How can we "wake up from our slumber" in our faith journey? Setting the Scene Romans 13:11 declares, “And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Paul writes to believers who already know Christ, yet he warns them— and us— about spiritual drowsiness. Scripture’s call is clear, literal, and urgent: it is time to wake up and live wide-awake lives for the Lord. The Call to Wake Up • “The hour has come”— God’s timetable is moving forward; every tick of the clock brings the return of Christ closer (Hebrews 10:37). • “Wake up from your slumber”— This is not a gentle nudge but a trumpet blast echoed elsewhere: • Ephesians 5:14: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” • Revelation 3:2: “Wake up and strengthen what remains and is about to die.” • “Our salvation is nearer”— Final, consummated salvation is on the horizon; we live in the last lap of redemptive history (1 Peter 4:7). Why We Doze Off • Familiarity: routine church attendance can dull wonder (Mark 7:6-7). • Distraction: cares of life choke the word (Luke 8:14). • Sin’s anesthetic: lingering compromise numbs conviction (Hebrews 3:13). • Weariness: spiritual battle is tiring when we neglect renewal (Galatians 6:9). Practical Steps to Awaken 1. Recognize the Alarm • Take Romans 13:11 at face value; agree with God that the danger is real. • Ask the Spirit to search and expose sleepy areas (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Cast Off the Nightclothes • Romans 13:12 commands, “So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness.” • Confess specific sins; abandon excuses. Darkness and drowsiness go together. 3. Put On the Armor of Light • Same verse: “Put on the armor of light.” • Daily clothe yourself with Christlike attitudes (Ephesians 6:13-17). 4. Re-ignite Devotion • 2 Timothy 1:6: “Fan into flame the gift of God.” • Guard unhurried time in Scripture and prayer; sleepy hearts revive in God’s presence. 5. Practice Watchfulness • Mark 13:35-37— stay alert, because the Master may arrive at any moment. • Build habits of spiritual “checking the horizon”: quick confessions, continual praise, readiness to obey. 6. Engage the Body of Christ • Hebrews 10:24-25 urges mutual stirring “toward love and good deeds.” • Join believers who refuse to hit the snooze button; accountability keeps eyes open. 7. Serve and Witness • An outward-focused life resists spiritual lethargy (Matthew 28:19-20). • Sharing Christ forces dependence on Him and keeps urgency fresh (1 Corinthians 9:16). Living in the Daylight When we stay awake, we: • Walk honestly— transparently before God and people (Romans 13:13). • Radiate hope— our nearness to final salvation shapes decisions, spending, talk. • Model readiness— families and churches see a visible anticipation of Christ’s return. • Experience joy— alert hearts savor the Lord’s daily mercies (Lamentations 3:22-23). Encouraging One Another to Stay Awake • Speak Scripture often: let verses like 1 Thessalonians 5:6— “let us remain awake and sober”— ring in conversation. • Celebrate growth: noticing each other’s progress strengthens vigilance. • Intercede persistently: pray for open eyes (Ephesians 1:18) and steadfast spirits. Closing Thoughts God has sounded the alarm. Slumber is no option for those bought with Christ’s blood. Embrace the literal urgency of Romans 13:11, shake off complacency, and live every moment alert—fully dressed in the armor of light, ready for the dawn that is almost here. |
    |