◦ The Chilling Indifference: A Call to Wake from Spiritual Slumber
Introduction:
The scene at the cross is one of profound sorrow and sacrifice. Yet, amidst the agony, there stands a stark image of indifference: the soldiers, casting lots for Jesus' garments, their hearts unmoved by the suffering before them. This indifference, this spiritual numbness, is a dangerous condition that we must confront today.
I. The Indifference at the Cross (Matthew 27:35):
A. Numb to Pain:
• "Then they [soldiers] crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots… sitting down they kept watch over Him there."
• The soldiers, mere feet from the Savior's suffering, were consumed by their own trivial pursuits. They were "numb" to the pain, "don't care" about the magnitude of what was happening.
• How often do we, like these soldiers, stand close to the cross, yet remain unmoved by its significance?
B. A Seared Conscience (1 Timothy 4:1-3):
• "Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron…"
• We can become desensitized to sin and its consequences. Persistent wrongdoing can sear our conscience, rendering us incapable of feeling remorse or conviction.
• This is a dangerous spiritual condition, a sign of spiritual death.
II. Our Lifestyle: A Reflection of Indifference:
A. Lukewarmness (Revelation 3:15-16):
• "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot, I could wish that you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm….I will spew you out of my mouth."
• Lukewarmness is a state of spiritual apathy, a lack of passionate devotion. It is a state that is repulsed by God.
B. Laziness (Matthew 25:26):
• "But the lord answered and said to him, You wicked and lazy servant….And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness."
• Spiritual laziness, a refusal to engage in God's work, is a sign of indifference.
C. Worldliness (Matthew 23:22):
• "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful."
• Allowing worldly cares and desires to consume our attention chokes out our spiritual growth.
D. Lack of Love (Revelation 2:4):
• "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love."
• Apathy leads to a cooling of our love for God and for others.
E. Disobedience (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8):
• “…in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• Disobedience is a direct rejection of God's authority, a clear sign of indifference.
III. The Inevitable Reckoning: Judgment Day (2 Corinthians 5:10):
A. Accountability:
• "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what we have done, whether good or bad."
• Those who "don't care" in this life will care on Judgment Day. We will all be held accountable for our actions.
B. The Bottom Line:
• Indifference is a mistaken stance. It is a dangerous delusion that will lead to eternal consequences.
• We cannot afford to be complacent. We must awaken from our spiritual slumber and embrace a life of passionate devotion to God.
- Preaching on Pilate: Don't Wash Your Hands
- Preaching on Be Angry, and Do Not Sin Ephesians 4:26-27
- Preaching on Willingness To Serve God
Conclusion:
Do not be like the soldiers at the cross, unmoved by the sacrifice of our Savior. Let us not allow indifference to creep into our hearts, searing our consciences and quenching our love. Let us awaken from our spiritual slumber and embrace a life of passionate devotion to God. Let us live with urgency, knowing that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Let us choose life, choose love, and choose God. Amen.
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