Stay Woke

COMMISSIONED- STAY WOKE

Matthew 26:40–41 (AMP)
And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not stay awake and keep watch with Me for one hour?
Keep actively watching and praying that you may not come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

The Hour of Testing

In the Garden of Gethsemane, on the night before the cross, Jesus faced the greatest spiritual agony of His earthly life. And what did He ask of His closest disciples?

“Watch and pray with Me.”

Yet when He returned, He found them asleep—exhausted, overwhelmed, and unready.

This moment is more than history. It’s a mirror for the modern church. Jesus is still calling His people to watch and pray, but many are spiritually asleep, distracted, and unprepared for the hour we live in.

1. The Command: “Watch and Pray”
2. What does it mean to “watch”?

The Greek word grēgoreō (γρηγορέω) means:

• To stay awake, alert, vigilant –  1.Pet 5:8
• To guard against danger
• To remain spiritually attentive

Watching is not passive—it’s active spiritual alertness. It’s like the watchman on the city wall (Ezekiel 33), standing between danger and the people.

Jesus’ rebuke was not harsh, but it was sobering:
“So, you men could not stay awake and keep watch with Me for one hour?”

This was not merely about staying awake physically. It was about spiritual readiness, discernment, and alertness in a time of spiritual warfare.

His command was clear:
“Keep actively watching and praying that you may not come into temptation.”

This remains a command for all believers today.

2. What does it mean to “pray”

• Stay connected to God
• Learn to listen to God’s voice
• Align your will with His
• Draw down spiritual strength from heaven
• Invite divine intervention in human affairs

Jesus knew temptation was coming—not just for Him, but for them. So He gave a preventative command:

“Keep actively watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation.”

1. The Danger of Spiritual Sleep

Like the disciples, we fall asleep—not always physically, but spiritually.

1. Spiritual Apathy

We stop caring deeply about the things of God.

• Rev 3:15 ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold (invigorating, refreshing) nor hot (healing, therapeutic); I wish that you were cold or hot.Rev 3:16  So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust].

• Many go through the motions but have no urgency, no burning heart.

2. Comfortability & Laziness

We get too comfortable in the world.

• Luke 21:34 (AMP):

“But be on guard, so that your hearts are not weighed down and depressed with the giddiness of debauchery and the worries of this life…”

• We trade watchfulness for comfort, and prayer for distraction.

3. Weariness & Emotional Overload

Life exhausts us—physically, emotionally, mentally.

• Galatians 6:9 (AMP):

“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap if we do not give in.”

Weary- Enkheko

• To lose heart
• To become discouraged
• To grow faint inwardly
• To give up because of sustained pressure
• To collapse emotionally or spiritually, 

Jesus said, “The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Matt. 26:41)
→ He understood our fatigue. But He did not excuse it—He called us higher.

III. The Purpose of Watching and Praying

1. To Resist Temptation

“That you may not enter into temptation.” (Matt. 26:41)

• Temptation doesn’t always shout—it sneaks in while we’re asleep.
• The enemy looks for unguarded hearts (1 Peter 5:8).

2. To Stay Spiritually Alive

• Colossians 4:2 (AMP):

“Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving.”

Prayer keeps you alive to God—spiritually sensitive.

3. To Be Ready for the Lord’s Return

• Mark 13:33 (AMP):

“Be on guard and stay constantly alert [and pray]; for you do not know when the appointed time will come.”

Jesus is coming again. The sleeping church will miss Him. The watchful bride will be ready (see Matthew 25:1–13).

1. What Causes Believers to Fall Asleep Spiritually?

1. How Do We Stay Awake and Watchful?
2. Reignite the Fire Through Prayer

• Prayer isn’t just defense—it’s fuel.
• Romans 12:11–12 (AMP):

“Never lag in zeal [and in earnest endeavor]; be aglow and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer.”

2. Be in the Word Daily

• The Word awakens and renews.
• Psalm 119:105:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet…”

3. Stay in Fellowship

• We need each other to stay alert.
• Hebrews 10:24–25 (AMP):

“Let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds… not forsaking our meeting together…”

4. Be Sober and Vigilant

• 1 Peter 5:8 (AMP):

“Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times…”

This Is the Hour to Watch and Pray

Jesus didn’t say, “Try to stay awake.”
He said, “Keep actively watching and praying.”

The danger isn’t just outside the church—it’s inside: spiritual sleep in a time of spiritual war.