Awake! Awake

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1 Thessalonians 5:6

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

I. AN EVIL TO BE AVOIDED. "Others" may be translated "refuse," the common herd who have no mind above earth. The refuse of mankind are in a state of —

1. Deplorable ignorance. The sleeper knows nothing. So, talk to the sinner of Divine doctrines and they are a riddle; of sublime experiences, and they seem to be enthusiastic fancies. They know nothing of joys and are oblivious of evils to come.

2. Insensibility. Rob or destroy his property, and yet he sleeps as though guarded by the angel of the Lord. How few there are that feel spiritually; although they feel acutely any injury to their person or estate.

3. Defencelessness. How helpless was sleeping Sisera. So the refuse of mankind have no power to resist temptation.

4. Inactivity. The sleeping farmer cannot plough, the sailor direct his ship, the tradesman attend to his shop. And how many there are who rise up early to toil for themselves do nothing for the glory of God or the good of men. Some say they have no time, others frankly that they have no will.

5. Unwatchfulness.

II. REASONS FOR AVOIDING THIS SLEEP.

1. We are the children of the light and of the day, therefore let us not sleep. It is no marvel that men sleep at night; but were a whole city to be wrapped in slumber at noon-day, what room there would be for astonishment or alarm. Sleep in the daytime is incongruous. So, for a Christian to slumber in ease now that the Sun of Righteousness has arisen is untimely and unseemly.

2. It is war time (ver. 8). What have warriors to do with sleep when the citadel is attacked or when the foe is in the field? So spiritual sleep is madness.

3. It is service time. Shall men sleep at the plough, and God's servant sleep over his work.

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