Resisting Laziness
The sermon warns against the dangers of laziness and calls believers to seek after Jesus with all their heart, mind, soul, and strength.
David Wilkerson addresses the growing trend of laziness among Christians in America, emphasizing that many desire to associate with Christ without true commitment or intimacy. He warns that this complacency leads to spiritual slumber, as illustrated by the parable of the ten virgins, where both wise and foolish fell asleep while waiting for the bridegroom. Wilkerson urges believers to awaken from their spiritual lethargy, reminding them that salvation is nearer than when they first believed and encouraging them to seek Jesus wholeheartedly. He stresses the importance of prayer and making Christ the focal point of their lives to resist the temptation of laziness.
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As America sinks deeper into godlessness, more and more of God's people want to go their own way. Such people do not want to be clothed by Christ in garments of righteousness; they only want to live to themselves, with no obligations or commitments. By their attitudes, they are telling the Lord, "Let me enjoy my association with you just so others will see me as good."
Churches in America and around the world are filled with millions of people calling themselves Christians who have no intimacy with Jesus. They spend no time in prayer and do not pick up their Bibles to see what he desires of them.
Somehow, these people have attached themselves to Christ's name wholly on their own. Our Lord will have no part of such an arrangement. Christ clearly warns in Mark: "Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming -- in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning -- lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!" (Mark 13:35-37).
We read the parable of the ten virgins, five wise and five foolish (see Matthew 25:1-13). "While the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept" (Matthew 25:5). All the virgins, both foolish and wise, were asleep. How could these wise virgins be slumbering? How could any godly servant, those who have prepared for Jesus' return for so long, be asleep as the Lord approaches?
Let's look at a warning by Paul: "Now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed" (Romans 13:11). Paul also warns, "'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" (Ephesians 5:14-16).
If you feel that you have grown lazy in your pursuit of Jesus, determine to seek after him with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Begin to pray throughout the day and make Christ the center of your thought life.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Dangers of Laziness
- A. Living for self rather than for Christ
- B. Failing to prioritize intimacy with Jesus
- C. Ignoring the warning of Christ's return
- II. The Warning of Christ's Return
- A. The parable of the ten virgins
- B. The importance of being prepared
- III. The Call to Wakefulness
- A. Paul's warning to awake from sleep
- B. The need to seek after Jesus with all our heart
- IV. Practical Steps to Overcome Laziness
- A. Praying throughout the day
- B. Making Christ the center of our thought life
Key Quotes
“Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming -- in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning -- lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping.” — David Wilkerson
“Now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” — David Wilkerson
“Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Pray throughout the day to stay connected with Jesus.
- Make Christ the center of your thought life to avoid complacency.
- Determine to seek after Jesus with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.