+I. The character of the persons addressed.+--They are in a state of
sleep. 1. If you allow yourselves in the practice of known
wickedness, your conscience is asleep. 2. If you live in the
customary neglect of self-examination, you are in a state of slumber.
3. If you have never been in any degree affected with a sense of your
guilt and your dependence on the mercy of God in Christ, you are
among those who are asleep. 4. If you have no conflicts with sin and
temptation, you are in a state of slumber. 5. The prevalence of a
sensual and carnal disposition is a sign of spiritual death.
6. Stupidity under the warnings of God's Word and providence
indicates such a state of soul as the Scripture compares to sleep.
7. The soul in which the temper of the Gospel is formed hungers and
thirsts after righteousness, desires spiritual growth, and reaches
after perfection.
+II. The awakening call.+--1. This awakening must suppose and imply a
conviction of your sin and a sense of your danger. 2. This awakening
from sleep and arising from the dead imply a real repentance of sin
and turning to God. 3. They who have awoke from their sleep and risen
from the dead will experience the properties and maintain the
exercises of a holy and spiritual life.
+III. The encouragement to attend to the awakening call.+--"Christ
shall give thee light." 1. This may be understood as a promise of
pardon and eternal life on your repentance. 2. The words import God's
gracious attention to awakened souls when they frame their doings to
turn to Him.--_Lathrop._