- Home
- Bible
- Romans
- Chapter 13
- Verse 13
Romans 13:11
Verse
Context
The Day Is Near
10Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.11And 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.12The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
Sermons
Compilations
Art KatzCompilations
Vance Havner
Zac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And that, knowing the time - Dr. Taylor has given a judicious paraphrase of this and the following verses: "And all the duties of a virtuous and holy life we should the more carefully and zealously perform, considering the nature and shortness of the present season of life; which will convince us that it is now high time to rouse and shake off sleep, and apply with vigilance and vigor to the duties of our Christian life; for that eternal salvation, which is the object of our Christian faith and hope, and the great motive of our religion, is every day nearer to us than when we first entered into the profession of Christianity." Some think the passage should be understood thus: We have now many advantages which we did not formerly possess. Salvation is nearer - the whole Christian system is more fully explained, and the knowledge of it more easy to be acquired than formerly; on which account a greater progress in religious knowledge and in practical piety is required of us: and we have for a long time been too remiss in these respects. Deliverance from the persecutions, etc., with which they were then afflicted, is supposed by others to be the meaning of the apostle.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And that--rather, "And this [do]" knowing the time, that now it is high time--literally, "the hour has already come." to awake out of sleep--of stupid, fatal indifference to eternal things. for now is our salvation--rather, "the salvation," or simply "salvation." nearer than when we--first believed--This is in the line of all our Lord's teaching, which represents the decisive day of Christ's second appearing as at hand, to keep believers ever in the attitude of wakeful expectancy, but without reference to the chronological nearness or distance of that event.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And that knowing the time,.... That it is day and not night, the Gospel day, the day of salvation; in which the grace of God shines forth, like the sun in its meridian glory; life and immortality are brought to light, righteousness and salvation are revealed; and so a time not for sloth and sleep, but business; in which the saints should active in the exercise of grace, and discharge, of duty; owing no man anything but the debt of love; and that the dawn of grace, and day of spiritual light had broke in upon their souls, and dispelled the darkness of sin, ignorance and unbelief; that the darkness was past, and the true light shined, and the sun of righteousness was risen on them: all which they full well knew and were conscious of, and therefore should observe, that now it is high time for us to awake out of sleep; since sleep is for the night, and not the day; the Alexandrian copy reads, "for you". This is to be understood, not of the dead sleep of sin, in which unconverted persons are, to be awoke out of which is a work of divine power; but of the carnal security and drowsy frame of spirit which sometimes attend the churches and children of God, the wise as well as the foolish virgins; and lies in grace being dormant in, the soul; in a backwardness to duty, and a slothfulness in the performance of it; in resting in the outward duties of religion; in lukewarmness about the cause of Christ; in an unconcernedness about sins of omission and commission; and in a willingness to continue in such a sluggish frame: all which arise from a body of sin and death, and an over anxious care for the things of the world; from a weariness in spiritual exercises, and an abstinence from spiritual company and ordinances and from outward peace and liberty: such a frame of spirit, when, it prevails and becomes general is of bad consequence to the churches of Christ; the spirit of discerning, care and diligence in receiving members, are in a great measure lost, and so they are filled with hypocrites and heretics; Christ absents himself from them; leanness of soul is brought upon them; and they are in danger of being surprised with the midnight cry: the methods God takes to awaken his people out of such a sleep are various; sometimes in a more gentle way, by the discoveries his love, which causes the lips of those that are asleep to speak; sometimes by severe reproofs in the ministry of the word; and sometimes by sharp persecutions in providence; and at last it will be done by the midnight cry: the argument, showing the reasonableness of awaking out of sleep, and that it was high time to do so, follows, for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed; by which is meant, not temporal salvation, or a deliverance from the persecution the saints endured in Judea, from their own countrymen, by the departure of them from Jerusalem, a little before its destruction, by the destruction of that city, and the peaceful times of Vespasian; but a spiritual and eternal salvation: not Christ the author of it, who was come to effect it; nor that itself, as obtained, which was now done, finished, and completed; nor the application of it to their souls, which also had been made; but the consummate enjoyment of it in heaven, the salvation of their souls at death, and both of soul and body at the resurrection; consisting in a freedom from every evil, and in a full possession of all that is good and glorious: this is brought nearer to the saints, to their sight and view, as their faith grows and increases; and they are nearer the enjoyment of that than when they first believed; and which is a strong reason why a sluggish, slothful frame should not be indulged; what, sleep, and heaven so near at hand! just at their Father's house, ready to enter into the joy of their Lord, into his everlasting kingdom and glory, and yet asleep!
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We are here taught a lesson of sobriety and godliness in ourselves. Our main care must be to look to ourselves. Four things we are here taught, as a Christian's directory for his day's work: when to awake, how to dress ourselves, how to walk, and what provision to make. I. When to awake: Now it is high time to awake (Rom 13:11), to awake out of the sleep of sin (for a sinful condition is a sleeping condition), out of the sleep of carnal security, sloth and negligence, out of the sleep of spiritual death, and out of the sleep of spiritual deadness; both the wise and foolish virgins slumbered and slept, Mat 25:5. We have need to be often excited and stirred up to awake. The word of command to all Christ's disciples is, Watch. "Awake - be concerned about your souls and your eternal interest; take heed of sin, be ready to, and serious in, that which is good, and live in a constant expectation of the coming of our Lord. Considering," 1. "The time we are cast into: Knowing the time. Consider what time of day it is with us, and you will see it is high time to awake. It is gospel time, it is the accepted time, it is working time; it is a time when more is expected than was in the times of that ignorance which God winked at, when people sat in darkness. It is high time to awake; for the sun has been up a great while, and shines in our faces. Have we this light to sleep in? See Th1 5:5, Th1 5:6. It is high time to awake; for others are awake and up about us. Know the time to be a busy time; we have a great deal of work to do, and our Master is calling us to it again and again. Know the time to be a perilous time. We are in the midst of enemies and snares. It is high time to awake, for the Philistines are upon us; our neighbour's house is on fire, and our own in danger. It is time to awake, for we have slept enough (Pe1 4:3), high time indeed, for behold the bridegroom cometh." 2. "The salvation we are upon the brink of: Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed - than when we first believed, and so took upon us the profession of Christianity. The eternal happiness we chose for our portion is now nearer to us than it was when we became Christians. Let us mind our way and mend our pace, for we are now nearer our journey's end than we were when we had our first love. The nearer we are to our centre the quicker should our motion be. Is there but a step between us and heaven, and shall we be so very slow and dull in our Christian course, and move so heavily? The more the days are shortened, and the more grace is increased, the nearer is our salvation, and the more quick and vigorous we should be in our spiritual motions." II. How to dress ourselves. This is the next care, when we are awake and up: "The night is far spent, the day is at hand; therefore it is time to dress ourselves. Clearer discoveries will be quickly made of gospel grace than have been yet made, as light gets ground. The night of Jewish rage and cruelty is just at an end; their persecuting power is near a period; the day of our deliverance from them is at hand, that day of redemption which Christ promised, Luk 21:28. And the day of our complete salvation, in the heavenly glory, is at hand. Observe then," 1. "What we must put off; put off our night-clothes, which it is a shame to appear abroad in: Cast off the works of darkness." Sinful works are works of darkness; they come from the darkness of ignorance and mistake, they covet the darkness of privacy and concealment, and they end in the darkness of hell and destruction. "Let us therefore, who are of the day, cast them off; not only cease from the practice of them, but detest and abhor them, and have no more to do with them. Because eternity is just at the door, let us take heed lest we be found doing that which will then make against us," Pe2 3:11, Pe2 3:14. 2. "What we must put on." Our care must be wherewithal we shall be clothed, how shall we dress our souls? (1.) Put on the armour of light. Christians are soldiers in the midst of enemies, and their life a warfare, therefore their array must be armour, that they may stand upon their defence - the armour of God, to which we are directed, Eph 6:13, etc. A Christian may reckon himself undressed if he be unarmed. The graces of the Spirit are this armour, to secure the soul from Satan's temptations and the assaults of this present evil world. This is called the armour of light, some think alluding to the bright glittering armour which the Roman soldiers used to wear; or such armour as it becomes us to wear in the day-light. The graces of the Spirit are suitable splendid ornaments, are in the sight of God of great price. (2.) Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, Rom 13:14. This stands in opposition to a great many base lusts, mentioned Rom 13:13. Rioting and drunkenness must be cast off: one would think it should follows, but, "Put on sobriety, temperance, chastity," the opposite virtues: no, "Put on Christ, this includes all. Put on the righteousness of Christ for justification; be found in him (Phi 3:9) as a man is found in his clothes; put on the priestly garments of the elder brother, that in them you may obtain the blessing. Put on the spirit and grace of Christ for sanctification; put on the new man (Eph 4:24); get the habit of grace confirmed, the acts of it quickened." Jesus Christ is the best clothing for Christians to adorn themselves with, to arm themselves with; it is decent, distinguishing, dignifying, and defending. Without Christ, we are naked, deformed; all other things are filthy rages, fig-leaves, a sorry shelter. God has provided us coats of skins - large, strong, warm, and durable. By baptism we have in profession put on Christ, Gal 3:27. Let us do it in truth and sincerity. The Lord Jesus Christ. "Put him on as Lord to rule you, as Jesus to save you, and in both as Christ, anointed and appointed by the Father to this ruling saving work." III. How to walk. When we are up and dressed, we are not to sit still in an affected closeness and privacy, as monks and hermits. What have we good clothes for, but to appear abroad in them? - Let us walk. Christianity teaches us how to walk so as to please God, whose eye is upon us: Th1 4:1, Walk honestly as in the day. Compare Eph 5:8, Walk as children of light. Our conversation must be as becomes the gospel. Walk honestly; euschēmonōs - decently and becomingly, so as to credit your profession, and to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, and recommend religion in its beauty to others. Christians should be in a special manner careful to conduct themselves well in those things wherein men have an eye upon them, and to study that which is lovely and of good report. Particularly, here are three pairs of sins we are cautioned against: - 1. We must not walk in rioting and drunkenness; we must abstain from all excess in eating and drinking. We must not give the least countenance to revelling, nor indulge our sensual appetite in any private excesses. Christians must not overcharge their hearts with surfeiting and drunkenness, Luk 21:34. This is not walking as in the day; for those that are drunk are drunk in the night, Th1 5:7. 2. Not in chambering and wantonness; not in any of those lusts of the flesh, those works of darkness, which are forbidden in the seventh commandment. Downright adultery and fornication are the chambering forbidden. Lascivious thoughts and affections, lascivious looks, words, books, sons, gestures, dances, dalliances, which lead to, and are degrees of, that uncleanness, are the wantonness here forbidden - whatsoever transgresseth the pure and sacred law of chastity and modesty. 3. Not in strife and envying. These are also works of darkness; for, though the acts and instances of strife and envy are very common, yet none are willing to own the principles, or to acknowledge themselves envious and contentious. it may be the lot of the best saints to be envied and striven with; but to strive and to envy ill becomes the disciples and followers of the peaceable and humble Jesus. Where there are riot and drunkenness, there usually are chambering and wantonness, and strife and envy. Solomon puts them all together, Pro 23:29, etc. Those that tarry long at the wine (Pro 23:30) have contentions and wounds without cause (Pro 23:29) and their eyes behold strange women, Pro 23:33. IV. What provision to make (Pro 23:14): "Make not provision for the flesh. Be not careful about the body." Our great care must be to provide for our souls; but must we take no care about our bodies? Must we not provide for them, when they need it? Yes, but two things are here forbidden: - 1. Perplexing ourselves with an inordinate care, intimated in these words, pronoian mē poieisthe. "Be not solicitous in forecasting for the body; do not stretch your wits, nor set your thoughts upon the tenter-hooks, in making this provision; be not careful and cumbered about it; do not take thought," Mat 6:31. It forbids an anxious encumbering care. 2. Indulging ourselves in an irregular desire. We are not forbidden barely to provide for the body (it is a lamp that must be supplied with oil), but we are forbidden to fulfil the lusts thereof. The necessities of the body must be considered, but the lusts of it must not be gratified. Natural desires must be answered, but wanton appetites must be checked and denied. To ask meat for our necessities is duty: we are taught to pray for daily bread; but to ask meat for our lusts is provoking, Psa 78:18. Those who profess to walk in the spirit must not fulfil the lusts of the flesh, Gal 5:16.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:11 The New Testament often speaks of salvation as the final victory over sin and death that believers will experience when Jesus returns in glory (see 5:9-10).
Romans 13:11
The Day Is Near
10Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.11And 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.12The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Revival Hymn
By Compilations135K35:35CompilationISA 52:1MAT 11:28JHN 3:8ACT 2:1ROM 13:11EPH 5:14HEB 10:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mission to spread the word of God. He shares a story about the Moravian missions and how their purpose was for the land that was slain to receive the reward of his suffering. The speaker also challenges the audience to consider whether they view God as an end or a means in their lives. He urges them to demonstrate Christianity rather than just define it. The sermon concludes with powerful testimonies of people experiencing God's mercy and the transformative power of His presence.
(Dangers in the Way Series): Resisting the Worlds Propoganda
By A.W. Tozer8.4K39:29PropogandaPSA 1:1PSA 119:105PRO 4:26ROM 6:22ROM 13:11EPH 5:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of walking circumspectly as Christians, being watchful and cautious to avoid falling into the traps set by the devil. He specifically warns against falling into the snare of propagandism, where advertisers and the world try to control our thinking and make us all think the same on various subjects. The preacher highlights that everyone is a philosopher, influenced by the world's propaganda, even those who engage in harmful actions. He urges believers to stand clean of the world and uphold mankind, doing the will of God to experience true freedom and avoid becoming slaves to sin.
(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Awakened Out of Sleep
By A.W. Tozer6.4K25:32Religious RutPSA 3:5PSA 4:8PSA 121:4PSA 127:2ISA 60:1ROM 13:11EPH 5:14In this sermon, the preacher draws a parallel between the Israelites in the Old Testament and the Church and its members in the present day. He emphasizes that both have settled into a contented rut and have become complacent in their spiritual journey. The preacher urges the congregation to break free from this routine and take hold of the promises and blessings that God has for them. He shares testimonies of individuals who were inspired by his previous sermons to let go of material possessions and idols in order to pursue a deeper relationship with God.
A Call to Apostolicity
By Art Katz6.3K1:08:25ApostolicityROM 13:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the title and the quintessential elements of apostolicity. He believes that these elements are crucial for comprehending the message that follows. The speaker acknowledges that this statement is significant and unique, and may not be heard from another person. He emphasizes that the apostolic view of reality is always aware of the eternal significance of every moment, as it encapsulates the past, points to the future, and is connected to the fulfillment of God's salvific history. The speaker also highlights the role of the church in continuing the work of those who have sacrificed and died for the completion of God's plan.
(Re-Mix) the Revival Hymn
By Compilations5.2K35:35CompilationISA 52:1MAT 11:28JHN 3:8ACT 2:1ROM 13:11EPH 5:14HEB 10:31In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mission to spread the word of God. He shares a story about the Moravian missions and how their purpose was for the land that was slain to receive the reward of his suffering. The speaker also challenges the audience to consider whether they view God as an end or a means in their lives. He urges them to demonstrate Christianity rather than just define it. The sermon concludes with powerful testimonies of people experiencing God's mercy and the transformative power of His presence.
Discernment - Part 3
By Vance Havner4.3K34:24Discernment1CH 12:32ZEC 14:4MAT 16:3LUK 3:2LUK 12:56ROM 13:112PE 3:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discerning the times we live in. He references Matthew 16:3, where Jesus asks if people can discern the signs of the times. He highlights the example of the children of Issachar in the Old Testament who had understanding of the times and knew what Israel ought to do. The preacher also mentions the need to know the seasons and awaken from spiritual sleep. He concludes by stating that we are living in a strange hour and that denying the signs of the times is, in fact, another sign.
(God and Man) Three Tenses of Salvation
By Zac Poonen2.7K1:08:38GEN 2:9GEN 2:17PRO 30:8ROM 6:14ROM 13:11HEB 8:102PE 3:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the influence of Satan in various aspects of the world, including entertainment, music, medicine, and education. He urges listeners not to be deceived by the devil and to stand as a light in this world. The speaker also highlights the importance of having knowledge of good and evil and making choices based on that knowledge. He encourages believers to be long-suffering with others, just as God is long-suffering with us. The sermon concludes with a prayer for radical change and a plea for individuals to live their lives seriously for God.
Knowing the Time
By David Ravenhill2.1K54:08ROM 13:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and maturity, urging listeners to lay aside sinful deeds, make no provision for the flesh, and put on the Lord Jesus Christ. It highlights the need to be awake, clean up spiritually, dress in the armor of light, grow in Christ-likeness, make no provision for sin, and take action in obedience to God's Word.
Your Redemption Is Drawing Nigh
By Chuck Smith2.0K38:30RedemptionMRK 13:32LUK 21:34ROM 13:11In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Mark's gospel, specifically chapters 13 and 14. The sermon begins by discussing Jesus' conversation with his disciples about his second coming and the establishment of his kingdom on earth. The speaker emphasizes that no one knows the exact day or hour of Jesus' return, not even the angels or the Son himself, only the Father. The sermon then highlights the importance of being watchful, praying, and being prepared for Jesus' return, as societies and individuals can only be changed through the truth of Jesus Christ. The speaker also mentions the worsening state of the world and the need for the church to be awake and aware of the severity of the events happening around them.
I Am Thy Strength and Shield - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill1.9K05:03Provision Of GodROM 13:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the brevity of life and the importance of using our time wisely. He shares personal anecdotes of how quickly time has passed for him and encourages the audience to redeem the time and make the most of every opportunity. The preacher also suggests that God may bless the nation with prosperity, but warns against becoming discontented and neglecting the spiritual needs of others. He challenges the church to reach out to those in need and share the message of God's love.
Pray for the Kingdom
By Roy Pointer1.7K36:36MAT 6:33MAT 24:2MAT 24:14ROM 13:11HEB 10:25HEB 11:40In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of world evangelization and spreading the gospel to all nations. He mentions that the gospel has already reached the ends of the earth, with almost every major tribe having heard the message and some members coming to faith. The preacher urges the audience to be ready for the coming of God's kingdom and to pray for its arrival. He also references Luke 10:8-9, where Jesus instructs his disciples to proclaim the nearness of the Kingdom of God and perform signs and miracles. The sermon concludes with a disturbing story about a young couple who made a decision that led them away from their faith.
The Alarm
By C.H. Spurgeon1.7K50:27PSA 57:8ISA 60:1MAT 24:44JHN 3:16ROM 13:112CO 5:19EPH 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wakefulness in the spiritual life. He starts by discussing the power of praise and how even birds sing with all their might, encouraging believers to praise God wholeheartedly. The preacher then highlights the need for wakefulness in the church, stating that it is lacking in the present time. He urges believers to wake up their souls and continue praising God, even in difficult circumstances. The sermon concludes with a warning about the consequences of spiritual slumber, using the analogy of a sleeping man in a canoe heading towards a dangerous waterfall.
If I Had Six Months to Live
By Carter Conlon1.7K39:20ROM 13:11This sermon delves into the urgency of awakening from spiritual slumber, emphasizing the need to cast off works of darkness, put on the armor of light, and walk honestly in the day. It highlights the consequences of resisting God's will, falling into sorrowful sleep due to intense battles, and pursuing pursuits not aligned with God's calling. The message challenges listeners to consider what they would do differently if they had only six months to live, urging reconciliation with God and man, seeking the power of the Holy Spirit, and making right choices aligned with God's values.
Awake and Be Ready
By Stephen Kaung1.7K1:09:11RepentanceHOS 6:1ROM 13:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being awake and alert in the last days. He uses the example of three disciples who fell asleep when Jesus asked them to watch and pray. The preacher relates this to the current state of God's people, who are in a spiritual slumber. He mentions the turning point in Augustine's life, which was influenced by a passage in Romans chapter 13. The sermon also highlights the need for believers to remember their fallen state and to be awakened to their need for God.
(Happenings Ahead) the Demands of the Last Days
By Willie Mullan1.5K1:13:52Last DaysMAT 5:16MRK 16:15ROM 13:11EPH 5:8PHP 2:151TH 5:2TIT 2:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of unbelief in the last days. He emphasizes the urgency of accepting Jesus' invitation to come to him for salvation, as the opportunity may be lost in the future. The preacher also highlights the need for Christians to actively spread the gospel and not be complacent in their faith. He references 2 Timothy 3, which describes the characteristics of people in the last days, and warns against having a form of godliness without true faith. The sermon concludes with a call to action for the congregation to wake up and live according to the teachings of Jesus.
It's About Time
By Vance Havner1.5K38:08Christian LifePRO 28:13ISA 24:1JER 4:3MAT 6:33ROM 13:112CO 6:17JAS 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that it is about time for God to intervene and address the iniquities and inequities of society. He highlights the disrespect and disregard for God's word, as well as the corruption and immorality prevalent in the world. The preacher acknowledges the importance of reaching out to the younger generation and speaking to them with authenticity and authority. He urges the congregation to seek the Lord and to cast away the works of darkness, emphasizing the need for righteousness and mercy. The sermon is based on passages from Psalm 119, Hosea 10, and Romans 13.
Awake - Be Alert
By Erlo Stegen1.5K56:16Sober MindedROM 13:11In this sermon, the speaker describes a vision of people falling into a bottomless pit, representing the eternal damnation of hell. Two guards try to save some, but countless others are lost. Meanwhile, there are people nearby who are completely indifferent to the suffering and continue to enjoy their own lives. The speaker emphasizes the need to wake up from spiritual sleep, recognize the evil in the world, and turn to God. The sermon concludes with a reading from Romans 13, urging listeners to cast off darkness, put on the armor of light, and live in a way that glorifies God.
Mind the Light
By Erlo Stegen1.4K1:00:15Light Of GodEXO 33:20ISA 6:1MAT 4:16ROM 13:11EPH 5:11EPH 5:141JN 1:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining one's own life and the impact they have on others. He urges listeners to consider whether they are living according to the Bible and if they are shining the light of God's holiness in the world. The preacher acknowledges the darkness and immorality present in the world but encourages believers to be lighthouses and spread the gospel. He shares a personal experience of a powerful repentance moment and highlights the urgency of repentance and turning away from sin. The sermon also touches on the issue of people not listening and falling asleep in church, leading to spiritual death. The preacher warns against the influence of false teachings, such as the denial of hell, and emphasizes the richness of Africa, not in material wealth but in spiritual potential.
Three Tenses of Salvation
By Zac Poonen1.4K1:07:31SalvationSpiritual GrowthJHN 17:20ROM 5:9ROM 6:14ROM 8:2ROM 13:11EPH 2:8Zac Poonen emphasizes the three tenses of salvation in his sermon, focusing on being saved from sin rather than merely from hell. He argues that true salvation involves a deep commitment to spiritual growth and a desire to be free from sin, which is often overlooked by many believers who are only concerned with escaping hell. Poonen illustrates this through the metaphor of the tabernacle, highlighting the difference between the outer court, holy place, and most holy place, where true worship and communion with God occur. He challenges listeners to seek a life transformed by the power of Jesus, moving beyond superficial Christianity to a genuine relationship with Him. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a radical change in the lives of believers, urging them to prioritize their devotion to Christ above all else.
A Wee Story (Compilation)
By Compilations1.3K08:14CompilationISA 52:1MAT 11:28JHN 3:3ROM 13:111CO 15:34EPH 5:141PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of preaching the gospel with passion and conviction. He emphasizes the importance of carrying the burden of others' salvation and encourages listeners to die to the opinions of the world and walk in unity with God. The preacher also recounts a conversation with an elderly woman who believed she would go to heaven based on her good deeds, but he lovingly confronts her with the truth of the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with the preacher expressing the urgency of speaking out against sin and conforming to the world, and the importance of creating an environment that nurtures spiritual growth.
Time to Wake Up - Part 5
By Chuck Smith1.3K05:26ROM 13:11
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually awake and prepared for the return of the Lord, warning about the challenges believers may face in the end times, including the choice between accepting a mark that compromises faith or facing martyrdom. It highlights the signs of the times, such as geopolitical events aligning with biblical prophecies, and urges believers to be vigilant, ready, and living in the light of Christ's imminent return.
Time to Wake Up - Part 4
By Chuck Smith1.2K07:31ROM 13:11
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being spiritually awake and prepared for the coming of the Lord, drawing parallels between historical events in Israel and prophecies in Ezekiel regarding future wars. It warns against spiritual slumber and urges believers to be vigilant, sober, and ready for the return of Jesus Christ, as the signs of the end times become more evident.
The Alarum
By C.H. Spurgeon1.2K50:27PSA 57:8ISA 60:1MAT 24:44JHN 3:16ROM 13:112CO 5:19EPH 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of wakefulness in the spiritual life. He starts by discussing the power of praise and how even birds sing with all their might, encouraging believers to praise God wholeheartedly. The preacher then highlights the need for wakefulness in the church, stating that it is lacking in the present time. He urges believers to wake up their souls and continue praising God, even in difficult circumstances. The sermon concludes with a warning about the consequences of spiritual slumber, using the analogy of a sleeping man in a canoe heading towards a dangerous waterfall.
Excuse Me, Do You Know What Time It Is?
By Carter Conlon84440:18ROM 13:11This sermon from Romans 13 emphasizes the urgency of the times we are living in, calling for believers to wake up, cast off darkness, and put on the armor of light. It challenges listeners to stand for God, make a visible stand for truth, and not be driven by fear. The message encourages a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit, a surrender to God's will, and a boldness to pray and impact the world around us.
Eternity and Time 02 From Adam to Christ
By David Clifford8171:04:51PSA 19:1DAN 9:24MAT 6:33LUK 24:27ROM 13:11EPH 1:221TH 5:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the prophecy by Daniel in chapter two, verse 31. The prophecy describes a great image with different materials representing different kingdoms. The speaker explains that Israel, chosen and loved by God, rejected Christ and is currently set aside. However, God's promise to Israel will be fulfilled in the future. The ultimate purpose of prophecy is to vindicate and glorify Jesus Christ throughout the entire universe.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And that, knowing the time - Dr. Taylor has given a judicious paraphrase of this and the following verses: "And all the duties of a virtuous and holy life we should the more carefully and zealously perform, considering the nature and shortness of the present season of life; which will convince us that it is now high time to rouse and shake off sleep, and apply with vigilance and vigor to the duties of our Christian life; for that eternal salvation, which is the object of our Christian faith and hope, and the great motive of our religion, is every day nearer to us than when we first entered into the profession of Christianity." Some think the passage should be understood thus: We have now many advantages which we did not formerly possess. Salvation is nearer - the whole Christian system is more fully explained, and the knowledge of it more easy to be acquired than formerly; on which account a greater progress in religious knowledge and in practical piety is required of us: and we have for a long time been too remiss in these respects. Deliverance from the persecutions, etc., with which they were then afflicted, is supposed by others to be the meaning of the apostle.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And that--rather, "And this [do]" knowing the time, that now it is high time--literally, "the hour has already come." to awake out of sleep--of stupid, fatal indifference to eternal things. for now is our salvation--rather, "the salvation," or simply "salvation." nearer than when we--first believed--This is in the line of all our Lord's teaching, which represents the decisive day of Christ's second appearing as at hand, to keep believers ever in the attitude of wakeful expectancy, but without reference to the chronological nearness or distance of that event.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And that knowing the time,.... That it is day and not night, the Gospel day, the day of salvation; in which the grace of God shines forth, like the sun in its meridian glory; life and immortality are brought to light, righteousness and salvation are revealed; and so a time not for sloth and sleep, but business; in which the saints should active in the exercise of grace, and discharge, of duty; owing no man anything but the debt of love; and that the dawn of grace, and day of spiritual light had broke in upon their souls, and dispelled the darkness of sin, ignorance and unbelief; that the darkness was past, and the true light shined, and the sun of righteousness was risen on them: all which they full well knew and were conscious of, and therefore should observe, that now it is high time for us to awake out of sleep; since sleep is for the night, and not the day; the Alexandrian copy reads, "for you". This is to be understood, not of the dead sleep of sin, in which unconverted persons are, to be awoke out of which is a work of divine power; but of the carnal security and drowsy frame of spirit which sometimes attend the churches and children of God, the wise as well as the foolish virgins; and lies in grace being dormant in, the soul; in a backwardness to duty, and a slothfulness in the performance of it; in resting in the outward duties of religion; in lukewarmness about the cause of Christ; in an unconcernedness about sins of omission and commission; and in a willingness to continue in such a sluggish frame: all which arise from a body of sin and death, and an over anxious care for the things of the world; from a weariness in spiritual exercises, and an abstinence from spiritual company and ordinances and from outward peace and liberty: such a frame of spirit, when, it prevails and becomes general is of bad consequence to the churches of Christ; the spirit of discerning, care and diligence in receiving members, are in a great measure lost, and so they are filled with hypocrites and heretics; Christ absents himself from them; leanness of soul is brought upon them; and they are in danger of being surprised with the midnight cry: the methods God takes to awaken his people out of such a sleep are various; sometimes in a more gentle way, by the discoveries his love, which causes the lips of those that are asleep to speak; sometimes by severe reproofs in the ministry of the word; and sometimes by sharp persecutions in providence; and at last it will be done by the midnight cry: the argument, showing the reasonableness of awaking out of sleep, and that it was high time to do so, follows, for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed; by which is meant, not temporal salvation, or a deliverance from the persecution the saints endured in Judea, from their own countrymen, by the departure of them from Jerusalem, a little before its destruction, by the destruction of that city, and the peaceful times of Vespasian; but a spiritual and eternal salvation: not Christ the author of it, who was come to effect it; nor that itself, as obtained, which was now done, finished, and completed; nor the application of it to their souls, which also had been made; but the consummate enjoyment of it in heaven, the salvation of their souls at death, and both of soul and body at the resurrection; consisting in a freedom from every evil, and in a full possession of all that is good and glorious: this is brought nearer to the saints, to their sight and view, as their faith grows and increases; and they are nearer the enjoyment of that than when they first believed; and which is a strong reason why a sluggish, slothful frame should not be indulged; what, sleep, and heaven so near at hand! just at their Father's house, ready to enter into the joy of their Lord, into his everlasting kingdom and glory, and yet asleep!
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We are here taught a lesson of sobriety and godliness in ourselves. Our main care must be to look to ourselves. Four things we are here taught, as a Christian's directory for his day's work: when to awake, how to dress ourselves, how to walk, and what provision to make. I. When to awake: Now it is high time to awake (Rom 13:11), to awake out of the sleep of sin (for a sinful condition is a sleeping condition), out of the sleep of carnal security, sloth and negligence, out of the sleep of spiritual death, and out of the sleep of spiritual deadness; both the wise and foolish virgins slumbered and slept, Mat 25:5. We have need to be often excited and stirred up to awake. The word of command to all Christ's disciples is, Watch. "Awake - be concerned about your souls and your eternal interest; take heed of sin, be ready to, and serious in, that which is good, and live in a constant expectation of the coming of our Lord. Considering," 1. "The time we are cast into: Knowing the time. Consider what time of day it is with us, and you will see it is high time to awake. It is gospel time, it is the accepted time, it is working time; it is a time when more is expected than was in the times of that ignorance which God winked at, when people sat in darkness. It is high time to awake; for the sun has been up a great while, and shines in our faces. Have we this light to sleep in? See Th1 5:5, Th1 5:6. It is high time to awake; for others are awake and up about us. Know the time to be a busy time; we have a great deal of work to do, and our Master is calling us to it again and again. Know the time to be a perilous time. We are in the midst of enemies and snares. It is high time to awake, for the Philistines are upon us; our neighbour's house is on fire, and our own in danger. It is time to awake, for we have slept enough (Pe1 4:3), high time indeed, for behold the bridegroom cometh." 2. "The salvation we are upon the brink of: Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed - than when we first believed, and so took upon us the profession of Christianity. The eternal happiness we chose for our portion is now nearer to us than it was when we became Christians. Let us mind our way and mend our pace, for we are now nearer our journey's end than we were when we had our first love. The nearer we are to our centre the quicker should our motion be. Is there but a step between us and heaven, and shall we be so very slow and dull in our Christian course, and move so heavily? The more the days are shortened, and the more grace is increased, the nearer is our salvation, and the more quick and vigorous we should be in our spiritual motions." II. How to dress ourselves. This is the next care, when we are awake and up: "The night is far spent, the day is at hand; therefore it is time to dress ourselves. Clearer discoveries will be quickly made of gospel grace than have been yet made, as light gets ground. The night of Jewish rage and cruelty is just at an end; their persecuting power is near a period; the day of our deliverance from them is at hand, that day of redemption which Christ promised, Luk 21:28. And the day of our complete salvation, in the heavenly glory, is at hand. Observe then," 1. "What we must put off; put off our night-clothes, which it is a shame to appear abroad in: Cast off the works of darkness." Sinful works are works of darkness; they come from the darkness of ignorance and mistake, they covet the darkness of privacy and concealment, and they end in the darkness of hell and destruction. "Let us therefore, who are of the day, cast them off; not only cease from the practice of them, but detest and abhor them, and have no more to do with them. Because eternity is just at the door, let us take heed lest we be found doing that which will then make against us," Pe2 3:11, Pe2 3:14. 2. "What we must put on." Our care must be wherewithal we shall be clothed, how shall we dress our souls? (1.) Put on the armour of light. Christians are soldiers in the midst of enemies, and their life a warfare, therefore their array must be armour, that they may stand upon their defence - the armour of God, to which we are directed, Eph 6:13, etc. A Christian may reckon himself undressed if he be unarmed. The graces of the Spirit are this armour, to secure the soul from Satan's temptations and the assaults of this present evil world. This is called the armour of light, some think alluding to the bright glittering armour which the Roman soldiers used to wear; or such armour as it becomes us to wear in the day-light. The graces of the Spirit are suitable splendid ornaments, are in the sight of God of great price. (2.) Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, Rom 13:14. This stands in opposition to a great many base lusts, mentioned Rom 13:13. Rioting and drunkenness must be cast off: one would think it should follows, but, "Put on sobriety, temperance, chastity," the opposite virtues: no, "Put on Christ, this includes all. Put on the righteousness of Christ for justification; be found in him (Phi 3:9) as a man is found in his clothes; put on the priestly garments of the elder brother, that in them you may obtain the blessing. Put on the spirit and grace of Christ for sanctification; put on the new man (Eph 4:24); get the habit of grace confirmed, the acts of it quickened." Jesus Christ is the best clothing for Christians to adorn themselves with, to arm themselves with; it is decent, distinguishing, dignifying, and defending. Without Christ, we are naked, deformed; all other things are filthy rages, fig-leaves, a sorry shelter. God has provided us coats of skins - large, strong, warm, and durable. By baptism we have in profession put on Christ, Gal 3:27. Let us do it in truth and sincerity. The Lord Jesus Christ. "Put him on as Lord to rule you, as Jesus to save you, and in both as Christ, anointed and appointed by the Father to this ruling saving work." III. How to walk. When we are up and dressed, we are not to sit still in an affected closeness and privacy, as monks and hermits. What have we good clothes for, but to appear abroad in them? - Let us walk. Christianity teaches us how to walk so as to please God, whose eye is upon us: Th1 4:1, Walk honestly as in the day. Compare Eph 5:8, Walk as children of light. Our conversation must be as becomes the gospel. Walk honestly; euschēmonōs - decently and becomingly, so as to credit your profession, and to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, and recommend religion in its beauty to others. Christians should be in a special manner careful to conduct themselves well in those things wherein men have an eye upon them, and to study that which is lovely and of good report. Particularly, here are three pairs of sins we are cautioned against: - 1. We must not walk in rioting and drunkenness; we must abstain from all excess in eating and drinking. We must not give the least countenance to revelling, nor indulge our sensual appetite in any private excesses. Christians must not overcharge their hearts with surfeiting and drunkenness, Luk 21:34. This is not walking as in the day; for those that are drunk are drunk in the night, Th1 5:7. 2. Not in chambering and wantonness; not in any of those lusts of the flesh, those works of darkness, which are forbidden in the seventh commandment. Downright adultery and fornication are the chambering forbidden. Lascivious thoughts and affections, lascivious looks, words, books, sons, gestures, dances, dalliances, which lead to, and are degrees of, that uncleanness, are the wantonness here forbidden - whatsoever transgresseth the pure and sacred law of chastity and modesty. 3. Not in strife and envying. These are also works of darkness; for, though the acts and instances of strife and envy are very common, yet none are willing to own the principles, or to acknowledge themselves envious and contentious. it may be the lot of the best saints to be envied and striven with; but to strive and to envy ill becomes the disciples and followers of the peaceable and humble Jesus. Where there are riot and drunkenness, there usually are chambering and wantonness, and strife and envy. Solomon puts them all together, Pro 23:29, etc. Those that tarry long at the wine (Pro 23:30) have contentions and wounds without cause (Pro 23:29) and their eyes behold strange women, Pro 23:33. IV. What provision to make (Pro 23:14): "Make not provision for the flesh. Be not careful about the body." Our great care must be to provide for our souls; but must we take no care about our bodies? Must we not provide for them, when they need it? Yes, but two things are here forbidden: - 1. Perplexing ourselves with an inordinate care, intimated in these words, pronoian mē poieisthe. "Be not solicitous in forecasting for the body; do not stretch your wits, nor set your thoughts upon the tenter-hooks, in making this provision; be not careful and cumbered about it; do not take thought," Mat 6:31. It forbids an anxious encumbering care. 2. Indulging ourselves in an irregular desire. We are not forbidden barely to provide for the body (it is a lamp that must be supplied with oil), but we are forbidden to fulfil the lusts thereof. The necessities of the body must be considered, but the lusts of it must not be gratified. Natural desires must be answered, but wanton appetites must be checked and denied. To ask meat for our necessities is duty: we are taught to pray for daily bread; but to ask meat for our lusts is provoking, Psa 78:18. Those who profess to walk in the spirit must not fulfil the lusts of the flesh, Gal 5:16.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
13:11 The New Testament often speaks of salvation as the final victory over sin and death that believers will experience when Jesus returns in glory (see 5:9-10).