Practical Religion - Self-Inquiry (Part 7)
J.C. Ryle urges believers to awaken from spiritual slumber, cast aside fear, and embrace Christ’s invitation to salvation with urgency and faith.
In this devotional sermon, J.C. Ryle passionately calls listeners to awaken from spiritual slumber and confront the reality of death and eternity. He encourages those burdened by fear and self-condemnation to accept Christ’s gracious invitation to find rest and forgiveness. Through biblical exhortation and practical application, Ryle urges a timely and wholehearted response to the gospel.
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Let me now conclude with a few words of practical application.
(a) Is any reader of this paper asleep and utterly thoughtless about Christianity?
Oh, awake and sleep no more! Look at the churchyards and cemeteries. One by one the people around you are dropping into them, and you must lie there one day. Look forward to a world to come, and lay your hand on your heart, and say, if you dare, that you ready to die and meet God. Ah! You are like one sleeping in a boat drifting down the stream towards the falls of Niagara! \"What meanest thou, oh sleeper! Arise and call on thy God!\"--\"Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light!\"\" (Jonah 1:6; Ephesians 5:14).
(b) Is any reader of this paper feeling self-condemned, and afraid that there is no hope for his soul?
Cast aside your fears, and accept the offer of our Lord Jesus Christ to sinners. Hear Him saying, \"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.\" (Matthew 11:28). \"If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.\" (John 7:37). Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.\" (John 6:37).
Doubt not that these words are for you as well as for anyone else. Bring all your sins, and unbelief, and sense of guilt, and unfitness, and doubts, and infirmities--bring all to Christ. \"This man receiveth sinners,\" and He will receive you (Luke 15:2). Do not stand still, wavering between two opinions, and waiting for a convenient season. On your feet! He\\
Sermon Outline
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I. Wake from Spiritual Slumber
- Recognize the urgency of spiritual awakening
- Consider the reality of death and judgment
- Heed the biblical call to arise and seek God
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II. Overcome Fear and Doubt
- Cast aside self-condemnation and hopelessness
- Accept Christ’s invitation to rest and refreshment
- Bring all sins and doubts to Jesus without delay
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III. Respond to Christ’s Invitation
- Come to Jesus with faith and trust
- Do not delay or waver in decision
- Receive assurance of Christ’s acceptance
Key Quotes
“Awake and sleep no more! Look at the churchyards and cemeteries. One by one the people around you are dropping into them, and you must lie there one day.” — J.C. Ryle
“What meanest thou, oh sleeper! Arise and call on thy God!"--"Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light!” — J.C. Ryle
“Cast aside your fears, and accept the offer of our Lord Jesus Christ to sinners.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Examine your heart honestly to see if you are spiritually awake or asleep.
- Bring your fears and doubts to Jesus and trust in His promise to receive sinners.
- Do not delay in responding to Christ’s call; make a decisive commitment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be spiritually asleep?
Being spiritually asleep refers to being unaware or indifferent to one’s need for salvation and the realities of eternity.
How can I overcome fear about my soul’s condition?
By trusting in Jesus’ promises to receive sinners and coming to Him with all your burdens and doubts.
Why is urgency emphasized in responding to Christ?
Because life is short and uncertain, and delaying repentance risks eternal separation from God.
What should I do if I feel unworthy to approach God?
Bring your unworthiness honestly to Christ, who welcomes sinners and offers rest to the weary.
Is this message relevant to all people?
Yes, the call to awaken and come to Christ is universal and applies to everyone regardless of their past.