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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Avoiding Spiritual Slumber</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/a/avoiding_spiritual_slumber.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/romans/13-11.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/a/avoiding.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Avoiding Spiritual Slumber</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_spiritual_sluggishness.htm" title="Avoiding Spiritual Sluggishness">◄</a> Avoiding Spiritual Slumber <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_spiritual_stagnation.htm" title="Avoiding Spiritual Stagnation">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div><b>Definition and Importance</b><br><br>Spiritual slumber refers to a state of spiritual lethargy or inattentiveness, where an individual becomes complacent in their faith and neglects their relationship with God. This condition can lead to a weakened spiritual life, making one susceptible to temptation and sin. Avoiding spiritual slumber is crucial for maintaining a vibrant and active faith, ensuring that believers remain vigilant and prepared for the return of Christ.<br><br><b>Biblical Exhortations</b><br><br>The Bible frequently warns against spiritual slumber and encourages believers to remain watchful and alert. In <a href="/romans/13-11.htm">Romans 13:11</a>, the Apostle Paul urges, "And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." This passage highlights the urgency of awakening from spiritual complacency, emphasizing the nearness of salvation and the need for readiness.<br><br>Similarly, in <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:6</a>, Paul writes, "So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober." Here, the call is to live with spiritual awareness and self-control, contrasting the behavior of those who are spiritually asleep.<br><br><b>Parables and Teachings of Jesus</b><br><br>Jesus Himself addressed the issue of spiritual slumber in His teachings. The Parable of the Ten Virgins in <a href="/matthew/25.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a> serves as a poignant illustration. In this parable, five wise virgins remain prepared for the bridegroom's arrival, while five foolish virgins fall asleep and are unprepared. Jesus concludes with the admonition, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (<a href="/matthew/25-13.htm">Matthew 25:13</a>). This parable underscores the necessity of constant vigilance and readiness for Christ's return.<br><br><b>Practical Steps to Avoid Spiritual Slumber</b><br><br>1. <b>Prayer and Devotion</b>: Regular prayer and devotion are essential for maintaining spiritual alertness. In <a href="/luke/21-36.htm">Luke 21:36</a>, Jesus advises, "But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all that is going to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man." Prayer keeps believers connected to God and strengthens their resolve against spiritual lethargy.<br><br>2. <b>Engagement with Scripture</b>: Immersing oneself in the Word of God is vital for spiritual vitality. <a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a> describes the Word as "living and active," capable of penetrating the heart and discerning thoughts and intentions. Regular Bible study helps believers remain grounded in truth and aware of God's will.<br><br>3. <b>Fellowship with Believers</b>: Engaging in fellowship with other believers provides encouragement and accountability. <a href="/hebrews/10-24.htm">Hebrews 10:24-25</a> exhorts, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."<br><br>4. <b>Active Service</b>: Serving others in love and humility helps prevent spiritual stagnation. <a href="/galatians/5-13.htm">Galatians 5:13</a> encourages believers to "serve one another humbly in love." Active service fosters spiritual growth and keeps believers engaged in the work of the Kingdom.<br><br><b>Consequences of Spiritual Slumber</b><br><br>The consequences of spiritual slumber can be severe, leading to spiritual decay and separation from God. <a href="/revelation/3.htm">Revelation 3:1-3</a> addresses the church in Sardis, warning them of their spiritual deadness despite their reputation for being alive. The call to "wake up and strengthen what remains" serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of spiritual complacency.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>Avoiding spiritual slumber is a continuous and intentional effort that requires vigilance, prayer, engagement with Scripture, fellowship, and active service. By heeding the biblical exhortations and teachings of Jesus, believers can maintain a vibrant and alert spiritual life, ready for the return of their Lord.</div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/a/avoiding.htm">Avoiding</a></p><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_sin.htm">Avoiding Sin</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/one's.htm">One's (59 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness.htm">Forgiveness (124 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/avoiding.htm">Avoiding (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/a/avouch.htm">Avouch</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/scorn.htm">Scorn (65 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/complete.htm">Complete (246 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/transfiguration.htm">Transfiguration</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/wrong.htm">Wrong (391 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/reconciliation.htm">Reconciliation (11 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/reconcile.htm">Reconcile (10 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/f/fellow.htm">Fellow (166 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/r/resurrection.htm">Resurrection (42 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/o/obedience.htm">Obedience (61 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/messenger.htm">Messenger (235 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/m/malchiel.htm">Malchiel (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/l/language.htm">Language (112 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/tabeel.htm">Tabeel (2 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_spiritual_sluggishness.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Avoiding Spiritual Sluggishness"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Avoiding Spiritual Sluggishness" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_spiritual_stagnation.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Avoiding Spiritual Stagnation"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Avoiding Spiritual Stagnation" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>