Reading: Ephesians 5:14-17

Devotional: Just as Jesus called the church in Sardis to "wake up," we too are called to awaken from spiritual slumber. This passage reminds us to make the most of every opportunity, understanding what the Lord's will is. Today, reflect on areas of your life where you may have become spiritually drowsy. Are there places where you've hit the "snooze button" on God's prompting? Ask the Holy Spirit to revive your spiritual senses and renew your passion for Christ. Remember, our God is not a God of the past only, but of the present and future. Let His living Word awaken you to the vibrancy of a life fully devoted to Him.

Reading: Matthew 23:25-28

Devotional: Jesus warned the church in Sardis that their reputation for being alive didn't match their spiritual reality. In today's reading, Jesus confronts religious leaders about a similar discrepancy. It's easy to cultivate an outward appearance of spirituality while neglecting our inner life with God. Today, take time for honest self-examination. Are there areas where you're more concerned with how others perceive your faith than with the actual state of your relationship with God? Ask the Lord to help you cultivate authentic faith that flows from a genuine, vibrant connection with Him. Remember, God sees beyond our reputation to the reality of our hearts.

Reading: Hebrews 12:12-15

Devotional: When Jesus instructed the church in Sardis to "strengthen what remains," He was calling them to nurture the spiritual life still present among them. Today's passage echoes this, encouraging us to strengthen feeble arms and weak knees. What areas of your spiritual life feel weak or neglected? Perhaps it's your prayer life, Bible study, or acts of service. Today, commit to strengthening these areas. Remember, even small steps of faithfulness can lead to significant spiritual growth. Ask God to show you specific ways you can "strengthen what remains" in your walk with Him, and trust that He will provide the grace you need to grow.

Reading: 2 Timothy 1:6-14

Devotional: Jesus called the church in Sardis to remember what they had received and heard, and to hold it fast. Paul gives similar advice to Timothy in today's reading. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to forget the foundational truths of our faith or to let them slip from our grasp. Today, take time to reflect on the core teachings of the gospel and how they've impacted your life. Remember your first love for Christ and the joy of your salvation. Hold fast to these truths, especially in times of doubt or difficulty. Ask God to rekindle the gift of faith within you and to help you guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Reading: Revelation 3:4-5, 19:7-8

Devotional: Jesus commends those in Sardis who have "not soiled their clothes" and promises that the victorious will be dressed in white. This imagery of white garments represents purity, victory, and worthiness to walk with Christ. Today's readings expand on this symbolism. Reflect on what it means to live a life worthy of this calling. How can you pursue purity and holiness in your daily life? Remember, this isn't about perfection, but about a heart fully surrendered to God. Ask the Lord to clothe you with His righteousness and to help you live in a manner worthy of the gospel. Rejoice in the promise that one day, all believers will be presented to Christ in spotless garments, not because of our own righteousness, but because of His grace and transforming power in our lives.

This discussion guide is based on  Pastor DJ's sermon "Please Wake Up" from the series Altars Everywhere - Volume 2. We encourage you to continue the discussion with a few friends in your HOW Church community.

Opening Prayer: Begin your small group session with a prayer, asking God for wisdom and open hearts as you discuss His Word.

Key Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Introduction: This sermon focuses on Jesus' letter to the church in Sardis, challenging us to wake up spiritually and avoid complacency in our faith.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean for a church or an individual Christian to be "asleep" spiritually? Have you ever experienced this in your own life?
2. The sermon mentions that "reputation does not always match reality." How can we ensure our spiritual lives are authentic rather than just maintaining an image?
3. Pastor mentions that "busyness does not mean fruitfulness." How can we distinguish between being busy for God and being truly fruitful in our faith?
4. What are some ways we might be "hitting the spiritual snooze button" in our lives? What consequences could this have?
5. The sermon talks about "strengthening what remains." In what areas of your spiritual life do you feel you need to strengthen or revitalize?
6. How can we "recover what we first received" in terms of our initial passion and zeal for Christ? What practices or habits might help with this?

Key Takeaways:

1. A good reputation doesn't necessarily reflect spiritual reality.
2. Complacency is a serious threat to our spiritual lives and the church's effectiveness.
3. We need to regularly examine our spiritual state and "wake up" areas that have become dormant.
4. Remembering and returning to our first love for Christ is crucial for spiritual vitality.

Practical Applications:

1. This week, take time to honestly assess your spiritual life. Are there areas where you've become complacent or "asleep"?
2. Identify one spiritual practice (e.g., prayer, Bible study, worship) that has weakened over time. Make a plan to strengthen it this week.
3. Reflect on your initial conversion experience or a time when your faith felt particularly alive. Write down what made that time special and how you can recapture some of that passion.
4. As a group, brainstorm ways your church or small group can "wake up" and become more spiritually vibrant. Choose one idea to implement together.

Closing Prayer: Ask God to awaken any areas of spiritual slumber in your lives and to reignite passion for Him in your hearts and in your church.