Romans 13:11-14 "The Challenge of Any Day"
“If you could live in some time in history other than today, when would that be and why?”
We live in an age that not only disregards, but also ridicules, those who would follow Christ and believe the Bible.
Get Your Eyes Open! (11)
The first challenge for our times: Wake up!
What time is it? It is time for Christ to return.
We can’t know the exact hour, but we can read the signs of the times and not be taken by surprise. 1 Thes. 5:4
Salvation (11) – the fullness or completion of our salvation is nearer.
Salvation is a process that begins when a person is born-again.
- There is a Past to our Salvation – Justification – we received deliverance from the penalty of sin.
- There is a Present to our Salvation – Sanctification – We receive deliverance from the power of sin.
- There is a Future to our Salvation – Glorification – We receive deliverance from the very presence of sin.
The message is clear: the hour is late; Christ may come at any time.
Get Your Clothes On! (12)
“the night is far spent” – the night of Christ’s absence.
Lay aside your nightclothes (the deeds of darkness) – put on your day clothes (the armor of light).
Get Your Act Together! (13-14)
Christian behavior is to be consistent with God’s value system.
Negative and Positive
Negative:
- Our behavior before the world.
Don’t live for pleasure. - Our life in private.
Don’t live for sex. - Our life in relationships to others.
Don’t live for selfish ambition.
Positive:
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. (14)
Not only avoid certain behavior, but also avoid situations and circumstances which entice us to sin.
Get out of that sinful situation!
Get away from that sinful circumstance!
Avoid those people who entice you to sin!
Stand for righteousness!
Stand for Jesus Christ!
Stand clothed in His presence, empowered by His Spirit!
The question, which the challenge of our times issues is:
“Are you following Jesus?
