A startling summons.
The admonition of this passage is especially addressed to Christians; yet to Christians who stand peculiarly in need of a rousing appeal and summons, to call them to a more spiritual and a more watchful life.
I. THE CRISIS OF LIFE.
1. The night is well-nigh gone. Between our Lord's first and second comings stretches the dawn of the world. Behind his first coming lay the night of humanity. Beyond his second advent the daylight beams, with the brightness of knowledge, of holiness, of happiness, of glory.
2. Salvation is nearer than ever. In one sense, indeed, salvation is a present blessing; for we are delivered from condemnation if we are in Christ Jesus. In another sense it is future; for we shall hereafter receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls. It is something to be looked forward to with keenest joy of hope, something the prospect of which may well inspire us to endurance and to toil.
II. THE SUMMONS OF GOD.
1. To spiritual energy. To such a period, drowsy, slumberous inactivity is utterly inappropriate.
2. To the renunciation of all that interferes with the fulfilment of our calling and the realization of our hope.
3. To a spiritual warfare and campaign.
4. To purity of body and of mind, as those who are in their whole nature redeemed, that in their whole nature they may be consecrated.