Chapter 1 – The Slumbering Church
“You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” — Revelation 3:1
We are busy. But we are not awake.
The modern Church has motion without movement, sound without spirit, form without fire. We fill calendars, not hearts. We study words but rarely meet the Word Himself.
Activity has replaced intimacy. We are known for what we do, not for Whom we know.
Jesus’ warning to Sardis could not be more direct: “You have the appearance of life, but inside you are dead.”
This is not an accusation against outsiders. It is a diagnosis of those inside the walls — those who sing, serve, and smile… but seldom repent.
Reputation Without Reality
We love to be seen as alive. Church attendance. Good causes. Online devotionals. Yet Jesus sees the unseen — the quiet decay beneath the applause.
We have traded power for polish. We prefer comfort over conviction. We entertain, not equip. We build brands, not believers.
The Spirit whispers, “Wake up.” But the noise of religion drowns Him out.
We forget that He walks among the lampstands — inspecting every flame. (Revelation 2:1) He still trims the wicks and removes those that burn no longer.
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Ephesians 5:14) The command is not for pagans — it is for the Church.
The Great Sleep
The Church’s greatest danger is not persecution. It is paralysis.
Persecution strengthens faith; comfort sedates it. When Christianity costs nothing, it means little.
The enemy does not always destroy. Sometimes he distracts.
Satan is content for us to have sermons, lights, and music — as long as we never fall on our faces in repentance and obedience.
Like Sardis, we hold memories of past revivals and reputation for passion we no longer possess. We talk about awakenings as if they were museum exhibits — relics of a bygone era.
But Ezekiel saw a valley of dry bones, and God asked, “Can these bones live?” (Ezekiel 37:3) They can — when the Spirit breathes again.
The Missing Fear
We fear boredom more than we fear God. We avoid offense more than we avoid sin.
We want the benefits of the Kingdom without the burden of the Cross. We want His comfort, not His correction.
But the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10) Without it, faith becomes preference — a lifestyle accessory rather than a holy fire.
The early Church trembled and turned the world upside down. We shrug and try to fit in.
Revival does not come through applause but through brokenness. It begins when holiness becomes beautiful again.
Remember, Repent, Return
Jesus’ call to Sardis has not changed: “Remember what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent.”
Remember — how it felt when grace was new. When you first loved the Word, hungered for truth, and wept over sin.
Repent — not with shallow regret, but with renewed allegiance. To repent is to turn. To wake up is to obey.
Return — to the basics of spiritual life: Prayer that wrestles. Scripture that convicts. Worship that humbles. Obedience that costs.
“If My people who are called by My name humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven…” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
This is not optional. It is the doorway to awakening.
Signs of Awakening
The sleeping church can awaken. The dying can live.
When believers begin to pray again — not for comfort but for courage. When truth replaces trends. When holiness becomes beautiful again. When repentance becomes our rhythm.
Then, and only then, will the world know that Jesus is alive — because His people are.
“While the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept.” (Matthew 25:5) But the cry will come again at midnight: “Behold, the Bridegroom!” (Matthew 25:6)
The faithful will rise with lamps burning. The wise will be ready.
Reflection Questions
Where have I substituted motion for devotion?
Does my church pursue comfort or holiness?
Am I alive in reputation but lifeless in spirit?
What does obedience look like for me this week?
Prayer
Lord, wake me from my slumber.
Break through my apathy.
Expose the places where I am asleep.
Breathe Your Spirit into dry bones again.
Let Your Church rise — not in noise, but in power.
Teach me to tremble rightly and to love deeply.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
