“Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober“
and be sober
Spiritual apathy to God’s program for the future will bring spiritual instability. The idea of “sober” is to be free from excess and imprudence. This well-balanced and self-controlled person is circumspect about God’s viewpoint on life. A sober person refrains from carnality. When it comes to spiritual things, a believer must be in control of his thought processes and freedom from irrational thinking. Self-control is at the core of spiritual strength. Christians need to know how to restrain and moderate themselves.
“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5 ).
Christians should never lose sight of God’s prophetic program but should live in light of the reality of what God is doing in the world. Satanic movements and influences do not seduce a sober-oriented believer.
Spiritual poise refuses to be rattled by an unsteady age fast getting out of control. This is the sane perspective of those not clouded by scholarly rationalism, theological compromise, or worldly orthodoxy. Many Christians today buy into the world system. They believe they can fulfill themselves by self-indulgence.
Principle:
Spiritual-minded believers maintain a sane viewpoint on life.
Application:
Pseudo security of spiritual sloth will put us in danger. Be on guard against spiritual indifference. A believer who has the viewpoint of God on prophecy has a sane outlook on the future. He knows that God has a plan. He knows everything is in control.
God expects believers to behave in keeping with their prerogatives and status as Christians. God gives us special revelation about the Rapture and the Day of the Lord in the Bible. Prophecy is not for the carnal or curious. All prophecy has a practical, spiritual lesson to teach.
