Why Are You Asleep? | Questions Jesus Asked | Week 3
Pastor Jericho Toilolo

Luke 22:45-46 NIV1. A lack of self-awareness keeps us spiritually asleep.

• Mark 14:40 ESV

2. A lack of authenticity keeps us spiritually asleep.
3. A lack of conviction keeps us spiritually asleep.

• Hebrews 3:13 ESV

Reflection Questions from Tim Keller
1. How real has God been this week to your heart?
2. How clear and vivid is your assurance and certainty of God’s forgiveness and Fatherly love?
3. Are you having any particular seasons of sweet delight in God?
4. Do you really sense his presence in your life?
5. Have you been finding Scripture to be “alive” and “active”?
6. Are you finding certain biblical promises extremely precious and encouraging? Which ones?
7. Are you finding God challenging you and calling you to something through the Word? In what ways?
8. Are you finding God’s grace more glorious and moving now than you have in the past?
9. Are you conscious of a growing sense of evil in your heart, and in response a growing dependence on and grasp of the preciousness of the mercy of God?

1. What stood out to you or challenged you about Sunday’s message?

2. Read 1 Timothy 1:3-7 together. How is the world currently influencing your heart?

3. How will you come back to trusting in the work of Jesus and restoring a pure heart and a good conscience?

4. How will you grow in self-awareness, authenticity, and conviction this week?

“As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.”
1 Timothy 1:3-7 ESV

“And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.’”
Luke 22:45-46 ESV

This week, explore the spiritual practice of confession. Reflect on this quote from Donald S. Whitney: “Can we expect the flames of our worship of God to burn brightly in public on the Lord’s Day when they barely flicker for Him in secret on other days?”

Part of how we can combat spiritual apathy is through the spiritual practice of confession. We can burn brightly for God when we are daily confessing and laying down what is causing us to be apathetic or spiritually asleep.

Remember that you are not alone. You are not the only one. Take a step toward openly confessing your needs and brokenness to your brothers and sisters. This can be over coffee or after LifeGroup or on a walk with a friend. Practice the spiritual discipline of confession this week.

As we reflect on Jesus’ question “Why are you sleeping?”, I was reminded of a sermon by Pastor Jon Tyson that has been meaningful for me. He brings up some great application pieces and encourages us in ways to stay “close to the fire”. To expect our flames of worship to burn brightly, we need to stay close to the fire. So how do we do that?

Stay close to those who are seeking Jesus. When you’re closer to some other logs or kindling, you’re going to catch fire! Stay in close proximity to people who are loving Jesus, confessing sin, and looking for the Holy Spirit’s movement in their lives.

Pastor Jon Tyson also talks about being around young people. There is something amazing when you’re living life with people who are new to faith or young people who are growing their faith. Their joy and excitement for Jesus is contagious! Get around young people and let their spiritual sparks help you catch fire again.

Grace and Peace,
Lydia Long