Complacency: The Silent Thief of Spiritual Vigilance
Introduction:
We confront a subtle but dangerous spiritual malady: complacency. It is a state of self-satisfaction, a false sense of security that blinds us to our weaknesses and lulls us into spiritual slumber. Complacency is a thief, stealing our zeal, our vigilance, and ultimately, our spiritual growth.
I. Defining Complacency: A False Sense of Security
A. Satisfied and Unaware:
• Complacency is being "self-satisfied and unaware of possible dangers." It's an "underestimation" of our spiritual condition. (Encarta)
• It manifests as conceit, unaccountability, self-assurance, and indifference.
II. Some Causes of Complacency: The Roots of Stagnation
A. Poor Assessment and Self-Will (Matthew 22:1-5, 11, 12):
• The parable of the wedding feast illustrates the danger of self-deception. Those who thought themselves worthy were found wanting.
B. Laziness (Matthew 25:24-26):
• The parable of the talents warns against burying our gifts, failing to use them for God's glory.
C. False Peace (Jeremiah 2:35, 36):
• A false sense of security, believing everything is well when it is not, is a dangerous delusion.
D. Conceit (Revelation 3:16-18):
• The Laodicean church, believing themselves rich and self-sufficient, were actually wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
E. Familiarity (Mark 6:4; Revelation 2:4):
• Familiarity can breed contempt, causing us to lose our first love and take God's blessings for granted.
F. Contentment in a Comfort Zone (Matthew 25:18; 2 Corinthians 13:5):
• Remaining in our comfort zones, refusing to challenge ourselves, leads to spiritual stagnation. We must examine ourselves.
G. Amos 6:1-8: Woe to Those at Ease in Zion:
• This passage provides a stark warning against complacency:
◦ Trusted in What Would Fail (6:1): They placed their security in earthly comforts, not God.
◦ Did Not Learn from Others' Weakness (6:2): They ignored the warnings of judgment.
◦ Put Off Judgment (6:3): They dismissed the urgency of repentance.
◦ Comforted in Temporal Prosperity (6:4): They found their security in material wealth.
◦ Self-Pleasing (6:5-7): They lived for their own pleasure, neglecting God's will.
◦ Conceited (6:8): They were arrogant and self-assured.
III. The Cure for Complacency: Awakening from Slumber
A. 1 Corinthians 6:1, 2: Receiving Grace in Vain:
• We are urged not to receive God's grace in vain, but to embrace the present opportunity for salvation.
• "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
B. Isaiah 32:9-11: Awakening to Reality:
• Rise Up and Hear (32:9): We must be attentive to God's warnings.
◦ What Do We Hear? (Mark 4:23-25): We must hear the Word with understanding and application.
◦ How Do We Hear? (Ezekiel 40:4): We must fix our minds on what God reveals.
◦ We Should Come to Hear: We must prioritize listening to God's voice.
◦ We Should "Fix" Our Mind: We must meditate on God's truth.
◦ We Should Declare What We Have Learned: We must share God's wisdom.
• Look at What Is Coming Down the Road (32:10): We must be aware of the consequences of our choices.
• Sense the Trouble (32:11): We must recognize the danger of complacency.
C. 1 Peter 1:13-16: Living in Holiness:
• We are called to prepare our minds for action, to be sober-minded, and to set our hope fully on the grace that will be brought to us at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1
• We must be obedient children, not conforming to our former lusts, but living in holiness.
- Preaching on Revelation: Unveiling the Victory
- Preaching on Discipline: A Call to Restoration and Purity
- Preaching on Judgment: The Inevitable Appointment
Conclusion:
Complacency is a dangerous enemy, a silent thief that can rob us of our spiritual inheritance. Let us heed the warnings of scripture, awaken from our slumber, and embrace a life of vigilance, zeal, and unwavering devotion to God. Let us not be content in our comfort zones, but strive for spiritual growth, knowing that our reward is in heaven. Amen.
