1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. I. SLEEP IS A TIME WHEN THE REASON HAS NO CONTROL OVER A MAN. This is the state of the sinner. Boast as he may, his reason cannot exercise its full powers till God gives light to the understanding. How manifest it is that men are in a state in which they are not acting with a proper view to their well-being. Though hastening to eternity, they are making no provision for it. II. SLEEP IS THE TIME WHEN THE POWERS OF BODY AND MIND ARE WITHDRAWN FROM ACTIVE AND USEFUL LABOUR. True a sinner's mind is active, but not about the chief good, the glory and honour of God. The body is active, but what are its powers wasted upon? Are they not frequently "instruments of righteousness unto sin." And though men may not have sunk into licentiousness, yet, unless consecrated to God, their highest powers are thrown away. III. SLEEP IS A TIME WHEN DANGER MAY BE VERY NEAR WITHOUT BEING PERCEIVED. The sinner is like a man whose house is in flames, or into which robbers have gained entrance. He may have upbraidings of conscience, and make resolutions, and see that a course of sin is a course of misery. But all pass away unless there be the quickening power of heaven upon them. Take heed then, sinner, and awake. (J. Morison, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.WEB: so then let's not sleep, as the rest do, but let's watch and be sober. |
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