If I Should Wake Before I Die

Transcription

1 Subj: Date: No Subject Wednesday, October 25, :44:12 PM If I Should Wake Before I Die 1. As a child, my mother always said a prayer with me at bedtime. One of my favorite prayers, which I have never forgotten, that I said every night before bed. It said, And now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, but if I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. This has been a prayer, which has remained in my mind, since childhood; thanks to my blessed, loving mother. 2. In the society which we live in, there are people of all kinds. Some are very conscious, to the changes going on in our world today. Yet there are some people walking around, without a care in the world; very unaware of any thing important; as though life is just a joy ride; unconcerned about anything, just as though they are asleep. If there would be but one matter, which thesep eople ought to take into consideration, I believe it ought to be the matter of, If I should wake, before I die. If these people would only wake up (mentally or spiritually), what would they really find? Would they be able to face the real circumstances of life? How about what is really important in life? So many people come to the point of facing death, and have been asleep most of their lifetime. Their eyes have been completely blind, to all the things which really make life worthwhile. It is as though they have been living in a fairytale; and now they have waken from a dream; having to face the real consequences of life. 3. God s word gives a stern warning, for those who are asleep. We read in Romans 13:11-14: 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. Th e night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. A. Now it is high time. Greek-hupselos (hoop-say-los): lofty; or a highly recognized, vitally important matter. Figuratively speaking of a time which has come, which is most important; a time for action to be taken, which is 10/25/06 America Online : Tracts1 Page 1

2 most crucial (awaking). B. To awake out of sleep. Figuratively speaking of a mental or spiritual awaking; to the consequences of sin; to the realization of the need for salvation; to the realization of the closeness of the time, for the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. C. Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. Greek-eggus (enggoos): closer, nigh, ready, or at hand. This line is speaking of the manifestation, of the results of the salvation; which is available to every one through Jesus Christ; the Son of God. It is telling us that it is time to wake up; for Jesus is coming soon. D. The night is far spent. Greek-prokopto (prok-op-to): to be driven forward, or to be past; to be almost over, or ended. Figuratively speaking of the time proceeding Christ s return. E. The day is at hand. Figuratively speaking once again, of the return of the Lord Jesus Christ; telling us that the time for it, is almost here. Therefore, it is time for those who are walking around in mental sleep, to awake. F. Let us cast off. Greek-aposunagogos (ap-os-oon-ag-o-gos): to separate from, or discontinue acquaintance, or practice with; speaking of a reversal (in one s actions). G. The works of darkness. This is speaking of sin; in any form or fashion; the works of unrighteousness. Eph. 5:9-11 tells us: For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Greek-elegcho (el-eng-kho): convict, rebuke, or to bring to a place of repentance; to cause one to realize the need to turn from the sinful lifestyle; to help them to see the light. We also read in Col. 3:8-11: But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. H. Let us put on the armor of light. This line is speaking of the suit of Spiritual armor, which God has provided for his children; to wear while in this spiritual battle on the earth. Eph 6:10-18 tells us: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against 10/25/06 America Online : Tracts1 Page 2

3 powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. We also read in 1 Thes. 5:8: But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. I. Let us walk honestly. Greek-euschemonos (yoo-skhay-mon-oce): decently, in a noble manner, well-formed, or well-behaved. 1 Thes. 4:12 tells us: That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. We also read in 1 Peter 2:12: Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. This is speaking of the day, when we shall be overlooked by the Spirit of God; or the day, when Jesus Christ shall return to the earth; when we are suddenly visited by Him. J. As in the day. This is referring once again, to the day, or the time, when the Lord Jesus Christ shall return to the earth for the church. K. Not in rioting. Greek-komos (ko-mos): loosely fashioned; as an unmanaged form, or organization. L. And drunkenness. Greek-methe (meth-ay): to be intoxicated, as with alcoholic beverages. Luke 21:34 tells us: And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. We also read in 1 Thes. 5:1-8: But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us who are of the day, be 10/25/06 America Online : Tracts1 Page 3

4 sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. M. Not in chambering. Greek-koite (koy-tay): as on a couch; as to be hiding or residing in a private chamber. This is figuratively speaking of just taking life for granted; lying around with no thought or concern as far as the return of the Lord is concerned; as so many people are doing; just as people who need to wake up. N. And wantonness. Greek-aselgeia (as-elg-i-a): lustful, malicious, unrestrained to a controlled or managed lifestyle; as to live in a wasteful, or unorganized manner. 1 Cor. 6:9-10 tells us: Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. We also read in Eph. 5:5: For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. O. Not in strife. Greek-eris (er-is): a quarreling lifestyle; living in a fashion which is full of envy, or constant bitterness. P. And envying. Greek-zelos (dzay-los): jealousy, malice, indignation, or resentment. Q. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ. We read in Gal. 3:26-27: For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. This is not referring to water baptism, but the baptism in the Holy Spirit. This brings believers into a living unity with Christ Jesus; as to live a lifestyle which clearly presents Christ unto the world; allowing Him to be clearly seen in oneself. R. Make not provision. Greek-pronoia (pron-oy-ah): provident supply or care; to the forethought (as to what is or will be needed). S. For the flesh. Greek-sarx (sarx): speaking of the body; the human being, with it s natural, physical body, and the natural mind. T. To fulfill the lusts thereof. Greek-epithumia (ep-ee-thoo-mee-ah): a longing or great desire; to covet, or to set one s heart upon. Gal. 5:16 tells us: This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. This is telling us, to take each step of the Christian life in dependence on the Holy Spirit; in order to have victory over the flesh and it s works. For the sinful nature is received by every one at birth; and is never eradicated in this life. However, it can be controlled by the Spirit Cor. 15:34 tells us: Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some 10/25/06 America Online : Tracts1 Page 4

5 have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. We can tell from this scripture, that it is not only lost people, who are walking around asleep; but there are also many Christian people, who are found in this condition; and this is truly a shame; for the Christians are supposed to be leaders to those who are lost; to lead them from the darkness to the marvelous light; Jesus Christ. Conclusion: So many people are existing, yet never acknowledging the presence of almighty God; Jehovah. It is as though they are in a non-ending sleep. What a difference they could make, if they would only awaken. What does it actually mean to awaken? The dictionary tells us that it means to awaken from sleep; to stir up or to excite; to become alert or aroused; to be revived. There are s o many people who need to be revived! They are as dead men! Not a thing being accomplished or made of their lives! They are of no benefit to themselves, or to no one else! They need to wake up, before they die. If they would only awaken, and recognize the holy presence of the Holy Spirit, what a change He could make in every one of their lives. So many people have been washed in the blood of Jesus, but then they never go any further with Him. This is only the beginning. So many have allowed Jesus to be their Savior, but never allowed Him to be Lord of their life. They allow Satan and his evil forces, to put them into a continual sleep; living just as though they are never aware, of anything that is going on around them; never realizing that we are living in the last days, just prior to Jesus return to the earth. If Jesus were to return today, would you be prepared to meet Him, or would you be found asleep? Luke 12:37-40 tells us: Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that He shall gird Himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if He shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. None of us know for sure, the hour or the minute, or the day, when the Lord Jesus shall return. How many people would be so surprised, if they would only wake up to reality. If He were to return at this hour, would He find you asleep? Would you be prepared for his coming? IF not, call upon the Lord Jesus today. Roman 10:13 also tells us: For whosoever shall call upon the name of the 10/25/06 America Online : Tracts1 Page 5

6 Lord shall be saved. Don t take any chances! It is time to wake up! Don t be caught dead, before you are awakened! Call upon the Lord Jesus Christ this moment! And then, if you should die, before you awake to your next morning on the earth, your awakening can be in a new, glorious place; Heaven. Don t let your awakening have to be amist a hot, pillar of fire; where the flames are never quenched. Calvin Smith 10/25/06 America Online : Tracts1 Page 6