We continued our series called “Out of Control” at Gateway Church in Austin.
In our polarized and divided world, we can be overwhelmed with anger, apathy, and anxiety. Instead, through the Scriptures, we can discover how to overcome these struggles with patience, purpose, and peace.
Digging Deeper:
Work through the following questions and scriptures on your own, and get together with your running partner, life group, or friends and family to talk through what you are learning.
Discussion Questions
Video from Gateway South Austin:
Audio Message from Gateway South Austin:
Notes from Jesse Sampson:
“A man slips and falls off the edge of a cliff. On his way down, he grabs onto the end of a vine. He’s hanging there, a thousand feet from the top and a thousand feet from the bottom. His situation seems hopeless, so he looks up to heaven to pray. “Is anybody up there?” he asks. After a long silence, a deep voice shouts from the clouds: “Do you believe?” “Yes,” replies the man.” Then let go of the vine,” says the voice. The man pauses for a second, looks up again, and finally responds, “Is there anybody else up there?”
This parable illustrates our struggle with trusting God…. and our desire for control, which are deeply connected to “apathy”….
The man’s reluctance to let…. go of the “vine” shows his resistance to fully surrendering to God.
Similarly, apathy often stems from a lack of trust—trust in our purpose, others, or something greater than ourselves.
When we don’t believe that “letting go” or “taking action” will make a difference, we become indifferent and non-responsive to life around us.
We become paralyzed, hanging on the “vine of apathy,’ instead of embracing the “true vine,” who is Christ, so we can understand our identity, stay awake, and encourage one another to put on faith, hope, and love.
Apathy is a common experience for many… They go through life feeling utterly indifferent to everything around them. Work feels pointless, relationships seem shallow, and their faith is frail….
..and It’s easy to become numb to the challenges we face and the emotions we feel, to view our struggles as overwhelming and life as pointless…[Living life on autopilot.] This disconnection can lead to a disjointed life, where we numb our pain and deem negative emotions useless.
But it’s important to note that…even the “super-religious,” can live an apathetic life.
The biblical root of “apathy” is found in the Greek word “akedia” (acedia), which translates to “without care or grief” …. specifically in a spiritual or moral context.
In early Christianity….acedia…. represented…. spiritual “lethargy or indifference,” particularly among monks and hermits…. who struggled to maintain their spiritual discipline.
The concept of acedia (without care) is linked to asceticism. Many of the desert fathers lived ascetically, practicing severe self-discipline and denying all pleasures. Their commitment to asceticism was “intended” to deepen their faith and devotion to God.
However, this rigorous and somewhat unsustainable lifestyle could sometimes lead to acedia (apathy) because the constant struggle to maintain a high level of spiritual discipline could become overwhelming, resulting in feelings of indifference and Spiritual fatigue.
Interestingly enough, “acedia” later became one of the “deadly sins” and was re-branded as “slothfulness,” finding its roots in a life of “disconnection” and a life without “purpose.”
Now, it may seem harsh to label “apathy” as a deadly sin.
But consider this: apathy directly contradicts who we are in Christ, diminishing our purpose. Anything that opposes God, or the essence of who we are as people made in His image, is “sin.”
And there are several factors that lead to “apathy,” and a few of them could be:
- A lack of understanding of our purpose and identity in Christ leads to feelings of apathy.
- Living in isolation, separated from community and meaningful connections.
- Being overwhelmed and exhausted by the relentless demands of daily life.
- Misalignment between our actions, core values, and beliefs results in fragmented lives.
- Repeated experiences of disappointment and setbacks cause a loss of hope.
…..All of these and more….lead to an apathetic life….
But here’s the thing: God didn’t create us to live this way. God calls us to a life of purpose and deep connection with Him and others.
Let’s turn to 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and see what Paul has to say about living with purpose and staying awake to the life God has called us to, in light of the whole Gospel…the death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and second coming of Jesus.
It’s important to know that not all of Paul’s letters are identical. Some were written as theological treaties like Romans; others were circular letters intended to be passed around to other churches in a region like Ephesians. Other letters were written as a response to a letter Paul received, and Thessalonians is one of those letters…
As a reminder, the Thessalonian church is made up of young converts who are experiencing severe persecution by the for their faith. Paul’s intention in 5:1–11 is to challenge those in the church to live faithfully and expectantly in anticipation of Christ’s return, which was thought to occur at any moment. Paul’s words are words of urgency to what seems to be an apathetic church body.
As we dive into 1 Thess, we’ll break out the 11 verses in a few sections.
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. – 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2
Right off the bat, Paul…addresses the issue of living for the day that Christ will return. Paul’s point is to be less concerned with those who have died and be more concerned with your life when Christ returns. Paul writes with a sense of urgency and challenges the church to be expectant.
Why? Because, like a thief in the night, the Lord will return. The problem with thieves is they don’t announce when they’re coming; they don’t send postcards that say, “Hey, robing you on December 9th, signed––sincerely “thief.”
By a show of hands, how many of you sleep with your front and back doors unlocked and windows and garage doors wide open? [not many] or [wow, well, this is Texas, so bad example…. let’s say we all live in New York]
The point is this: most of us prepare and take precautions to protect ourselves and our families from the proverbial “thieves in the night” because it’s impossible to know when a thief will show up; we take these precautions ritualistically.
However,…not many take the spiritual precautions and preparations necessary to…. prepare for the Lord’s return.
So, Paul’s point is not that Jesus is going to rob us and take all of our valuables. It’s that Christ will return in fulfillment of the Gospel and God’s promise, but since we don’t know when that day will come…. live as if it’s coming at any moment.
3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. – 1 Thessalonians 5:3
Paul’s reminding the church that the return of Jesus is inevitable, like–– labor pains on a pregnant woman––and while those in the church might expect it….. they will not escape it…so remain awake and be prepared.
So, if we were to put it all together, we could say that…… Christ’s return will be sudden and unexpected (like a thief in the night) and sudden and unavoidable (like labor at the end of pregnancy). …….In the first case, there will be no warning, and in the second, there will be no escape….
But what about those who don’t believe?
For those who find their peace, safety, and security in anything other than God, Christ’s return and Judgement of the world will also come suddenly and will be unavoidable.
…. And while I won’t pretend to fully know the heart of God, and what takes place beyond what I can see or imagine, what is clear…. is that God desires that no one would “perish,” but that all would come to repentance – 2 Peter 3:9
I’m often asked, what happens to people who die without Jesus as their savior? First, read Imagine Heaven. But I respond in some way that God is God, and We can trust that He knows the heart of every person. We cannot determine whether anyone will be with God for all eternity (which we know comes only through Jesus) or away from God. We can entrust all to Him. But Scripture is also clear to believe now, as Jesus proclaimed, “the Kingdom of God is at hand (it’s here!), repent and believe in the gospel”. Now is the day of salvation, but that day won’t last forever. If you are putting off making a decision about Jesus, just know that the day will come when He will return. Will you be ready? to accept God’s abundant Grace in this life.
“Some people not spending eternity with God” doesn’t preach well. But it’s still true, nonetheless. Because all are called, but not all will choose. God will not force anyone to be in His presence.
Now, if you’re hearing this and you’re not a follower of Jesus, this is your invitation. You, too, can have access to a relationship with God through Jesus, the fullness of life that only Christ can offer, and the power of the resurrection, which is the cornerstone of our faith.
For those who have accepted God’s Grace through repentance and faith…..Paul says…..
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. – 1 Thessalonians 5:4-8
Paul reiterates that there is no need for the return of Christ to take us by surprise….and then compares those in the church to children of light and day… What’s Paul’s getting at?
Again, Paul distinguishes between those who believe and those who don’t. …Those in darkness are described as “asleep,” and most people sleep at “night” when it’s dark.
Paul says those asleep are “blind” and resistant to the Gospel. Where those who are awake can “see,” because they are awake during the day, when there’s light.” Now we know this because Paul shifts his language from “you” to “we” in the second half of verse 5, saying We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. Paul is associating himself with those who are “awake” and can see…..” those who believe.”
However, if you think you’re off the hook because you “believe,” think again. Paul’s message, while addressed to the non-believer…at the time, it’s still relevant for “sleeping” disciples of Jesus….today.
Our problem today is not knowing when Jesus returns; it’s staying awake in the meantime, not becoming apathetic and lazy in our faith while He “delays”…..
Are you fully alert?
Or are you often drunk or smoking in order to numb your pain or dull your senses?
If you’ve said “yes” to Jesus then you are to live in the light!
If you have trouble sleeping due to anxiety, finding life or your circumstances overwhelming, or have had trouble healing from something or keeping negative feelings at bay so you turn to self-mediating with alcohol or marijuana or overindulge in prescribed medications or work or screen time, consider Restore on Monday nights and counseling and seeing your doctor.
Don’t let your light dim! Let your light shine!
The point is this: Many who consider themselves “Christians” have fallen asleep. so much so that when they try to “wake up” from a deep sleep, their eyes are so crusted over that they can’t see reality or Christ himself. They are blinded, both believers and non-believers alike.
But none of this should surprise us…..if we read Scripture…..given that the job description…the CV (curriculum vitae) of Satan is to blind those with sight…..
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” – 2 Cor 4:4
Paul himself would have understood this because, in Acts 9, he was “blinded” by Christ on the road to Damascus. His mind was also blinded by Satan, and he was unable to accept that Jesus was the Messiah. See, before Paul was awake, he was “Sleeping Saul,” resistant to the Gospel, Jesus, and his followers.
But Jesus restores his sight, and with that, he gives him his role, his job description, which is our job description, church.
I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ – Act 26:16-18
This is our role….to open the eyes of the blind, waking them up from their slumber…..turning them from darkness to light……..from Satan to God….from apathy to abiding in Christ…..
We transform the world by embodying and presenting the Gospel—the Good News of Jesus–His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and promise of His return.
We do this through our words and actions—how we speak and how we live our lives, both in the spotlight and in the shadows. We live with a hopeful expectation, preparing our hearts and lives in anticipation of Christ’s return.
When our lives are marked by faith, hope, and love, we become living testimonies to the Gospel’s transformative power….beating back apathy, unhealthy expressions of anger, and anxiety.
But to do that…..we must stay fully awake ourselves, not being overcome by sleep and the blindness of evil…..
Beyond just sleeping, Paul basically says, “Stop living in your pajamas,” and put on faith, hope, and love–clothe yourself in the breastplate of love and righteousness and with the helmet of salvation. “
In other words, be ready for the spiritual warfare that wants to keep you apathetic and drowsy, and instead remain in the presence of Christ….. when we remain (abide) in Christ, the Holy Spirit will be active within us, keeping our faith alive and us awake!
9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
Paul says we were not meant for “death,” but we were meant to receive “life” through Christ. Jesus, who will return one day to fully reign in the Kingdom of God, is the same Jesus who died for us and rose again. He died and was raised by God for both those who are awake and asleep.
Now it gets tricky here because when Paul says,” Whether we are awake or asleep,” he means “whether we live or die. ” Paul is not referring to non-believers here; he’s referring to physical death…
He makes that clear in Romans 14:8
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord”
Paul captures the heart of the Gospel: Jesus died and rose again to bring us into union with Him…now (today) and fully when he comes again, and we will be with him “forever.”
This truth is the foundation of our faith, building us up as expectant followers of Jesus and beating back the apathy in our lives. It reminds us that everything we say and do, every decision we make or don’t, matters. Living with hopeful anticipation adds purpose and excitement to our lives, as we reflect the love and light of Christ in all we do.
So here are four practical steps you can start taking today to combat apathy.
1. Remember Who You Are
“You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.” vv5-6 reminds us that we are children of light, which means that we belong to God, and because of that we are to be alert and stay awake.
Remember that scene from Hook with Robin Williams as a grown up Peter Pan who forgot who he was? There was that sweet scene with one of the smallest of the lost boys squishing his chubby face and saying: “There you are Peter!”
Paul often wrote to believers who were making mistakes and living like they used to before they knew Jesus. They were sexually immoral, gossiping, slandering, fighting, bitter, and unforgiving, yet he stilled called them “saints.” They were even getting drunk when taking communion, but Paul encouraged them to remember their true identity in Christ! They kept forgetting they were forgiven and made new! They were children of the King! The same power that rose Jesus from the dead was living within them as they had access to the Holy Spirit!
If you’ve surrendered your life to follow Jesus, you do too!
Just because you’ve relapsed into your old way of thinking and old way of living, that is not who you are!!
Confess that to God today.
Turn from these old and destructive habits. In other words, repent
Ask for forgiveness and ask Jesus to lead and guide you.
You can start afresh today!!
2. Stay Spiritually Awake
Paul warns against being spiritually asleep. Apathy creeps in when we stop being vigilant in our faith. Being spiritually awake means actively committing to regular prayer, worship, and engagement with God’s Word. Do not let your spiritual life fall into autopilot, but actively seek God’s presence and direction in your life.
A rather interesting dynamic in the church in Thessalonica were those who were described as idle.
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14 NIV
Some had stopped working as they anticipated Jesus’ return at any time – so why work?!
Some were disheartened and emotionally giving up.
As a result, they were living off the generosity of others.
3. Encourage One Another
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Verse 11 emphasizes mutual encouragement. Apathy can begin to take root when we isolate ourselves from the rest of the community. Encouraging others in the faith builds them up and stirs up a zeal for God in our hearts.
- Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and build you up.
- Be intentional about fostering relationships that challenge and inspire you in your faith.
- And don’t be afraid to reach out for support when you feel disconnected. When we are away from the body of Christ, we are left vulnerable to being attacked.
“God has so ordained, that we may learn to bear with one another’s burdens, for there is no one without fault, no one without burden, no one sufficient to themselves nor wise enough. Hence, we must support one another, console one another, mutually help, counsel, and advise, for the measure of every person’s virtue is best revealed in time of adversity—adversity that does not weaken a person but rather shows what they are.”
– The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis
Who do you need to forgive?
Forgiving others does not excuse their behavior nor does it mean you allow them to hurt you again.
Forgiveness is about entrusting that person to God, not allowing what they did to continually affect you, and reengaging with healthy boundaries. This may include a hard conversation if there is a safe way to do so. This gives them a chance to know how they hurt you, have a chance to apologize, make things right, or even get some help.
Oftentimes that hard conversation reveals a misunderstanding. Assume it was unintentional when you meet with them. Saying something like: “you may not have meant this, but when you said this… or when you did that… this is how I experienced you.”
If you aren’t in position to have a hard conversation to share with them about how you experienced them, forgiveness frees you from the power they have over your emotions. Every time you think of them, you forgive them again, entrust them to God, and even ask God to help them experience His love and transformation.
4. Put on Faith, Love, and Hope
Remember, Paul says, in verse 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
Together, the breastplate of love and the helmet of salvation strengthen our “hearts and minds” against apathy setting in. They remind us of our identity in Christ, our purpose in life, and God’s profound love for us….
You know, most times, there’s not a lot of room for reflection in a message, but I want to change that now.
I want to challenge each of us (me included) to ask the question:
- “Are there areas in my life where apathy has crept in?
Are there places in my life where I’ve given up? I’ve stopped dreaming with God?
I’ve stopped hoping for healing or change?
If so, I want you to write them down, not to share with your neighbor, but for you to take to God…..
Did you discover and write down the area(s) of “apathy” in your life?
Did you discover that you have given up on your marriage and career? On your community? On your faith?
Have you been hanging onto a “vine of indifference,” reluctant to fully trust in God and all He has for you. Maybe you have given up because you don’t “feel” God anymore or the Honeymoon phase of your relationship has ended and the real struggle of following Jesus in a world that doesn’t acknowledge Him has set in. You may be asking, is it worth it? This is when our faith counts and when it is truly tested. Will you keep going?
Like the man in the parable hanging on the vine…. reluctant to let go and fully trust God…we too often hang on to the vine of apathy, doubting that letting go or taking action will ever make a difference……leaving us emotionally paralyzed and spiritually immobile
But we were never made for apathy…. we were made to “abide” to remain in Christ …..who is the “true vine.”
Maybe you’ve been asleep, resistant to the good news of Jesus, but Jesus would say to you….I want you to wake up! You’ve been blinded…. but I want to restore your sight…..I want to give you clarity of mind…I want to bring you to spiritual sobriety….You no longer have to live in addiction, abuse, or apathy….I want to make you whole….but you have to choose it….And….maybe you think Jesus has his arms crossed, scowling down at you….but that’s not Jesus….that’s the accuser who wants to keep you spiritually blind…..
No…Jesus has his arms wide open, ready to receive you, but you must turn to him…
Or maybe you used to be awake, but now you’ve fallen asleep…. lying around in your spiritual pajamas……blinded by the distractions and temptations of this world. But remember that Satan’s job is to blind those with sight, as Paul himself experienced before his transformation….so Jesus says to you…and me…. wake up from spiritual apathy and call on your God!
- Church lets people who are awake have sight!
- Let’s be people who open our eyes to the reality of Christ and His love.
- Let’s be people who stay engaged, vigilant, and committed to our faith.
- Church, let’s be people who support and encourage one another, knowing that together, we can beat back….apathy in our lives…. and live as children of the light.
Let’s be people that take the words of Jude to heart…
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 1:20-21
So, as the band leads us in worship before we leave today, let us hold on to this truth: We belong to the Lord, whether we live or die. Our lives matter, and our actions matter. Let us live with the hopeful anticipation of Christ’s return, reflecting His love and light in all we do.
And together, let’s beat back the apathy in our lives and live with purpose on purpose….
Pray into worship
