Wake Up
We like comfort and for things to go smoothly in our life. There is nothing wrong with this. But, when things go smoothly we tend to relax spiritually. What do I mean? When it comes to God, He fits in if we have the time for Him, we go to church less, we aren’t actively involved in ministry, our activities take priority over what God wants.
The church of today is slowly falling asleep and when this happens God will send a wakeup call to believers!
Romans 13:11 And do this, understanding the present time. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
In this scripture, Paul is saying to the church to wake up (from sleep or slumber) meaning to wake up from our spiritual sleep. The body of believers here had become lax in their spiritual lives. Peter gives a similar warning in 1 Peter 4:7:
1 Peter 4:7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
Both 1 Peter and Romans 13 says the Lord’s coming back – be aware of this and be ready for His return.
What should we do to wake up from our slumber?
Live right:
Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
Clothe ourselves with Jesus:
Romans 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
How do we “put on Jesus” or “clothe ourselves with Him?” By exemplifying the qualities Jesus showed while he was here on earth (love, humility, truth, service). We focus on pleasing Him and not the sinful nature.
Live for Him and not ourselves:
1 Cor. 7:29 What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
Paul is saying that believers need to make the most of their time before Christ’s return. Paul urges believers not to regard marriage, home, or financial security as the ultimate goals of life. As much as possible, we should live unhindered by the cares of this world, not getting involved with burdensome mortgages, budgets, investments, or debts that might keep us from doing God’s work.
We also find in Scripture Jesus says, to wake up. Look what He says the church of Sardis:
Rev. 3:1 "To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
He says you think you are alive, but you are dead. So, wake up look at your condition, obey and repent. This same message Christ is speaking to the church today--will you listen and take action as he cries out to us?