. The challenge is to examine whether we are simply existing in our faith or actively growing, sprouting, and bearing fruit.
Paul’s words in Ephesians 5 urge us to “awake, O sleeper,” not just as a call to the unbeliever, but especially to those who already follow Christ. There is a danger for Christians to become dull, to lose vigilance, and to let the lines between light and darkness blur. Paul draws a clear distinction between those who walk in darkness and those who walk in the light, and he insists that these groups must remain distinct. The temptation to compromise, to blend in with the world under the guise of reaching others, is real. Yet, Jesus himself never compromised his identity or message, even as he loved and engaged with sinners.
Paul addresses specific sins—sexual immorality, greed, and corrupt speech—not because these are the only issues, but because they reveal a deeper principle: the need for zero tolerance toward sin. The question is not “how far is too far?” but rather, “how do I remain wholly set apart for Christ?” Tolerating even a little sin leads to idolatry, as anything we elevate above God becomes an object of worship. The call is not to a list of rules, but to a new identity—living out who we are in Christ, as children of light.
This awakening is not about striving in our own strength, but about remembering and aligning ourselves with what Jesus has already accomplished. We are not merely in the light; we are the light because of Christ’s transforming work. Our responsibility is to walk as children of light, letting Christ’s light shine through us, exposing darkness not just with words, but by the example of our lives. This is how we influence the world, not by blending in, but by standing out—living with goodness, righteousness, and truth, so that others are drawn to the light of Christ in us.
Key Takeaways
- Spiritual dormancy is subtle and dangerous. It’s possible to be alive in Christ yet not growing, simply going through the motions. Regular self-examination is needed to identify areas where we may be spiritually asleep, asking God to reveal our blind spots and awaken us to deeper growth and impact. [02:10]
- The Christian life is not about how close we can get to the line of sin without crossing it. Paul calls for a zero-tolerance approach to sin, warning that even small compromises can lead to idolatry—making something other than God our ultimate pursuit. The question is not “how much is too much?” but “how can I honor Christ in every area?” [44:00]
- Our identity in Christ is foundational. Paul doesn’t say we are merely in the light, but that we are the light because of what Jesus has done. Living out this identity means aligning our actions, words, and desires with who we truly are in Christ, rather than striving to become something we are not. [01:01:00]
- Influence is inevitable, but direction matters. Either the world is influencing us, or we are influencing the world. By remaining distinct and uncompromised, we allow Christ’s light to shine through us, drawing others to him—not by our words alone, but by the integrity and fruit of our lives. [01:13:00]
- The fruit of living awake in Christ is visible and attractive: goodness, righteousness, and truth. These qualities are not just for our benefit, but serve a greater purpose—compelling others to come to Jesus. Our responsibility is to walk as children of light, setting an example that exposes darkness and points others to the hope found in Christ. [01:19:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction: The Call to Awake
[02:10] - Recognizing Spiritual Dormancy
[06:30] - The Meaning of Dormant Faith
[10:45] - Ephesians 5: Awake, O Sleeper
[15:20] - Distinction Between Light and Darkness
[22:00] - The Danger of Blurring the Lines
[27:30] - Specific Sins: Sexual Immorality, Greed, and Speech
[36:00] - Zero Tolerance for Sin
[44:00] - The Principle: Don’t Flirt with the Line
[51:30] - Identity: You Are the Light
[01:01:00] - Living Out Who You Are in Christ
[01:08:00] - The Purpose: Christ Shines Through Us
[01:13:00] - Influence: Who’s Shaping Whom?
[01:19:00] - The Fruit of Awake Living
[01:23:00] - Closing and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “Awake, O Sleeper” (Ephesians 5)
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### Bible Reading
Ephesians 5:3–17 (ESV)
> 3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
>
> “Awake, O sleeper,
> and arise from the dead,
> and Christ will shine on you.”
>
> 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 5, what are the specific sins Paul warns against, and why does he mention them? [19:00]
2. What does Paul mean when he says, “you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord”? [48:00]
3. In verse 14, Paul says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Who is Paul addressing with this call to awake? [25:00]
4. What is the “fruit of light” that Paul describes in verse 9, and how is it different from the “unfruitful works of darkness”? [01:19:00]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul calls for a “zero tolerance” approach to sin, rather than asking “how far is too far”? What is the danger in trying to get close to the line? [44:00]
2. The sermon says that tolerating even a little sin can lead to idolatry. How does something become an idol in our lives, according to Paul? [49:00]
3. Paul draws a clear distinction between those who walk in darkness and those who walk in the light. Why is it important for these groups to remain distinct, and what happens when the lines get blurred? [27:30]
4. The pastor said that “awakening” is not about striving in our own strength, but about remembering and aligning ourselves with what Jesus has already accomplished. What does it look like to “walk as children of light” in practical terms? [01:01:00]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon compared spiritual dormancy to a seed that is alive but not growing. Are there areas in your faith where you feel you are just “going through the motions”? What would it look like for you to “awake” in those areas? [02:10]
2. Paul warns against blending in with the world under the guise of reaching others. Have you ever found yourself compromising your faith in order to fit in or be accepted? What would it look like to remain distinct while still loving those around you? [27:30]
3. The message challenged us to ask not “how much is too much?” but “how can I honor Christ in every area?” Is there a specific area of your life where you have been flirting with the line? What step can you take this week to move away from compromise? [44:00]
4. The sermon said that our identity is not just being “in the light” but actually “being the light” because of Christ. How does this truth change the way you see yourself and your daily choices? [01:01:00]
5. Influence is inevitable—either the world is influencing us, or we are influencing the world. In what ways do you see the world influencing you? What is one practical way you can let Christ’s light shine through you this week? [01:13:00]
6. The fruit of living awake in Christ is goodness, righteousness, and truth. Which of these do you feel is most visible in your life right now, and which one do you want to grow in? What is a specific action you can take to cultivate that fruit? [01:19:00]
7. The pastor said that exposing darkness is not just about words, but about the example of our lives. Can you think of a time when someone’s example (not just their words) drew you closer to Christ? How might your example impact others around you? [01:19:00]
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to reveal any areas of spiritual dormancy in your life, to awaken you to deeper growth, and to help you walk as a child of light—distinct, uncompromised, and fruitful for His glory.
Devotional
Day 1: Awake, O Sleeper—Live as Children of Light
God calls each of us to wake up from spiritual dormancy and live out our faith actively, not just going through the motions. Dormancy is like being a seed that is alive but not growing; it means being present but not truly engaged or transformed. The Lord desires that we be aware of our spiritual state, vigilant against blind spots, and intentional about growing in Christ. This awakening is not just for our own benefit but so that Christ’s light can shine through us, making a difference in our community and the world. [07:40]
Ephesians 5:3-16 (ESV)
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense you may be spiritually “asleep” or just going through the motions? Ask God to reveal any blind spots and to awaken your spirit today.
Day 2: Zero Tolerance for Sin—Don’t Flirt with the Line
Paul teaches that Christians are not to ask, “How far is too far?” but instead to have zero tolerance for sin in all its forms. Whether it’s sexual immorality, greed, or foul language, the call is to avoid even a hint of these things, not just in action but also in speech and attitude. Tolerating or justifying small compromises leads to spiritual dullness and idolatry, as anything we put above God becomes an idol. Instead, we are to be vigilant, not callous or nonchalant about sin, and to draw clear boundaries that reflect our identity in Christ. [36:10]
Ephesians 5:3-7 (ESV)
But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them.
Reflection: Is there a “gray area” or small compromise you’ve justified in your life? What would it look like to set a zero-tolerance boundary in that area today?
Day 3: You Are the Light—Live Out Your New Identity
When you come to Christ, you are not just in the light—you are the light because Jesus has changed you from the inside out. Paul reminds us that our responsibility is not to try to become something we’re not, but to walk as children of light, living out the new identity Jesus has given us. This means aligning our actions, words, and attitudes with who we are in Christ, not striving in our own strength but remembering and living in the reality of what He has already done. [49:00]
Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV)
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally “walk as a child of light” in your home, workplace, or community this week?
Day 4: Influence by Example—Let Christ’s Light Shine
Our purpose as believers is not just to avoid darkness but to actively shine the light of Christ, influencing the world rather than being influenced by it. Paul emphasizes that exposing the works of darkness is not primarily about words or arguments, but about living as an example of righteousness, goodness, and truth. People are watching how we live, and our actions can draw others to Christ far more powerfully than our words alone. [59:30]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Reflection: Who in your life is watching your example? How can you intentionally let Christ’s light shine through your actions toward them today?
Day 5: Remember Your Purpose—Shine for the Sake of Others
Awakening to who you are in Christ is not just for your own benefit, but so that others may be drawn to the light of Jesus. Our mission is to make disciples and compel others to come to Christ, and this happens as we live out our faith with sincerity and integrity. The fruit of living awake—goodness, righteousness, and truth—serves a greater purpose: to influence the world for Christ and lead others from darkness into His marvelous light. [01:07:00]
John 8:12 (ESV)
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Reflection: How does remembering your purpose as a light-bearer for Christ change the way you approach your relationships and daily interactions? What step can you take today to live with that purpose in mind?
Quotes
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