Sermon by Charles Wesley
Preached on April 4, 1742, at the University of Oxford
“Wake up, you who are sleeping, and rise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.” – Ephesians 5:14
1. Who are these people that are said to be "asleep"?
2. Why are they told to "wake up and rise"?
3. What does the promise of "light" from Christ mean for those who wake up?
When the Bible talks about "sleep," it's describing the natural state of people—like a deep spiritual sleep caused by sin. This is the condition we are all born into, passed down from Adam. It’s a state where we are unaware of our true situation. We don’t realize the danger we’re in until God’s voice calls us out of it.
People who are spiritually asleep live in darkness. It’s as if they’re blind to their own condition, thinking they’re healthy and free, while in reality, they are bound by sin. These people think they are safe when, in truth, they are standing on the edge of disaster. Hell is right beneath their feet, but they feel no urgency to escape.
A person who’s spiritually asleep may be unaware that they need a complete inner transformation—a change as radical as being born again. They don’t realize that without this change, they’ll never see God. This "sleep" can be even deeper if the person isn’t outwardly sinful. They might consider themselves decent, religious, and morally good, but they’re still missing something vital: the Spirit of God.
These "sleepers" may follow all the outward rules—attend church, do good deeds, even fast and pray—but they lack the inner life that comes from God’s Spirit. They don’t understand their deep need for God’s grace and are content with a life that looks good on the outside but is empty on the inside.
Even though society may admire them, God sees their true state. He knows their hearts are filled with sin and that they’re spiritually dead, no matter how righteous they may appear. Unless they wake up, they will remain in this state of spiritual death.
So, why does the Bible tell these people to wake up? Because they are in serious danger. God is calling them, through these words, to recognize their true state before it's too late. They are like people who are fast asleep while a storm is raging around them, unaware that they are about to be swept away.
God’s message is urgent: wake up before you face His judgment. This is not a time for comfort or delay. It’s a call to action. Stand up, take responsibility for your life, and cry out to God for salvation. If you don’t, the consequences will be eternal.
If you think you are safe, I urge you to reconsider. Just like Peter, who was imprisoned and bound with chains, you may not realize the danger you are in. But an angel of the Lord is here now, offering you the chance to escape. Don't remain in spiritual sleep while standing on the brink of destruction.
Wake up from the dream of finding happiness in this world. God created you for Himself, and your soul will never be satisfied until you find rest in Him. Don’t be content with this life. We are all just passing through this world. Eternity is what truly matters, and what you do in this short life determines your eternal destiny.
Ask yourself honestly: If you were to die today, are you ready to meet God? Are you prepared to face judgment? Have you lived in a way that pleases God? Have you found the life that God offers through Christ, or are you still living in spiritual death?
Finally, let’s consider the promise: "Christ will give you light." This means that if you wake up from your spiritual sleep and turn to God, He will give you His grace. His light will shine in your heart, driving out the darkness, and you will experience true life—both now and forever.
God promises to fill those who respond to this call with His presence. He will dwell within you, and you will experience the joy, peace, and love that only comes from a relationship with Him. This is not just a future hope but something you can begin to experience now. You will be a "temple of the living God," with Christ living in your heart by faith.
God’s light will transform your life. You will understand His love in a way that goes beyond words, and His Spirit will guide you every day. You’ll no longer live in spiritual death but in the fullness of life that God offers.
The message is clear: if you are asleep, wake up. God is calling you to leave behind the old life and embrace the new life He offers through Christ. This is an opportunity to turn from sin, receive God’s grace, and begin a life filled with His light. Don’t delay, for eternity is at stake.
Wake up today, and Christ will give you light.
