What is the meaning of Romans 13:11? And do this “And do this” links back to Paul’s call in Romans 12–13 to present our bodies as living sacrifices, submit to governing authorities, and “owe no one anything, except to love one another” (Romans 13:8). • The command is not optional; it is the natural outflow of a life transformed by the gospel (cf. James 1:22). • Obedience proves authentic faith and love, echoing Jesus’ words, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). understanding the occasion Paul urges believers to act “understanding the occasion”—to discern the decisive moment in God’s redemptive calendar. • Like the men of Issachar “who understood the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32), Christians are to read current events through a biblical lens. • “Making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16) underscores that opportunities to honor Christ are limited and precious. The hour has come “The hour has come” signals urgency. • Jesus often spoke of a specific “hour” tied to God’s plan (John 5:25, John 12:23). • Believers live in the final phase of history, the period between Christ’s ascension and His imminent return (Hebrews 1:2). • Therefore, procrastination is spiritually dangerous (Mark 13:33). for you to wake up from your slumber “Wake up from your slumber” pictures Christians roused from spiritual sleep. • Spiritual drowsiness shows up as compromised holiness, cooled love, or mission drift (Revelation 3:1–3). • Paul echoes Isaiah 60:1’s call to rise and shine and elaborates, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:14). • Practical steps: – Regular, unhurried time in Scripture and prayer – Active fellowship and accountability (Hebrews 10:24–25) – Readiness to share the gospel (1 Peter 3:15) for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed “Salvation” here refers to its future consummation—the full deliverance and glorification believers will experience at Christ’s return. • Conversion brought justification; the coming day brings complete redemption of body and creation (Romans 8:23). • “He will appear a second time…to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him” (Hebrews 9:28). • Each passing moment shortens the wait. This certainty fuels perseverance and holiness (1 John 3:2–3). summary Romans 13:11 presses believers to act on the love and obedience taught in the previous verses because time is short. Recognizing the prophetic moment, we must shake off spiritual lethargy and live alert, knowing the Lord’s return—and with it the completion of our salvation—is nearer with every heartbeat. |
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