“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”
Romans 13:11
For some reason, Samson is one of the most memorable judges (see Judges 13-16). He was known for his great strength and mighty victories over the Philistines. Most probably remember when he lost his strength. “And she (Delilah) made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him” (Judges 16:19). Samson was asleep when he lost his strength. Delilah had asked him many times about his strength. His resistance to her continual cries waned. “And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words, and urged him, so that his soul was vexed unto death” (Judges 16:16). It was then that he told her all his heart (see Judges 16:17). Samson had not stood strong in the Lord, as God’s people are often told they must do. He relinquished, and he slept.
What is the importance of staying awake today, and not sleeping? “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11).
- Awake means “to be awakened; used figuratively meaning to become attentive to one’s dangerous position and to the salvation of God (see also Ephesians 5:14).”
- Sleep means “sleep, that is, (figuratively) spiritual torpor (torpor means dullness; laziness; sluggishness; stupidity).”
It is easy to become distracted by the lures of this world, and sleep spiritually. It is then that we do not recognize the enemy that lurks, seeking to destroy the Believers. What are we to do? “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Remember what Jesus reminded His disciples: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). This is great counsel. Our spirit is willing, but we must remember that our flesh is weak. Christians must give much attention to their spiritual walk with the Lord, remaining faithful each and every day!
The world today is not that much different than it was in Bible times. It is still important for Believers to stand strong in the Lord. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). This verse is right before the listing of the Christian’s armor; our protection from the attacks of Satan (see Ephesians 6:11-18). One cannot “sleep” if one is wearing this armor. Nevertheless, Satan brings ruin to many Christians by rocking them to “sleep”, flattering them into a good opinion of their own safety, causing them to forget to stand strong in the Lord and not their own strength. It is then that Believers sleep. Christians should never be lulled to sleep. Remember, Satan actively contends with God’s people. It takes constant effort to remain in the steadfast, favorable presence of the Lord. God’s Word often warns Believers to be aware of Satan’s constant prowling about them, seeking to destroy (see 1 Peter 5:8).
There is something important to remember. “… for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11).” Salvation is in three different tenses in the New Testament:
- Past: salvation from the penalty of sin.
- Present: salvation from the power of sin.
- Future: salvation from the very presence of sin – this happens when we reach heaven.
Keeping this in mind, Believers are to focus on the present salvation – recognizing we have the power to keep from sin right now. “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life” (Romans 6:22). We are servants to God, not servants to sin.
Because we are free from sin, we are to put away that sin. “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light” (Romans 13:12). The night is the time while Jesus is out of this world, remembering that the prince of the power of the air now works in the children of disobedience (see Ephesians 2:2). The day is when Jesus will return and establish His reign of righteousness. We then are to walk as a Christian should walk. “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying” (Romans 13:13). How can we “walk honestly, as in the day”? Put off that old life of sin. “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” (Ephesians 4:22). Then put on that new life in Christ. “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:14). Remember that we are not to allow any part of that “old man, which is corrupt” to remain with us. It would be much like carrying an old, dead carcass around with us. It would be burdensome and stink! If Believers would look at their lives before Christ in this light, it would be much easier to walk in the newness of life that Jesus has given us.
Believers are to not succumb to the old life. We are commanded to stay awake!
Do you recognize the importance of awaking out of sleep, understanding that our salvation (in the future) is very near?
