The Hour for You to Awaken

The Hour for You to AwakenText: Romans 13:11-14

Paul told these brethren of their need to WAKE UP. The same may need to be said of us today. We need to understand why he said this. Why was it urgent? What did they need to do? The same will be true for us today as well.

Know the Time (v. 11-12)

  • Paul was discussing matters of eternal consequence – many do not want to consider these things; they want to enjoy life here and now, but one day our souls will be required of us (Luke 12:19-20)
  • So Paul said it was time for them to WAKE UP – be aware of where we are, what is going on around us, and what is coming in the future
  • Salvation is nearer now than when we believed – this is our final salvation; salvation was an urgent matter when we obeyed the gospel (Acts 16:33); it is even closer now; we do not know when the Lord will return (2 Peter 3:10); therefore, we must always be ready
  • The night is almost gone, and the day is near” – therefore, lay aside the deeds of darkness (cf. 1 John 2:1) and put on the armor of light (cf. Ephesians 6:11-17)

Behave Properly (v. 13)

  • As in the day – darkness/night hides sin (John 3:19-20); we should have nothing to hide (Philippians 2:15)
  • Not in carousing and drunkenness – works of the flesh (Galatians 5:21); not fit for Christians (1 Peter 4:2-3)
  • Not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality – unlawfully fulfilling sexual desires (Hebrews 13:4); we are to flee fornication (1 Corinthians 6:18) and youthful lusts (2 Timothy 2:22)
  • Not in strife and jealousy – works of the flesh (Galatians 5:20); these would disrupt unity and cause division
  • We need to avoid these things in order to be prepared for that day of salvation – not in carousing and drunkenness, but be sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8); not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, but pure in all things (1 John 3:3); not in strife, but be united with one another (Ephesians 4:3); not in jealousy, but be content (Philippians 4:11-13)

Put on Christ (v. 14)

  • Typically, we talk about putting on Christ in baptism (Galatians 3:27) – but it is also something we must be mindful of daily (cf. Luke 9:23)
  • Make no provision for the flesh – the things of this world are only temporary (1 Jn. 2:15-17); we must seek those things that are above (Colossians 3:2)

Conclusion

  • What time is it? – it is time for us to be awake
  • Judgment is coming – salvation for the faithful
  • We need to behave properly and avoid those things that are wrong
  • We need to put on Christ – not just in baptism; after that, do this daily
  • If we will do these things, we can be ready for that salvation that is closer now than it has ever been