Romans 13:11

¹¹ 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. 

Introduction

Paul writes this to the believers in Rome—people already saved, but who had grown spiritually sleepy.
Like a person who oversleeps and misses important moments, the church was in danger of missing God’s call to live faithfully in light of Christ’s soon return.

Today, many Christians are in the same state—comfortable, distracted, and unaware of how near eternity is.
Paul’s words are a wake-up call to all of us: “It’s time to awake out of sleep!”

Point 1: Recognize the Time (Romans 13:11a) — “Knowing the time”

1.1 We live in urgent times

• The “time” Paul speaks of isn’t about the clock but the season — the moment in God’s redemptive plan.
• The world is dark, but God’s light is still shining.
• Matthew 24:44 — “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

1.2 The time of opportunity

• Each day is a chance to live for God’s glory.
• Ephesians 5:16 — “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
• Time lost can’t be regained. It’s time to prioritize spiritual things over temporary pleasures.

Illustration:

Imagine a student who sleeps through their final exam. They wake up too late, realizing they missed their chance. That’s how many will feel when Christ returns and they realize they’ve wasted their time.

Point 2: Awake from Spiritual Sleep (Romans 13:11b) — “It is high time to awake out of sleep”

2.1 What is spiritual sleep?

• A state of apathy, comfort, or distraction where we are not alert to God’s presence or purpose.
• Symptoms:
  • Losing hunger for God’s Word.
  • Neglecting prayer.
  • Living like the world.

2.2 The call to awaken

• God is calling His people to revival, not just religion.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:6 — “Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”
• Wake up to your spiritual condition. Wake up to your mission. Wake up to holiness.

Illustration:

When the prodigal son “came to himself,” he woke up from his spiritual sleep (Luke 15:17). His eyes opened, and he turned back to the Father. That’s what God wants for us — to awaken and return wholeheartedly to Him.

Point 3: Remember Our Salvation Is Near (Romans 13:11c) — “Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed”

3.1 The nearness of Christ’s return

• Salvation here refers to the final stage — when Jesus returns and we are fully delivered from sin and death.
• Philippians 3:20 — “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior.”
• Every day brings us closer to eternity — closer to seeing Jesus face to face.

3.2 Live with eternal focus

• Don’t live like this world is permanent.
• 2 Peter 3:11 — “Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?”
• If we truly believe the end is near, it will change how we live, love, and serve.

Conclusion

Paul’s message is simple yet urgent:

• Recognize the time — be spiritually aware.
• Awake from sleep — shake off apathy and sin.
• Remember salvation is near — live in readiness for Christ’s return.

The hour is late. The trumpet could sound at any moment.
Let us not be found sleeping, but serving.
Let us not be distracted, but devoted.
Let us live each day ready to meet our Lord.

Closing Prayer

“Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your Word that awakens our hearts. Forgive us for the times we have fallen asleep spiritually. Stir our souls, Lord, and give us a fresh fire to serve You faithfully. Help us to live each day with the awareness that our salvation is near, and Jesus could return at any moment. May we be found ready, walking in holiness and shining Your light to the world.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus!