10/03/2025
Sunday 10th of March 2025
The Urgency of Spiritual Vigilance in the Last Days
By Bishop Jonathan Akpoghene
Introduction: The Call to Spiritual Alertness
In Luke 18:6, Jesus poses a poignant question: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” This query underscores the spiritual decline that characterizes the last days, a theme echoed throughout Scripture. The Bible repeatedly warns of a time when many will depart from the faith, seduced by false doctrines and the influence of demonic forces (1 Timothy 4:1). Revelation 12:12 further amplifies this urgency, declaring, “Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you in great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.” These passages collectively paint a sobering picture of the spiritual battles believers must face in the last days. The world is increasingly marked by disobedience, materialism, and a love for pleasure over God (2 Timothy 3:1-5). In this editorial, we will explore the necessity of taking our faith seriously, resisting the spirit of disobedience, and living with eternal perspective in a world that prioritizes temporal pleasures.
The Danger of Spiritual Deception and Disobedience
The spirit of disobedience is not a new phenomenon; it traces its roots back to the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve chose to defy God’s command (Genesis 3:6). This same spirit is pervasive today, manifesting in various forms, including apathy toward God’s Word, neglect of spiritual disciplines, and outright rebellion against divine principles. Revelation 13 highlights the rise of systems and individuals who exalt themselves above God, boasting in their riches and power while remaining spiritually blind, wretched, and poor. Such individuals are deceived by the allure of worldly success, failing to recognize that true wealth is found in a relationship with Christ (Revelation 3:17-18).
Disobedience often begins subtly—arriving late to church, neglecting prayer, or prioritizing personal desires over God’s will. However, if left unchecked, it can lead to a complete departure from the faith. Hebrews 3:12-13 warns, “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” The antidote to disobedience is a deliberate commitment to God’s Word, coupled with accountability within the body of Christ. Believers must resist the devil’s schemes by submitting to God and standing firm in their faith (James 4:7).
The Eternal Consequences of Worldly Living
Matthew 25:40-45 presents a sobering reminder of the eternal consequences of living a life disconnected from God’s purposes. In this passage, Jesus separates the righteous from the unrighteous, commending those who served Him by caring for others and condemning those who neglected their spiritual responsibilities. The latter group is cast away, not because of overt evil but because of their inaction and indifference. This underscores the importance of living a life of purpose and intentionality, where every decision is made with eternity in mind.
The world today is characterized by a love for pleasure, materialism, and self-gratification. People are willing to pay any price for temporal satisfaction but are reluctant to make sacrifices for eternal rewards. This mindset is diametrically opposed to the call of Christ, who said, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). The pursuit of worldly pleasures often leads to spiritual poverty, as seen in the church of Laodicea, which boasted of its wealth but was spiritually destitute (Revelation 3:17). Believers must guard against this trap by prioritizing their relationship with God and investing in treasures that have eternal value (Matthew 6:19-21).
The Call to Double Seriousness in Serving God
In light of the times, believers are called to approach their faith with “double seriousness.” The devil is not playing games; he is actively seeking to devour those who are unprepared (1 Peter 5:8). Therefore, Christians must be vigilant, sober-minded, and steadfast in their commitment to God. This begins with taking oneself seriously, recognizing that we are vessels of God’s Spirit, called to live with excellence and integrity (Daniel 6:3). An excellent spirit is one that is wholly devoted to God, refusing to compromise or conform to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2).
Moreover, believers must take their service to God seriously. This involves not only attending to spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, and studying Scripture but also actively engaging in acts of service and compassion. As James 2:17 reminds us, “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” The church must rise above the distractions of this world and fulfill its mandate to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16). This requires sacrifice, discipline, and a willingness to stand apart from the crowd.
Conclusion: Pressing On Toward the Prize
The last days are marked by unprecedented challenges, but they also present an opportunity for believers to shine brightly in the darkness. The spirit of disobedience, the allure of worldly pleasures, and the devil’s relentless attacks are real, but they are not insurmountable. By taking God seriously, taking ourselves seriously, and taking our service to Him seriously, we can overcome these obstacles and finish the race strong. Philippians 3:13-14 exhorts us, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Let us, therefore, live with urgency, purpose, and unwavering faith, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). The time is short, and the stakes are high—let us press on with double seriousness, for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom.
Bishop Jonathan Akpoghene
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