Walking in the Light of the Lord

Introduction:

Beloved, imagine a runner nearing the finish line—he no longer relaxes, but runs with urgency, knowing the end is near. So too must we live with spiritual alertness, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. Advent calls us not to sleep, but to awaken and walk in the light of the Lord.

Rhetorical question: Are we awake and walking in the light, or asleep in the comfort of this world?

Background of the Text:

Paul wrote the letter to the Romans to encourage believers in the heart of the empire—surrounded by power, pleasure, and idolatry. He urged them to live differently, reflecting Christ in a dark culture. Romans 13 reminds us that the time is short, the day of the Lord is near, and believers must live as children of light.

Point 1: Be Awake to Spiritual Time (Romans 13:11)

• a. Spiritual sleep — The Greek word hypnos means insensitivity to God’s voice; a heart no longer stirred by truth.
• b. Salvation is nearer — Every day brings us closer to Christ’s return; the call to repentance is now.
• c. Wake and be watchful — Like a soldier awaiting dawn, we must live alert in prayer and holiness.

Cross Reference: Ephesians 5:14 – “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

Transition: Once we awaken, we must cast off darkness and live as children of the day.

Point 2: Cast Off Darkness and Put On Light (Romans 13:12–13)

• a. “Night” symbolizes sin and ignorance — Without Christ, the world is blind to truth.
• b. “Armor of light” — The phrase hopla tou photos signifies active spiritual defense—living boldly in righteousness.
• c. Walk properly as in the day — Live transparently before God and people; let integrity mark your steps.

Cross Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:5 – “You are all children of the light and children of the day.”

Transition: But walking in light means more than rejecting sin—it means clothing ourselves with Christ Himself.

Point 3: Put On the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14)

• a. “Put on” Christ — The Greek endyō means to clothe permanently; our identity must be wrapped in His likeness.
• b. Resist sinful desires — The flesh tempts us toward comfort, pride, and indulgence; light exposes and heals.
• c. Christ’s light transforms conduct — In our homes, workplaces, and communities, His light should shine through us.

Cross Reference: Galatians 3:27 – “All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

Conclusion:

To walk in the light of the Lord is to live in readiness and holiness. Advent reminds us that the night is nearly over, and the day is dawning. Let us awake, cast off darkness, and put on the radiance of Christ—so that the world may see His glory in us.

Congregational Response: “Lord Jesus, clothe me in Your light, that I may shine for You each day.”

Closing Poem:
Morning breaks through fading night,
The dawn reveals God’s holy sight;
Walk in Christ, the world’s true light,
And let your heart in Him burn bright.