“…do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to AWAKE OUT OF SLEEP; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” (Rom. 13:11-14)
THIS IS WHAT WE MUST DO TO AWAKE OUT OF SLEEP:
- CAST OFF THE WORKS OF DARKNESS: “This I say, that you should no longer walk as the Gentiles walk, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of ignorance, because of blindness of their heart; who, have given themselves to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But you have not so learned Christ, have been taught by Him, that you PUT OFF, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you PUT ON the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph. 4:17-24)
- PUT ON THE ARMOR OF LIGHT: Armor is the word for weapons (plural), and we can paraphrase…take up the weapons of light. The emphasis may well be on the idea that since there are works of darkness to be laid aside, and of light to be embraced, at times it could involve a battle. That these works of light are implied to be weapons or armor, means that by engaging righteousness the believer is able to EXERCISE POWER OVER the imprisoning power of sin and evil, and because they consist of light, they become a testimony to others about the righteousness and grace of God.
- WALK PROPERLY, AS IN THE DAY: The word “properly” means decently BENITA. Our walk should be beyond reproach. Christians live the course of their lives in a manner that agrees with who Jesus is. Citizens of heaven should represent themselves with the character of heaven—like light, not darkness.
- PUT ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST: One of the most vivid and continuous images that was used in teaching in the New Testament and in the early church was this idea of putting on a garment, being clothed with something, taking something off and putting something on. When I got up this morning I put on my clothes. I put on my clothes with the intention that they would be part of me all this day, that they would go where I go and do what I do. They will cover me and make me presentable to others. That is the purpose of clothes. In the same way, the apostle is saying to us, PUT ON JESUS CHRIST when you get up in the morning. Make Him a part of your life that day. Intend that He GO WITH YOU everywhere you go, and that He ACT THROUGH YOU in everything you do. Call upon His resources. LIVE YOUR LIFE IN CHRIST.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill stockham