Awakening to the Urgency of Our Faith

 

Summary

In this exploration of Romans 13:11-14, the call is to awaken from spiritual slumber and embrace the urgency of our salvation, which is nearer now than when we first believed. The Apostle Paul urges us to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, emphasizing the need for a practical application of our faith. This involves a conscious effort to live in a manner that reflects our identity as children of the light. The message is clear: we must not be complacent or lethargic in our spiritual journey. Instead, we are called to discipline ourselves, to be vigilant and alert, and to engage actively in the spiritual battle that surrounds us.

The Apostle's teaching is a reminder that our faith is not merely theoretical but demands action. We are to examine ourselves, ensuring that our lives are governed by Christian principles rather than worldly influences. This self-examination is crucial to avoid drifting away from our spiritual moorings. The call to awaken is a call to discipline, to stir up the gifts within us, and to engage in a life of active faith. It is a call to be diligent, to add to our faith virtues such as knowledge, temperance, patience, and godliness.

Furthermore, the Apostle emphasizes the importance of our spiritual attire. We are to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, which signifies living in a way that is consistent with our identity as children of God. This involves a conscious rejection of sin and a commitment to righteousness. The armor of light is not just defensive but also offensive, equipping us for the spiritual warfare we face daily. It is a reminder that our lives should be a reflection of the light of Christ, and we should not be ashamed when our deeds are brought into the light.

Key Takeaways:

- Awakening from Spiritual Slumber: The call to awaken is a call to recognize the urgency of our spiritual condition. We must shake off lethargy and be vigilant, understanding the times we live in and the nearness of our salvation. This awakening requires a conscious effort to discipline ourselves and engage actively in our faith. [05:28]

- Practical Application of Faith: Our faith is not just theoretical; it demands practical application. We must examine ourselves to ensure that our lives are governed by Christian principles rather than worldly influences. This self-examination helps us avoid spiritual complacency and drift. [17:17]

- Casting Off Works of Darkness: We are called to cast off the works of darkness, which are not in line with our identity as children of God. This involves a conscious rejection of sin and a commitment to righteousness, reflecting the transformation that has taken place in our lives. [32:02]

- Putting on the Armor of Light: The armor of light signifies living in a way that is consistent with our identity as children of God. It equips us for spiritual warfare, reminding us that our lives should reflect the light of Christ and that we should not be ashamed when our deeds are brought into the light. [35:49]

- Engaging in Spiritual Warfare: Life as a Christian is a constant battle, and we must be equipped with the armor of God. This involves being clothed with virtues such as faith, love, and righteousness, which enable us to stand firm against the challenges we face. [42:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Romans 13:11-14
- [01:08] - The Royal Law of Love
- [01:59] - Doctrinal Considerations
- [02:42] - Practical Application
- [05:28] - General Appeal: Awake from Sleep
- [06:19] - The Danger of Spiritual Lethargy
- [11:06] - Importance of Self-Discipline
- [14:33] - Talking to Yourself: Self-Examination
- [18:30] - Understanding the Times
- [22:06] - The Importance of Details
- [29:46] - Casting Off Works of Darkness
- [35:49] - Putting on the Armor of Light
- [42:27] - Engaging in Spiritual Warfare
- [45:37] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Romans 13:11-14

Bible Reading:
- Romans 13:11-14
- Ephesians 5:14
- 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean when he says, "it is high time to awake out of sleep" in Romans 13:11? How does this relate to the urgency of our salvation? [05:28]

2. In Romans 13:12, Paul instructs believers to "cast off the works of darkness." What are some examples of these works mentioned in the sermon? [32:02]

3. How does the sermon describe the "armor of light" that Paul talks about in Romans 13:12? What is its significance in the life of a believer? [35:49]

4. According to the sermon, what role does self-examination play in avoiding spiritual lethargy? [15:50]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "awakening from spiritual slumber" challenge the way believers currently live their faith? What might be some signs of spiritual lethargy in a believer's life? [06:19]

2. The sermon emphasizes the need for a practical application of faith. How can believers ensure that their lives are governed by Christian principles rather than worldly influences? [17:17]

3. What does it mean to "put on the armor of light," and how does this equip believers for spiritual warfare? How does this concept differ from merely avoiding sin? [35:49]

4. How does the sermon suggest believers should engage in self-examination, and why is this practice crucial for maintaining a vibrant spiritual life? [15:50]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current spiritual state. Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually asleep? What steps can you take this week to awaken and engage more actively in your faith? [06:19]

2. Consider the "works of darkness" that you might need to cast off. Identify one specific behavior or habit that does not align with your identity as a child of God. What practical steps can you take to address this? [32:02]

3. The sermon highlights the importance of self-discipline. What is one area in your spiritual life where you need to exercise more discipline? How can you implement this in your daily routine? [11:20]

4. Think about the "armor of light" and how it can be both defensive and offensive in spiritual warfare. What virtues do you need to cultivate to strengthen your spiritual armor? [35:49]

5. Self-examination is crucial for spiritual growth. Set aside time this week to reflect on your spiritual journey. What questions will you ask yourself to ensure you are living according to Christian principles? [15:50]

6. The sermon encourages believers to be vigilant and alert. Identify a specific distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on your spiritual growth. How can you minimize this distraction in the coming week? [13:41]

7. How can you actively engage in the spiritual battle that surrounds you? Identify one way you can stand firm in your faith amidst the challenges you face daily. [42:27]

Devotional

Day 1: Awaken to Spiritual Urgency
The call to awaken from spiritual slumber is a profound reminder of the urgency of our spiritual condition. As believers, we are encouraged to shake off any lethargy and be vigilant, recognizing the times we live in and the nearness of our salvation. This awakening requires a conscious effort to discipline ourselves and engage actively in our faith. It is a call to be alert and aware, understanding that our spiritual journey demands our full attention and commitment. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed, urging us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. [05:28]

"And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11, ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to awaken from any spiritual lethargy and live with a greater sense of urgency in your faith journey?


Day 2: Faith in Action
Our faith is not merely theoretical; it demands practical application in our daily lives. We are called to examine ourselves, ensuring that our lives are governed by Christian principles rather than worldly influences. This self-examination is crucial to avoid drifting away from our spiritual moorings. By actively engaging in our faith, we can avoid spiritual complacency and drift. The Apostle Paul encourages us to live in a manner that reflects our identity as children of the light, emphasizing the importance of aligning our actions with our beliefs. [17:17]

"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to align your actions more closely with your faith? How can you begin to make those changes today?


Day 3: Rejecting Darkness
We are called to cast off the works of darkness, which are not in line with our identity as children of God. This involves a conscious rejection of sin and a commitment to righteousness, reflecting the transformation that has taken place in our lives. The Apostle Paul urges us to live in a way that is consistent with our identity as children of the light, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects the light of Christ. By rejecting darkness, we can live in a way that honors God and reflects His love to the world. [32:02]

"For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light." (Ephesians 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: What specific "works of darkness" do you need to cast off in your life? How can you commit to living in the light today?


Day 4: Clothed in Light
The armor of light signifies living in a way that is consistent with our identity as children of God. It equips us for spiritual warfare, reminding us that our lives should reflect the light of Christ and that we should not be ashamed when our deeds are brought into the light. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of our spiritual attire, urging us to put on the armor of light and live in a way that honors God. By clothing ourselves in light, we can stand firm against the challenges we face and reflect the love of Christ to the world. [35:49]

"Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires." (Romans 13:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: How can you "put on the armor of light" in your daily life? What changes can you make to ensure that your life reflects the light of Christ?


Day 5: Engaging in Spiritual Warfare
Life as a Christian is a constant battle, and we must be equipped with the armor of God. This involves being clothed with virtues such as faith, love, and righteousness, which enable us to stand firm against the challenges we face. The Apostle Paul reminds us that our faith is not just defensive but also offensive, equipping us for the spiritual warfare we face daily. By engaging in spiritual warfare, we can stand firm against the enemy and live a life that honors God. [42:27]

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." (Ephesians 6:10-11, ESV)

Reflection: What specific virtues do you need to cultivate in your life to be better equipped for spiritual warfare? How can you begin to develop these virtues today?

Quotes


The Apostle Paul urges us to cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light. Now here again is the most interesting point: put on again is in the same tense, put on at once, put on once and for all. You notice that he doesn't put as the opposite or the parallel to the works of darkness, he doesn't say the works of light, he says the armor of light. [00:35:49]

The Apostle uses a tense here which carries the meaning cast off once and for all. That's a better translation, not just cast off, but cast off once and for all. That's the exhortation, really, and yet it carries at the same time the idea that you go on doing that, you do it once and forever, and you keep it like that, you don't let it come back as it were. [00:30:46]

The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are constantly, perpetually in a war, that we are fighting, that we are soldiers. Every Christian is a soldier. We are all in the midst of this tremendous battle. Life to the Christian is a constant warfare. He's fighting the good fight of faith, and that is why it is essential that he should be clothed with armor, with the whole armor of God. [00:42:27]

The Apostle tells us in detail once more how we are to live. He's been telling us already, but he sums it up again. This, you see, is expert teaching, and if we learn nothing else, let's try to learn from the Apostle how to teach. And there is no doubt about it, the whole art of teaching is repetition. [00:02:49]

The Apostle emphasizes the importance of our spiritual attire. We are to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, which signifies living in a way that is consistent with our identity as children of God. This involves a conscious rejection of sin and a commitment to righteousness. [00:32:02]

The Apostle Paul urges us to examine ourselves, ensuring that our lives are governed by Christian principles rather than worldly influences. This self-examination is crucial to avoid drifting away from our spiritual moorings. The call to awaken is a call to discipline, to stir up the gifts within us, and to engage in a life of active faith. [00:17:17]

The Apostle Paul reminds us of the doctrine which we've already believed. Indeed, his whole case is based on that. He introduces it with the word "knowing." If we don't know these things, well then his appeal falls to the ground. But he assumes that we know these things, and we've considered what those things are. [00:01:59]

The Apostle Paul tells us to put away once and forever the works of darkness. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness. Have you noticed how the scriptures, when they deal with sins, have a fondness for referring to them as works? You remember the example in the fifth chapter of Paul's epistle to the Galatians. [00:32:02]

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the need for a practical application of our faith. This involves a conscious effort to live in a manner that reflects our identity as children of the light. The message is clear: we must not be complacent or lethargic in our spiritual journey. Instead, we are called to discipline ourselves, to be vigilant and alert. [00:05:28]

The Apostle Paul reminds us that our faith is not merely theoretical but demands action. We are to examine ourselves, ensuring that our lives are governed by Christian principles rather than worldly influences. This self-examination is crucial to avoid drifting away from our spiritual moorings. [00:17:17]

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of our spiritual attire. We are to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light, which signifies living in a way that is consistent with our identity as children of God. This involves a conscious rejection of sin and a commitment to righteousness. [00:32:02]

The Apostle Paul urges us to cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light. Now here again is the most interesting point: put on again is in the same tense, put on at once, put on once and for all. You notice that he doesn't put as the opposite or the parallel to the works of darkness, he doesn't say the works of light, he says the armor of light. [00:35:49]

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Transcript
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