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

but let us watch

Paul sets “watch” in contrast to “sleep.” “Watch” signifies not simply the absence of spiritual sleep but a determination to keep awake spiritually. Instead of indifference to spiritual things, the believer should vigilantly stay alert to God’s plan. Those who fail to watch will suffer loss (1 Corinthians 3:15; 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10). Like a sentinel, Christians are to be on alert. Determined wakefulness alerts us to the dangers and urgency of God’s plan.

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving…” (Colossians 4:2).

Principle:

Determination to stay on top of prophecy will impact our spiritual lives.

Application:

The antithesis to spiritual stupor is a spiritual determination to stay in tune with God’s plan for the future. Christians should be fully awake to the dulling effects of immorality, indulgence, carnality, corruption, and covetousness of a dying, God-defying age. They refuse to succumb to the opiate of materialism.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8).