SO THEN LET US NOT SLEEP AS OTHERS DO: ara oun me katheudomen (1PPAS) os oi loipoi: (Proverbs 19:15; Isaiah 56:10; Jonah 1:6; Matthew 13:25; 25:5; Mark 14:37; Luke 22:46; Romans 13:11, 12, 13, 14; 1Corinthians 15:34; Ephesians 5:14)

Let us - Paul associated himself with his readers in this exhortatory section (cp , Ro 13:12, 13; Gal 5:25, 26)

Paul gave a similar admonitory charge to the saints in Rome to not fall asleep spiritually declaring...

And this do (love your neighbor), knowing the time, that it is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. 12 The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand (cp Ep 5:16-note; Col 4:5-note). Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. (Ro 13:11-note, Ro 13:12-note, Ro 13:13, 14-note)

So then - That is, because of the marked difference in the basic nature of "day people" (believers) and "night people" (unbelievers), Paul presents a description of the conduct expected from a child of the light (Col 1:13-note, Acts 26:18). One's true nature is inseparable from one's conduct (2Cor 13:5). Conduct (cp "fruit") always reflects and reveals one's true nature (cp Mt 7:17, 18-note [in context of false prophets]; Mt 3:8, Lk 3:8, 8:14, 15, Ac 26:20, 2Pe 1:10-note), either a child of God (Jn 1:12, 13, Ro 8:16, 17-note, Ep 5:1-note, Php 2:15-note, 1Jn 3:1, 2) or a child of the Devil (1Jn 3:7, 8, 9, 10). McNeile wrote that "The fruit is not the change of heart, but the acts which result from it".

Sleep (2518) (katheudo from katá = an intensifies meaning + heúdo = to sleep) is used literally meaning to sleep, to fall asleep or to be fast asleep. Metaphorically katheudo can mean to sleep the sleep of death. Metaphorically it can also mean (as used here) to be spiritually asleep with the result that one becomes secure and unconcerned in sin as well as indolent and careless in the performance of the call on their life and the work God has prepared for them to accomplish (cp Ep 2:10-note)

Katheudo - 22x in 20v in the NAS - Matt. 8:24; 9:24; 13:25; 25:5; 26:40, 43, 45; Mk. 4:27, 38; 5:39; 13:36; 14:37, 40, 41; Lk. 8:52; 22:46; Ep 5:14; 1Th 5:6, 7, 10 and is rendered in the NAS as asleep(8), do sleeping(1), goes to bed(1), sleep(3), sleeper(1), sleeping(8).

Others (loipoy) the rest, in context referring to those in Adam (1Co 15:22) whose only option is spiritual somnolence because they are spiritually dead in their trespasses and sins (Ep 2:1-note). Paul makes a sharp distinction between believers and believers. And he does so to motivate believers to not become complacent, lured and lulled by the subtle snares of this passing world and its lusts (1Jn 2:17).

BUT LET US BE ALERT AND SOBER: alla gregoromen (1PPAS) kai nephomen. (3PPAI): (Matthew 24:42; 25:13; 26:38,40,41; Mark 13:34,35,37; 14:38; Luke 12:37,39; Luke 21:36; 22:46; Acts 20:31; 1Corinthians 16:13; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2; 2Timothy 4:5; 1Peter 4:7; Revelation 3:2; 16:15) (1Th 5:8; Philippians 4:5; 1Timothy 2:9,15; 3:2,11; Titus 2:6,12; 1Peter 1:13; 5:8)

But - This contrast word marks a change in direction (or at least the readers are exhorted to change directions). Too many saints live like they are "earth bound" rather than bound for heaven (Php 3:20, 21-note, Col 3:1-note, Col 3:2-note). Beloved, these things ought not to be so. Let us pay careful attention to Paul's words addressed to those who live in the last days (cp 2Ti 3:1-note, He 1:2-note, Ac 2:17 -- in effect, all of us reading Paul's letter).

Let us be alert (1127) (gregoreuo [word study] from egeiro = to arise, arouse, rouse from sleep, waken) means to be watchful or to refrain from physical sleep. Later gregoreuo came to used in the moral and religious sphere and in this context was used to call for one to be on the alert (quick to perceive and act) in a constant state of readiness (being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity) and vigilant (alertly watchful especially to avoid danger this word suggesting intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness; keenly alert to or heedful of trouble or danger as others are sleeping or unsuspicious).

Gregoreuo conveys the idea of a sleeping man rousing himself, so that he is mentally alert and in a state of mind opposite to that which characterizes one's mind while in sleep.

The present tense calls for saints to be in a continual state of alertness in light of the imminent return of our Lord (See Table comparing Rapture vs Second Coming).  They are to continually take heed lest through remissness and indolence destructive calamity should suddenly overtake them. Don't misunderstand. Paul states that they are not destined for wrath which would include the Day of the Lord, but his point is that they should now live like that.

Gregoreuo - 22x in 22v in the NAS - Matt. 24:42, 43; 25:13; 26:38, 40, 41; Mk. 13:34, 35, 37; 14:34, 37, 38; Lk. 12:37; Acts 20:31; 1Co. 16:13; Col 4:2; 1Th 5:6, 10; 1Pe 5:8; Re 3:2, 3; 16:15

The NAS renders gregoreuo as alert(10), awake(1), keep watch(4), keep watching(2), keeping alert(1), stay on the alert(1), stays awake(1), wake up(2).

Secular Greek used gregoreuo  to describe people carefully crossing a river while stepping on slippery stones. If they did not pay strict attention to their steps, they would end up in the water. So the idea of vigilance is to stay alert and cautious.

Most of the NT uses are in reference to the Christians’ being spiritually awake and alert, as opposed to being spiritually indifferent and listless or asleep.

Most of the NT uses of gregoreuo are in the latter part of Gospels in the context of Jesus' imminent crucifixion and departure and the exhortation to His disciples to be on the alert for His imminent future return.

Thus our Lord declared...

Therefore be on the alert (gregoreuo - present imperative), for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. 43 But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert (gregoreuo) and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. (Mt 24:42,43)

Jesus concluded the parable of the 10 virgins with the warning

Be on the alert (gregoreuo - present imperative) then, for you do not know the day nor the hour. (Mt 25:13)

Jesus used gregoreuo in His exhortation to the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane in His hour of greatest attack by the Devil gives good advice for saints of all ages...

My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch (gregoreuo) with Me." (Mt 26:38)...And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "So, you men could not keep watch (gregoreuo) with Me for one hour?" (Mt 26:40) and finally warning them to

Keep watching (gregoreuo - present imperative = continuously = make this your lifestyle) and praying (present imperative), that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. (Mt 26:41)

Gregoreuo is used three times in Mark 13 (this should get our attention!) which closes with an exhortation to watchfulness and prayer in view of the Lord’s Return. Jesus' addressing His disciples, Peter and James and John and Andrew, on the Mount of Olives tells them a parable of the doorkeeper, declaring that

It is like a man, away on a journey, who upon leaving his house and putting his slaves in charge, assigning to each one his task, also commanded the doorkeeper to stay on the alert (gregoreuo). Therefore, be on the alert (gregoreuo - present imperative)-- for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, at midnight, at cockcrowing, or in the morning-- lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all, 'Be on the alert (gregoreuo - present imperative)!' (Mk 13:34, 35, 36, 37) 

Comment: Marvin Vincent comments on the significance of Jesus' using the illustration of an awake, alert doorkeeper in this parable writing that

In the temple, during the night, the captain of the temple made his rounds, and the guards had to rise at his approach and salute him in a particular manner. Any guard (doorkeeper) found asleep on duty was beaten, or his garments were set on fire. Compare Revelation 16:15: "Blessed is he that watched and keepeth his garments." The preparations for the morning service required all to be early astir. The superintending priest might knock at the door at any moment. The Rabbis use almost the very words in which Scripture describes the unexpected coming of the Master. "Sometimes he came at the cockcrowing, sometimes a little earlier, sometimes a little later. He came and knocked and they opened to him" -- Edersheim, The Temple.

Luke records a similar admonition from Jesus Who declared...

Blessed are those slaves whom the master shall find on the alert (gregoreuo - present tense) when he comes; truly I say to you, that he will gird himself to serve, and have them recline at the table, and will come up and wait on them. 38 Whether he comes in the second watch, or even in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. And be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 40 "You too, be (present imperative) ready (prepared); for the Son of Man is coming at an hour that you do not expect."  (Luke 12:37, 38, 39, 40)

In Paul's last meeting with the Ephesian elders he warned them of the inherent and certain dangers...

Therefore be on the alert (gregoreuo - present imperative), remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. (Acts 20:31)

In his final exhortation in the first letter to the Corinthians Paul commanded them to...

Be on the alert (gregoreuo), stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. (1Corinthians 16:13) (Note: all 4 verbs call for a continual action on the believer's part - present imperative)

In the final NT use of gregoreuo Jesus gives one final encouraging admonition declaring...

Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake (gregoreuo) and keeps his garments, lest he walk about naked and men see his shame. (Re 16:15-note)

Comment: Stay alert beloved so that you might not be ashamed when He comes.

Do most saints really believe what Jesus so clearly declared, not just while on earth but after His resurrection? Saints are not to be looking for the Day of the Lord (for the Antichrist) but for the Lord of the Day (for Christ), and His sudden swooping down to sweep us (as His Bride) off of our feet, literally and figuratively, taking us home to enjoy the Marriage Supper of the Lamb! Hallelujah! Oh, beloved, in light of such a blessed, sure, glorious hope, should we not all live as if every day were our last!

As Augustine wisely stated

The last day is a secret, that every day may be watched (Comment: That we may be looking for Him every day and live accordingly).

Wiersbe writes that believers are to...

Live expectantly. This does not mean putting on a white sheet and sitting atop a mountain. That is the very attitude God condemned (Acts 1:10,11). But it does mean living in the light of His return, realizing that our works will be judged and that our opportunities for service on earth will end. It means to live “with eternity’s values in view.” Believers who live in the expectation of the Lord’s return will certainly enjoy a better life than Christians who compromise with the world. At the end of each chapter in this letter, Paul pointed out the practical results of living expectantly. Take time now to review those verses and to examine your heart. (Wiersbe, W: Bible Exposition Commentary. 1989. Victor or Logos)

Thus believers are to be like soldiers "in active service" (2Ti 2;4-note), like shepherds watching over their "spiritual" flock (Acts 20:28, 31) constantly vigilant and watchful (Mt 24:42). How does one stay "watchful"? (Col 4:2-note). Why do we need to "keep awake"? (1Pe 5:8-note; Acts 20:31 [see Acts 20:30], Mt 25:13 26:41) What's the "reward" for maintaining vigilance until He returns? (Lk 12:37,39)

Staying alert involves the duty of vigilance catalyzed by frequent fellowship and communion (abiding) with the Father in His Word, being taught of His Spirit Who even stimulates us to prayer, as we all the while are mindful of the day or hour when the Son of man shall arrive.

Sober (3525)(nepho cp nephaleos = "wineless," "unmixed with wine") in the literal or physical sense was used to refer to either complete abstinence or in a relative sense to refer to temperance (drinking but not to the point of intoxication). The idea is  freedom from the influence of intoxicants.

In the NT nepho is used only figuratively meaning to be free from every form of mental and spiritual "intoxication" or as Vine says "freedom from credulity, and from excitability" The idea is to be calm and collected in spirit, circumspect, self-controlled (as part of the fruit of walking in the Spirit - Ga 5:16-note, Ga 5:23- note), well-balanced, clear headed. Be selflessly self-possessed (perhaps a more accurate description would be "Spirit" possessed, Ep 5:18-note) under all circumstances. It speaks of exercising self-restraint (again enabled by the Spirit) and being free from excess, from evil passion, from rashness, etc.

Vine comments that...

As “watch” denotes alertness, so “sober” denotes stability; as the former is in contrast to the lethargy of sleep, so the latter is in contrast to the excitement of drunkenness, cp. Ephesians 5:18... The corresponding adjective, nephalios, is used to describe one of the qualities that should mark bishops (“bishop” is derived from the Greek word episkopos, lit., “overseer”), 1Ti 3:2, and the wives of such as take the lead among the saints, 1Ti 3:11; they are to be neither credulous nor excitable. Aged men are exhorted in a similar sense, Titus 2:2; it is to be observed that the Christian sobriety of mature years is the result of self-control and the study of the Scriptures in youth. (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson or Logos)

The present tense calls for this to be the saint's continual mindset. See A W Pink's discussion below on "Sleepy Saints!"!

Nepho is the antithesis of mental "fuzziness". The Greek culture highly valued sober judgment in both individual and public life.

Our English counterpart is to be levelheaded, well-balanced, and in control of one’s faculties. By extension it includes the ideas of being stable, unwavering, steadfast.

To be sober-minded means to live with your eyes open and with a calm, steady state of mind that evaluates things correctly, so that it is not thrown off  balance.

Soberness is an attitude of self-discipline that avoids the extremes of the 'reckless irresponsibility of self indulgence on the one hand, and of religious ecstasy on the other.'

Nepho conveys the idea of freedom from excitability (a contrast to the excitement of drunkenness) and thus means to be calm and collected in spirit, temperate (marked by moderation, keeping within limits, not extreme or excessive), not given to excessive indulgence in drink or any other activity, dispassionate (not influenced by strong feeling; especially not affected by personal or emotional involvement), circumspect (careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences,  prudently watchful and discreet in the face of danger or risk), with equanimity (evenness of mind especially under stress and suggests a habit of mind that is only rarely disturbed under great strain), cool (marked by steady dispassionate calmness and self-control) and unimpassioned.

Stay sober even in regard to "Christian things" for it is easy to be carried away and become intoxicated by the newest craze or technique, whether it's casting out demons, preaching pop psychology with a token sprinkling of the Name "Jesus" and/or Scripture (often taken out of context which leaves the Scripture dangerously wide open to misinterpretation and the even more tragic result of misapplication!), subtly drifting toward non-Biblical practices of "new age like" mysticism in prayer (such as visualizing Jesus coming to you, etc), removing the Cross from behind the stage (which often no longer has a pulpit for preaching the Gospel), no longer preaching a Gospel that calls sinners to repent and believe and confess (just close your eyes and hold up your hands and no one will see if you "confess" Christ as Lord and Savior!), no longer encouraging the saints to bring their "big, heavy" Bibles to worship service, removing the hymns (especially those that mention the "blood", the precious blood as of a lamb, the foundational new covenant in His blood!) from the worship service (or singing a token hymn to keep the old folks happy) or singing secular songs in an attempt to "make the Gospel" modern and relevant to the world. Remember  that the Church of Jesus Christ is called to be purifying her garments, coming out from the world, not becoming like the world (Re 19:7, 8-see notes Re 19:7; 8). And when she does seek to be conformed to the image of her Bridegroom (Whom the world hated and still hates) she will be less like the world, and paradoxically will have the most impact on the world! In many modern churches I fear there is a drift toward the world and not toward heaven. Let us be sober. Not judgmental. Not legalistic. But Biblically sound and sober doing all things for the glory of God our Father.

John MacArthur has an interesting comment observing that..

Night people can only be night people. They are not human chameleons who can suddenly become day people. Furthermore night people cannot do the deeds of the day people. But tragically the reverse prescription can exist so that day people can do the deeds of the night! We can reach back to old patterns of behavior, the dirty paths we used to walk on, but when we do we are the most miserable of people because we have not only our innate conscience screaming at us, but even more impacting, we have the still small voice of the Spirit reminding us of our wayward ways. Obviously day people because of Romans 6 (eg, Ro 6:4-note) which teaches that Sin is no longer our master (Ro 6:11-note; Ro 6:12,13-note), do not have to carry out night deeds. Certainly to do so is not consistent with our new nature, identity and sphere of life in Christ (Col 3:3-note). And to do so as the habit of one's life without ever having experienced freedom brings into question the validity of one's new birth (Ep 5:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 -see notes Ep 5:1-2; 3-4; 5-6). We are day people living in the light, but we can do the deeds of darkness but when we do such deeds, we do them in broad light and with full understanding of God's righteous anger against sin (regardless of who commits it).  Paul is emphasizing that there is no place for night life and the deeds of darkness among believers who are day people. Paul wants the believer's behavior to be consistent with his or her new nature. He wants the believer's behavior to be distinctive so that others know we are of the day. And because we know we are of the day, we do not fear the Day of the Lord, nor do we fear God's wrath, His judgment or the ultimate fate of night people -- eternal separation away from the presence of the Lord.

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Our Daily Bread: A Daily Devotional has an excellent illustration of the believer living alert and sober...The ancient sport of falconry used trained hawks or falcons in the pursuit of wild game. When the "educated predator" was allowed to fly, however, it often rose too high for human eyes to see it. So a hunter often carried a small caged bird called a shrike. By watching the antics of the little bird, the man could always tell where his hawk was, for the shrike instinctively feared the predator and cocked its head to keep it in view.

The Christian desperately needs the alert perception of the shrike when it comes to detecting his spiritual enemy....We're to be always on the alert. It would be nice if God had giant sirens to warn us of an attack by the devil. But the Lord doesn't operate that way. Instead, we must read the Bible regularly, meditate on its truths, maintain a prayerful attitude throughout the day, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Only then will we be sensitive to an imminent onslaught of the evil one, and be armed by grace to meet it.

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OUR LORD'S RETURN - "'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen, Even so, come, Lord Jesus?"
--Revelation 22:20

Nearly 2,000 years ago Jesus said, "I am coming quickly." Since then, some have wrongly tried to predict when He will return. Others have scoffed. Was Jesus wrong? Did something happen that He didn't foresee?

Of course not! We view time from the perspective of our own brief life span. But to the eternal God, "One day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day" (2 Pet. 3:8).

Jesus told His disciples that God had not given them specific information about "times or seasons" (Acts 1:7). He wanted them -- as He wants us -- to live in an attitude of expectation. Paul echoed this when he spoke of Christ's return as "the blessed hope" (Titus 2:13).

But how do we live expectantly? Jesus instructed the  disciples to be witnesses to all the world (Acts 1:8).  Paul said, "Watch and be sober" (1Th 5:6) and love other believers (1Th 5:12, 13, 14, 15). John urged us to walk in close fellowship with Jesus (1Jn. 2:28,  3:1, 2, 3) and to purify ourselves so that we will "not be ashamed before Him at His coming" (1Jn 2:28).

The Lord's any-moment return is no cause for date-setting but for watchful expectation. Let's serve Him in every  aspect of our lives, and one day we'll hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Mt. 25:21).-- Herbert Vander Lugt (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

Blessed are those whom the Lord finds watching,
In His glory they shall share;
If He shall come at the dawn or midnight,
Will He find us watching there?-- Crosby
 

A watching Christian will be a working Christian

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J C Philpot (1Th 5:6) - Here sobriety is opposed to sleepiness, and is connected with walking in the light and in the day; just as sleepiness and its frequent cause, drunkenness, are connected with darkness and night. One of the greatest curses God can send on a people and its rulers, its prophets and seers, is a spirit of deep sleep, as the prophet speaks--"For the Lord has poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes; the prophets and your rulers, the seers has he covered." But to be sober is to be awaked out of this sleep, and, as a consequence, to walk not only wakefully but watchfully. It implies, therefore, that careful, circumspect walking--that daily living, moving, speaking, and acting in the fear of God, whereby alone we can be kept from the snares spread for our feet at every step of the way. How many have fallen into outward evil and open disgrace from lack of walking watchfully and circumspectly, and taking heed to their steps. Instead of watching the first movements of sin and against, as the Lord speaks, "the entering into temptation," they rather dally with it until they are drawn away and enticed of their own lust which, as unchecked, goes on to conceive and bring forth sin, which, when it is finished or carried out and accomplished in positive action, brings forth death.

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C H Spurgeon (1Th 5:6) - There are many ways of promoting Christian wakefulness. Among the rest, let me strongly advise Christians to converse together concerning the ways of the Lord. Christian and Hopeful, as they journeyed towards the Celestial City, said to themselves, "To prevent drowsiness in this place, let us fall into good discourse. " Christian enquired, "Brother, where shall we begin?" And Hopeful answered, "Where God began with us. " Then Christian sang this song-

"When saints do sleepy grow, let them come hither,
And hear how these two pilgrims talk together;
Yea, let them learn of them, in any wise,
Thus to keep open their drowsy slumb'ring eyes.
Saints' fellowship, if it be managed well,
Keeps them awake, and that in spite of hell."

Christians who isolate themselves and walk alone, are very liable to grow drowsy. Hold Christian company, and you will be kept wakeful by it, and refreshed and encouraged to make quicker progress in the road to heaven. But as you thus take "sweet counsel" with others in the ways of God, take care that the theme of your converse is the Lord Jesus. Let the eye of faith be constantly looking unto him; let your heart be full of him; let your lips speak of his worth. Friend, live near to the cross, and thou wilt not sleep. Labour to impress thyself with a deep sense of the value of the place to which thou art going. If thou rememberest that thou art going to heaven, thou wilt not sleep on the road. If thou thinkest that hell is behind thee, and the devil pursuing thee, thou wilt not loiter. Would the manslayer sleep with the avenger of blood behind him, and the city of refuge before him? Christian, wilt thou sleep whilst the pearly gates are open-the songs of angels waiting for thee to join them-a crown of gold ready for thy brow? Ah! no; in holy fellowship continue to watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation.  (Morning and Evening)

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