THE WIDE-AWAKE CHRISTIAN

Men sleep during the night or, at least, in darkness. When the light is turned on they are to wake up and be about their business. Paul calls on us to be "wide-awake" Christians, since the spiritual light has turned on in Jesus Christ and the gospel.

Body

I. NOT TO BE OF THE DARKNESS (5:8).

II. TO BE OF THE LIGHT AND WALK AS IN THE LIGHT (5:8).

III. SCRIPTURE CALLS US TO WAKE UP SPIRITUALLY. THE WIDE-AWAKE CHRISTIAN (5:14-21) IS:

   A. A careful-living Christian (5:15).

   B. An opportunity-minded Christian (5:16).

   C. A studying Christian (5:17).

   D. A meditating Christian (5:18).

   E. A singing Christian (5:19).

        1. Contrast (5:18, 19).

            a. Not drunk with wine and rowdy.

            b. Filled with the Spirit and singing.

        2. Classification of songs.

            a. Psalms, Old Testament psalms or original psalms.

            b. Hymns, songs of praise to Christ and God.

            c. Spiritual songs, songs of a spiritual tone and kind; possibly have Spirit-inspired songs (see 1 Cor. 14:15, 26).

   F. A thankful Christian (5:20).

        1. To God the Father.

        2. Through Jesus Christ.

        3. All the time.

        4. For everything.

   G. A humble Christian (5:21), willing to take one's place in the divine order of things.

        1. Wives submit to husbands (5:22).

        2. Children submit to parents (6:1, 2).

        3. Servants submit to masters (6:5).

        4. All Christians submit to each other's desires and wishes and interests, in the fear of God (5:21).

Conclusion

The light has come. We are called on to wake up and live as wide-awake Christians. It is time for action.

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