Romans 13:11
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Romans 13:11
Paul pivots to urgency: knowing the time, it is high time to wake from sleep, because salvation is nearer now than when we believed. The “time” here is eschatological—the expectation of Christ’s return and the consummation of God’s redemptive plan. The day’s nearness pushes believers to live with earnest seriousness, not complacency. In the first-century church, this would have meant readiness for persecution, mission-minded faith, and personal holiness.
The verse emphasizes the already-not-yet tension of Christian ethics: we live in light of future hope, which shapes present choices. It anchors the practice of faith in anticipation of God’s full reign, inviting perseverance, holiness, and mission.
Today, this looks like prioritizing spiritual disciplines, charity, and Gospel-centered living. Practical steps: regular prayer, Scripture engagement, generosity, mission-minded service, and guarding against spiritual dullness. For example, someone might re-evaluate their priorities, choosing to invest time in mentoring a younger believer or supporting a church outreach rather than endless entertainment.
Cross-References: Romans 8:24-25; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6; Colossians 4:5; Matthew 24:42-44; Titus 2:11-13