Tag: sleep

1 Thessalonians 5:10 – Eternal, Living Faith

Posted on by Will

who died for us, that whether we should watch or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Truth to Learn

Faith in Jesus Christ means living with Him eternally.

 

Behind the Words

“Died” is from apothnēskō, which is composed of apo, meaning “from” or “away from,” used as an intensifier, and thnēskō, meaning “to die.” Literally, apothnēskō means “to die off,” but it is often used to refer to death of any kind.

The word translated “for” is huper (or hyper) meaning “over” or “above.” As used here it also means “for the sake of.”

The words “whether” and “or” are both translated from eite. It is composed of ei, meaning “if” or “whether” and te, meaning “both” or “also.” It is used in Greek to set items in contrast or opposition to one another.

Grēgoreuō is the Greek verb translated “watch.” It means “to keep wake” or “to be watchful.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating possibility or probability.

The word translated “sleep” is katheudō, meaning “to fall asleep.” It, too, is written in the subjunctive mood.

“We should live” is translated from the verb dzaō, meaning “to have life.” Like grēgoreuō and katheudō, it is expressed in the subjunctive mood.

 

Meaning Explained

In the previous chapter of his letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, Paul began his current teaching regarding the rapture and the Day of the Lord. As he introduced the subject of the rapture, he said:

But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, that you not grieve as others who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

In this discourse on the rapture and the Day of the Lord, Paul has used the word “sleep” in two different ways. In teaching about the rapture, he used the term to refer to Christians who have died physically. In his teaching about the Day of the Lord, however, he used the word as a reference to those who are spiritually unaware. He contrasted those who are of the day (Christians) with those who are of the night (unbelievers). And, he warned us who are of the day to be awake (aware) and prepared for spiritual battles. In yesterday’s verse Paul reminded us that God did not place us in a situation where we will suffer His wrath (the Day of the Lord), rather in a situation to obtain salvation (raptured off the earth before the Day of the Lord). Also, in yesterday’s verse he reminded us that our salvation is through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Now, Paul says that Christ died for our sake. He didn’t die for Himself because He was without sin and was not facing the death sentence that we were facing. He died so that we could have eternal life. He died for our sake. Why did He die for us? He died for us so that we might live eternally with Him. It doesn’t matter whether we are physically alive or dead at the time of the rapture; all Christians, together, will live with him eternally. This, he tells us in the next verse, should be a comfort to all Christians.

 

Application

If you are a born-again Christian, you will spend eternity with Jesus Christ. If not, you will be separated from Him forever!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:6 – No Sleep-walking!

Posted on by Will

Therefore we should not sleep, as others do, but we should be alert and be watchful.

Truth to Learn

Christians need to wake up and stop sleep-walking through life.

 

Behind the Words

Ara oun are the opening words of this verse in Greek. They are both inferential particles, serving to draw-out a conclusion based on the previous statement. A literal translation of these two words might be “accordingly therefore.”

The word “sleep” is translated from the Greek verb katheudō, meaning “to sleep.” It is used to express literal sleep, but it is also used metaphorically, as in this verse, to refer to those who are not aware of what’s happening around them.

The words “be alert” are from the Greek verb grēgoreō, which means “to watch” or “to refrain from sleep.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating something that may not be happening but that could or should be happening.

The words “be watchful” are translated from nēphō. The original meaning of the word was “to not be drunk.” However, over time the meaning was broadened to mean “to be sober minded” or “to be watchful.” This verb is also in the subjunctive mood, indicating something that needs to be happening.

 

Meaning Explained

In the first part of this chapter we learned that the Thessalonian Christians were fully aware of the Day of the Lord, the time of judgment against those who have rejected God. They learned that it will occur at a time when the people on earth believe that they finally have peace and safety. Unfortunately for them, however, God’s judgment will come on them suddenly and there will be no way for them to escape it.

In verses four and five, Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they were aware of the coming judgment and they are not in spiritual darkness. He told them (and us) that instead of being in darkness, they (we) are filled with the light of God and we understand things that those in darkness aren’t aware of.

Accordingly, therefore, since we are not unaware of the coming judgment, we need to stay awake. We need to be aware of what’s happening, and we need to witness to those who aren’t aware. Unfortunately, today as in Paul’s time, there are a lot of Christians who are sleep-walking through life. Being a Christian gives us peace and comfort, knowing that God will take care of us and He will take us to be with Him for eternity. But, to many Christians that means they live with one foot in the world and one foot in the church. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. We need to look different, act differently, and think differently. We need to be sober minded, not getting caught-up in worldly thoughts and actions and not getting radical or hysterical. Instead, we need to pray and read our Bibles to learn all we can so we can serve Him faithfully while there is still an opportunity to do so.

 

Application

How is your thought life? How do your actions demonstrate that you are a child of God? If you were arrested today for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? We only have one life to live for God and when it is over we will not have any more opportunities to serve Him. Will you spend eternity wishing you had lived differently, wishing you had done more for Him? Now is the time for action!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:7 – Darkness or Light?

Posted on by Will

For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night.

Truth to Learn

Unbelievers like the spiritual darkness they live in.

 

Behind the Words

The words “those who sleep” are from the verb katheudō, which we saw in yesterday’s verse. This form of the verb is a present active participle, which indicates action which is current and ongoing. Literally, we could render this as “those who are sleeping.”

“Those who get drunk” is translated from methuskō. This word is based on methē , which refers to “wine which has fermented so that it contains alcohol,” and by implication it refers to any intoxicating drink. Methuskō, therefore, refers to “drinking an alcoholic drink,” and by extension “getting intoxicated.” It is expressed here as a present passive participle, so literally it means “those who are continually getting intoxicated.”

The words “are drunk” is a different form of the root methē. It is methuō, which is a more definitive word implying not just intoxicated, but completely drunk.

 

Meaning Explained

Paul has been teaching about the rapture and the Day of the Lord (the tribulation). We learned a few verses ago that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (quietly, while the world is sleeping is spiritual darkness). We also learned earlier that the rapture will come as a noisy event, and it will occur before the Day of the Lord. He also told us that we Christians will not be surprised by the coming of the Day of the Lord because we are not in spiritual darkness. We are sons of light because we are God’s children and we have been spiritually enlightened. Paul spends several verses showing the contrast between us (children of light and of the day) and unbelievers (those who are of the night, who are in spiritual darkness).

Early in Jesus’ ministry, when he had his famous discussion with Nicodemus about being born-again, he also said this:

"He who believes in Him [the Son of God] is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." (John 3:18-21)

In today’s verse Paul says a little more about those who are in darkness. At night they sleep and at night they get drunk. They are not spiritually awake because they like the darkened spiritual state they are in. Also, unbelievers prefer darkness (both physical and spiritual) because that’s when they can practice their evil deeds, thinking they won’t be noticed. Unfortunately for them, God sees even the deeds they do in the darkness, and He will judge them for their deeds.

 

Application

Often, when people get saved their “friends” don’t want to be associated with them. It’s because a Christian is a child of light and their “friends” prefer the darkness. Let your light shine and don’t worry about what your former “friends” think and say about you!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 4:14 – Returning With Him

Posted on by Will

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.

Truth to Learn

Christians who have died will come with Jesus at the rapture.

 

Behind the Words

There are three classes of conditional clauses (if statements) contained in New Testament Greek based on their grammatical construction. The clause that begins today’s verse is a first-class conditional statement; it assumes that the “if statement” is true. Therefore, in some cases we can substitute the word “since” for “if,” and we could start this verse off with “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again  …”

“Believe” is translated from the Greek verb pisteuō, meaning “to believe in,” “to have faith in,” or “to trust in.” It is expressed as a present tense, active voice, indicative mood verb, indicating present, possibly continuous, action.

The verb “died” is from apothnēskō, which is made up of apo, meaning “from,” used as an intensifier and thnēskō, meaning “to die.” Thus, it literally means “to die off.”

“Rose again” is from the Greek verb anistēmi, composed of ana, meaning “up” and histēmi, which means “to stand.” Hence, it literally means “to stand up” or “to rise up.”

The words “will bring” are translated from the verb agō, meaning “to lead” or “to bring.” It is expressed here in the future tense, thus we translate it as “will bring.”

Koimaō is the Greek word translated “sleep.” It means “to cause to lie down to sleep.” In the New Testament it is often used in reference to the sleep of death. That is the manner in which Paul uses it here.

 

Meaning Explained

Beginning in the previous verse, Paul is teaching the Thessalonians (and us) about end-time events. This particular event is what we commonly refer to as “the rapture.” We will talk more about this word in verse seventeen. The first thing to learn from today’s verse is who is involved in this event. We are told here that it involves those who “believe that Jesus died and rose up.” In other words, this event involves born-again Christians. As we noted in Behind the Words, the word “believe” likely indicates current, continuous belief, that is, a belief that was not simply a one-time event, but something that has become an integral part of a person’s life.

One of my biggest concerns is that when the rapture takes place, many church members won’t notice, because the church will still be filled with “members.” I fear too many so-called Christians have said the “sinner’s prayer” without ever really believing to the point of a total commitment to Jesus. They may have knowledge of salvation but not truly be saved.

The other thing we learn here is that Christians who “sleep in Jesus,” those who have died physically, will return with Him. Since this event involves our Lord coming from the heavenly realms to the earth’s atmosphere (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17), those who “sleep in Jesus” will also be coming from the heavenly realms, from Paradise. In Luke 23:43 our Lord told the thief that on that very day he would be with Jesus in Paradise. From Matthew 12:40 we know that Jesus went into the “heart of the earth” when He died. But from 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 we know that Paradise is now up with the third heaven. In other words, Paradise has been moved! I think that’s what Paul is talking about in Ephesians 4:8 where he said that Jesus “led captivity captive.” In today’s verse Paul tells us that He will bring those who sleep in Jesus (who are now with Him in Paradise) will come with Him.

 

Application

The fact that you are following these daily Bible studies probably indicates that you are genuinely saved. I wonder how many people will miss the rapture because they simply see salvation as a free ticket into heaven rather than a life-changing commitment. They see Jesus simply as their Savior and not as their Lord. However, as Peter points out in 2Peter 3:18, He is both our Savior and our Lord.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:14 – Rise and Shine!

Posted on by Will

Therefore He says: "Awake, you who are sleeping, Arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you."

Truth to Learn

We need to wake up and shine the light of Christ.

 

Behind the Words

The words “He says” are from the verb legō, which we learned a couple of verses back means “to relate something verbally,” that is “to put forth in words.” It is expressed here in the third person singular, so it could be translated as “He says” (referring to God) or “it says” (referring to Scripture).

“Arise” is translated from egeirō, meaning “to awaken.” It is used in the Bible to indicate awakening from sleep or from death.

“Sleep” is from kathuedō, made up of kata, meaning “down” and heudō, meaning “to sleep.” Katheudō refers to the act of lying down asleep (also used as a metaphor for death).

The word “dead” is from nekros, which apparently is based on nekus, meaning “a corpse.” Nekros is expressed here in the plural, so it could be translated “the dead ones.”

“Shine on you” is translated from the verb epiphauskō, which is made up of epi, meaning “upon” and phauō, meaning “to shine.” Epiphauskō means “to shine on” or “to illuminate.”

 

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse seems to be a loose quotation from, or at least a reference to, Isaiah:

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For look, the darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the people; But the LORD will rise on you, And His glory will be seen on you. (Isaiah 60:1-2)

Earlier in this fifth chapter of Ephesians, Paul told us to walk in love and not to be fellow partakers with those who habitually commit unclean actions. His reasoning is that we were once darkness ourselves, but now we are children of light. He also told us that the works of darkness are unfruitful, but we are to show the fruit of our actions as goodness, righteousness, and truth. Instead of hanging around with those who commit the unfruitful works of darkness, we are to expose their deeds by allowing God’s light to shine on us, thereby shining God’s light on them. It is to this end that Paul now quotes Isaiah.

The word arise (egeirō), when used in the command form as it is here, is intended as a proclamation to arouse someone from sleep. Paul’s point is that we were once dead in our trespasses and sins, living like the rest of the world. Now, however, we are children of light, so we should wake-up to see all the evil around us and shine the light of God on those around us. He is also reminding us that the light is not our light, it is the light of God’s holiness which Christ has given us. We’ve been awakened by the light of God’s truth and mercy; now we are to allow that same light to reflect off us and shine on the spiritually dead people around us.

 

Application

When we are joined in close fellowship with children of darkness, God’s light is not shining in us. It doesn’t matter whether we are committing the same sinful acts or simply being quiet while they do them. If we are not letting the light of God’s word expose their deeds for what they really are, then we are not walking in the light. When we are not walking in His light, God says, “Wake up, and let My light shine!”

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:10 – Eternal, Living Faith

Posted on by Will

who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Truth to Learn

Faith in Jesus Christ means living with Him eternally.

Behind the Words

“Died” is from apothnēskō, which is composed of apo, meaning “from” or “away from,” used as an intensifier, and thnēskō, meaning “to die.” Literally, apothnēskō means “to die off,” but it is often used to refer to death of any kind.

The word translated “for” is huper (or hyper) meaning “over” or “above.” As used here it also means “for the sake of.”

The words “whether” and “or” are both translated from eite. It is composed of ei, meaning “if” or “whether” and te, meaning “both” or “also.” It is used in Greek to set items in contrast or opposition to one another.

Grēgoreuō is the Greek verb translated “wake.” It means “to keep wake” or “to be watchful.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating possibility or probability.

The word translated “sleep” is katheudō, meaning “to fall asleep.” It, too, is written in the subjunctive mood.

“We should live” is translated from the verb dzaō, meaning “to have life.” Like grēgoreuō and katheudō, it is expressed in the subjunctive mood.

Meaning Explained

In the previous chapter of his letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, Paul began his current teaching regarding the rapture and the Day of the Lord. As he introduced the subject of the rapture, he said:

But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

In this discourse on the rapture and the Day of the Lord, Paul has used the word “sleep” in two different ways. In teaching about the rapture, he used the term to refer to Christians who have died physically. In his teaching about the Day of the Lord, however, he used the word as a reference to those who are spiritually unaware. He contrasted those who are of the day (Christians) with those who are of the night (unbelievers). And, he warned us who are of the day to be awake (aware) and prepared for spiritual battles. In yesterday’s verse Paul reminded us that God did not place us in a situation where we will suffer His wrath (the Day of the Lord), rather in a situation to obtain salvation (raptured off the earth before the Day of the Lord). Also, in yesterday’s verse he reminded us that our salvation is through the blood of Jesus Christ.

Now, Paul says that Christ died for our sake. He didn’t die for Himself because He was without sin and was not facing the death sentence that we were facing. He died so that we could have eternal life. He died for our sake. Why did He die for us? He died for us so that we might live eternally with Him. It doesn’t matter whether we are physically alive or dead at the time of the rapture; all Christians, together, will live with him eternally. This, he tells us in the next verse, should be a comfort to all Christians.

Application

If you are a born-again Christian, you will spend eternity with Jesus Christ. If not, you will be separated from Him forever!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:7 – Darkness or Light?

Posted on by Will

For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night.

Truth to Learn

Unbelievers like the spiritual darkness they live in.

Behind the Words

The words “those who sleep” are from the verb katheudō, which we saw in yesterday’s verse. This form of the verb is a present active participle, which indicates action which is current and ongoing. Literally, we could render this as “those who are sleeping.”

“Those who get drunk” is translated from methuskō. This word is based on methē , which refers to “wine which has fermented so that it contains alcohol,” and by implication it refers to any intoxicating drink. Methuskō, therefore, refers to “drinking an alcoholic drink,” and by extension “getting intoxicated.” It is expressed here as a present passive participle, so literally it means “those who are continually being made intoxicated.”

The words “are drunk” is a different form of the root methē. It is methuō, which is a more definitive word implying not just intoxicated, but completely drunk.

Meaning Explained

Paul has been teaching about the rapture and the Day of the Lord (the tribulation). We learned a few verses ago that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (quietly, while the world is sleeping is spiritual darkness). We also learned earlier that the rapture will come as a noisy event, and it will occur before the Day of the Lord. He also told us that we Christians will not be surprised by the coming of the Day of the Lord because we are not in spiritual darkness. We are sons of light because we are God’s children and we have been spiritually enlightened. Paul spends several verses showing the contrast between us (children of light and of the day) and unbelievers (those who are of the night, who are in spiritual darkness).

Early in Jesus’ ministry, when he had his famous discussion with Nicodemus about being born-again, he also said this:

"He who believes in Him [the Son of God] is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God." (John 3:18-21)

In today’s verse Paul says a little more about those who are in darkness. At night they sleep and at night they get drunk. They are not spiritually awake because they like the darkened spiritual state they are in. Also, unbelievers prefer darkness (both physical and spiritual) because that’s when they can practice their evil deeds, thinking they won’t be noticed. Unfortunately for them, God does see even the deeds they do in the darkness, and He will judge them for their deeds.

Application

Often, when people get saved their “friends” don’t want to be associated with them. It’s because a Christian is a child of light and their “friends” prefer the darkness. Let your light shine!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Thessalonians 5:6 – No Sleep-walking!

Posted on by Will

Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.

Truth to Learn

Christians need to wake up and stop sleep-walking through life.

Behind the Words

Ara oun are the opening words of this verse in Greek. They are both inferential particles, serving to draw-out a conclusion based on the previous statement. A literal translation of these two words might be “accordingly therefore.”

The word “sleep” is translated from the Greek verb katheudō, meaning “to sleep.” It is used to express literal sleep, but it is also used metaphorically, as in this verse, to refer to those who are not aware of what’s happening around them.

“Watch” is from the Greek verb grēgoreō, which means “to watch” or “to refrain from sleep.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood, indicating something that may not be happening but that could or should be happening.

The words “be sober” are translated from nēphō. The original meaning of the word was “to not be drunk.” However, over time the meaning was broadened to mean “to be sober minded” or “to be watchful.” This verb is also in the subjunctive mood, indicating something that needs to be happening.

Meaning Explained

In the first part of this chapter we learned that the Thessalonian Christians were fully aware of the Day of the Lord, the time of judgment against those who have rejected God. They learned that it will occur at a time when the people on earth believe that they finally have peace and safety. Unfortunately for them, however, God’s judgment will come on them suddenly and there will be no way for them to escape it.

In verses four and five, Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they were aware of the coming judgment and they are not in spiritual darkness. He told them (and us) that instead of being in darkness, they (we) are filled with the light of God and we understand things that those in darkness aren’t aware of.

Accordingly, therefore, since we are not unaware of the coming judgment, we need to stay awake. We need to be aware of what’s happening, and we need to witness to those who aren’t aware. Unfortunately, today as in Paul’s time, there are a lot of Christians who are sleep-walking through life. Being a Christian gives us peace and comfort, knowing that God will take care of us and He will take us to be with Him for eternity. But, to many Christians that means they live with one foot in the world and one foot in the church. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. We need to look different, act differently, and think differently. We need to be sober minded, not getting caught-up in worldly thoughts and actions and not getting radical or hysterical. Instead, we need to pray and read our Bibles to learn all we can so we can serve Him faithfully while there is still an opportunity to do so.

Application

How is your thought life? How do your actions demonstrate that you are a child of God? If you were arrested today for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? We only have one life to live for God and when it is over we will not have any more opportunities to serve Him. Will you spend eternity wishing you had lived differently, wishing you had done more for Him? Now is the time for action!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

Ephesians 5:14 – Rise and Shine!

Posted on by Will

Therefore He says: "Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light."

Truth to Learn

We need to wake up and shine the light of Christ.

Behind the Words

The words “He says” are from the verb legō, which we learned a couple of verses back means “to relate something verbally,” that is “to put forth in words.” It is expressed here in the third person singular, so it could be translated as “He says” (referring to God) or “it says” (referring to Scripture).

“Arise” is translated from egeirō, meaning “to awaken.” It is used in the Bible to indicate awakening from sleep or from death.

“Sleep” is from kathuedō, made up of kata, meaning “down” and heudō, meaning “to sleep.” Katheudō refers to the act of lying down asleep (also used as a metaphor for death).

The word “dead” is from nekros, which apparently is based on nekus, meaning “a corpse.” Nekros is expressed here in the plural, so it could be translated “the dead ones.”

“Give you light” is translated from the verb epiphauskō, which is made up of epi, meaning “upon” and phauō, meaning “to shine.” Epiphauskō means “to shine on” or “to illuminate.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse seems to be a loose quotation from Isaiah:

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the LORD will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. (Isaiah 60:1-2)

Earlier in this fifth chapter of Ephesians, Paul told us to walk in love and not to be fellow partakers with those who habitually commit unclean actions. His reasoning is that we were once darkness ourselves, but now we are children of light. He also told us that the works of darkness are unfruitful, but we are to show the fruit of our actions as goodness, righteousness, and truth. Instead of hanging around with those who commit the unfruitful works of darkness, we are to expose their deeds by shining God’s light on them. It is to this end that Paul now quotes Isaiah.

The word arise (egeirō), when used in the command form as it is here, is intended as a proclamation to arouse someone from sleep. Paul’s point is that we were once dead in our trespasses and sins, living like the rest of the world. Now, however, we are children of light, so we should wake-up to see all the evil around us and shine the light of God on those around us. He is also reminding us that the light is not our light, it is the light of God’s holiness which Christ has given us. We’ve been awakened by the light of God’s truth and mercy; now we are to shine that same light on the spiritually dead people around us.

Application

When we are joined in close fellowship with children of darkness, God’s light is not shining in us. It doesn’t matter whether we are committing the same sinful acts or simply being quiet while they do them. If we are not letting the light of God’s word expose their deeds for what they really are, then we are not walking in the light. When we are not walking in His light, God says, “Wake up, and let My light shine!”

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

Romans 13:11 – Wake Up!

Posted on by Will

Romans 13:11 – Wake Up!

And 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.

Truth to Learn

It’s time for all Christians to wake up and get busy for God.

Behind the Words

The word “knowing” is from the Greek word eidō, which refers to perception and is translated as either “to know” or “to see (to understand a truth).”

“Time” appears twice in this verse, but from two different Greek words. The first occurrence of “time” is from kairos. There really is no English equivalent to this word which refers to “a period of opportunity” or “a season.” The second occurrence of “time” is from the Greek word hōra, which refers to “an hour” as a specific period or point in time.

The word “awake” is from egeirō, meaning “to rise up from sleep.” And the word translated “sleep” is a form of hupnos or hypnos, which literally refers to “sleep” but is used here figuratively referring to “spiritual stupor or dullness.”

“Nearer” is from the Greek word enguteron, which is the comparative of engus, meaning “near in position or time.”

Meaning Explained

Paul started off this chapter talking about the necessity of our submission to those who are in authority over us. This, he says, includes the payment of taxes to the taxing authorities and giving honor, paying the proper respect, to all authorities. He then segued into his next point of paying the debt of love to our fellow humans. One of the reasons for us loving our neighbors is the fact that it is what the second table of the Law is all about. It is how God expects us to behave toward others.

Another reason for us to treat those in authority over us with respect and for us to show true love to those around us is the fact that it is high time for us to be doing these things. As a Christian we have the obligation to be a witness to the unsaved by being Christ-like. We need to show forth the qualities that make us different from the rest of the world. When we were unsaved, we were walking around in the same hypnotized stupor as the rest of the world. Now that we have been illuminated by the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, it is time for us to wake up from this sleepiness.

We have the Holy Spirit living in us, who will teach us all things with a spiritual discernment that the unsaved are incapable of. It’s as if we have been injected with a powerful form is spiritual caffeine, and it is now time for us to wake-up and get to work out of gratitude for what He has done.

At the end of this verse Paul refers to our salvation being nearer than when we first believed. Most Christians think of salvation as occurring at the point in time when we first believed God’s message and accepted the blood of Christ as payment for our sins. In God’s record book we are already saved, but the consummation of that salvation will not occur until the return of Christ, when he raptures His church.

Application

The return of Christ could literally be any day now. Time is running out and we need to be busy for Him who bought us. In other words, what Paul is saying is:

Wake up, Christian!

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2011 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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