06/07/2026
Refuge Church of the Nazarene
Sunday School Lesson: Wake Up
Scripture: Romans 13
Key Verse
“And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11)
Lesson Introduction
Have you ever overslept and missed something important? Spiritually, many people are asleep—comfortable, distracted, and unaware of what God is doing around them. In Romans 13, Paul gives a clear wake-up call to believers. He reminds us that the time is urgent, Christ is coming, and God’s people must live differently.
The church cannot afford to be spiritually asleep when the world desperately needs the light of Christ.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, participants should:
1. Understand Paul’s call to spiritual alertness.
2. Recognize signs of spiritual sleepiness.
3. Learn how to walk in the light of Christ.
4. Commit to living with urgency and purpose.
What Does It Mean to Be Spiritually Asleep?
Spiritual sleep can look like:
* Neglecting prayer and Bible study.
* Losing passion for worship.
* Becoming comfortable with sin.
* Ignoring opportunities to serve.
* Living without expectation of Christ’s return.
Paul warns believers not to drift into spiritual complacency.
The Wake-Up Call (Romans 13:11-12)
Paul says the night is almost over and the day is at hand.
This means:
* God’s kingdom is advancing.
* Jesus is coming again.
* Every day brings us closer to eternity.
* The church must be ready.
Just as an alarm clock interrupts sleep, God’s Word calls us to awaken our faith.
Throw Off the Darkness
Romans 13:12 tells us to cast off the works of darkness.
Examples include:
* Gossip
* Jealousy
* Hatred
* Immorality
* Dishonesty
* Unforgiveness
We cannot walk in darkness and represent Christ effectively.
Discussion Question
What are some distractions that can cause Christians to become spiritually sleepy today?
Put On the Armor of Light
Paul doesn’t just tell us what to remove; he tells us what to put on.
The Armor of Light includes:
* Prayer
* Faith
* Love
* Obedience
* Integrity
* Holy living
Light exposes darkness and guides others to Christ.
Put On Christ (Romans 13:14)
The ultimate challenge is to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
To put on Christ means:
* Thinking like Jesus.
* Loving like Jesus.
* Serving like Jesus.
* Forgiving like Jesus.
* Living in a way that honors Him.
Our daily goal should be to reflect Christ in every area of life.
Application
This week:
âś“ Wake up each day with prayer.
✓ Spend time reading God’s Word.
âś“ Identify one area where you have become spiritually comfortable.
âś“ Ask God to renew your passion for Him.
✓ Share Christ’s love with someone this week.
Closing Thought
The world does not need a sleeping church—it needs an awakened church. God is calling His people to rise, shine, and live with purpose. The alarm has already sounded. The question is: Will we wake up?
Closing Prayer
“Lord, awaken our hearts to Your presence and purpose. Forgive us for the times we have become spiritually sleepy and distracted. Help us to walk in the light, put on Christ, and live each day ready for Your service. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”