Due to how times go, where the gospel of Christ becomes more and more difficult for every believer, it is important that we submit to our Lord every day.
Just as time is running out, this also gives us a sign that the arrival of our Lord is getting closer every day.
In this letter from Paul, he clearly informs us that the duty of a Christian is to walk correctly before God, gain new strength, rise from the sleep of the flesh, and rest with God.
Let us be prepared and attentive, let us not be sleeping in a deep sleep like those who forget the return of the One who defeated sin and death.
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
Paul warns us something important about the return of the Lord saying that it is time, that is, the Lord does not delay His return, let us be attentive brothers before these great signs, before this important warning, let us be extremely prepared.
Brethren, let us believe these words of Paul, because now our salvation is closer to us. God is our strength and salvation, so let us be prepared to continue walking in the straight path of the Lord.
The apostle Paul writes these words with a sense of urgency, not to frighten the church, but to awaken it. Spiritual sleep is one of the greatest dangers for believers, because it dulls our sensitivity to the voice of God and weakens our commitment to His truth. When a Christian becomes comfortable with the world, the heart slowly drifts away from prayer, vigilance, and obedience. That is why Paul exhorts us to wake up and recognize the time in which we live.
Waking up from spiritual sleep does not mean merely knowing biblical information, but living according to that knowledge. It involves renewing our minds, rejecting sinful habits, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our daily decisions. The closer the return of Christ, the greater our responsibility to reflect His character in our conduct, our words, and our attitudes toward others.
Paul reminds us that our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. This statement should fill us with hope and perseverance, not anxiety. Every passing day brings us closer to the fulfillment of God’s promises. For the faithful believer, the return of Christ is not a threat but a glorious expectation, a moment when faith will become sight and struggles will be replaced with eternal rest.
However, this hope also demands faithfulness. We are called to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. That means rejecting complacency and resisting the temptations that surround us. The enemy seeks to distract believers through worries, pleasures, and fears, but the Word of God calls us to remain alert and grounded in truth.
Being prepared also involves strengthening our relationship with God through prayer and the study of Scripture. A believer who walks closely with the Lord will not be easily deceived or discouraged. In times of difficulty and persecution, spiritual vigilance gives us the strength to endure and remain faithful to Christ, even when the gospel is rejected by many.
Furthermore, awakening from spiritual sleep compels us to live with compassion and urgency for others. Knowing that the Lord’s return is near should motivate us to share the message of salvation, to show love to those in need, and to serve faithfully in the work God has entrusted to us. Every opportunity to do good becomes precious when we understand the value of time.
Paul’s exhortation is also a call to unity within the body of Christ. As the days grow darker, believers must encourage one another, strengthen one another, and walk together in faith. Isolation weakens the believer, but fellowship and mutual exhortation help us remain steadfast and focused on our heavenly calling.
Let us then examine our lives honestly. Are we spiritually awake, or have we allowed routine and distractions to dull our zeal? The message of Romans reminds us that today is the day to rise, to renew our commitment, and to walk in the light of Christ. God is faithful to give us strength when we seek Him with sincerity.
May we live each day with expectation, faith, and obedience, knowing that our salvation is nearer than ever before. Let us continue on the straight path of the Lord, trusting in His grace, standing firm in His truth, and awaiting with joy the glorious return of our Savior.