Bible Study: “Wake Up Before It’s Too Late”
Text: Proverbs 6:9–11 (NKJV)
“How long will you slumber, O sluggard?
When will you rise from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to sleep—
So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,
And your need like an armed man.”
Introduction:
This passage is often used to talk about laziness in life or work, but it also carries a deeper spiritual meaning, especially when we look through the lens of eternity. This is about more than just physical sleep—it’s about spiritual sleep. Many people today, including those who call themselves Christians, are spiritually sleeping. They say they believe in God, but they’re procrastinating when it comes to salvation.
They say things like:
“I’ll get baptized next month.”
“I know I need the Holy Ghost, but I’m not ready yet.”
“I’ll get serious about God when I’m older.”
But God’s Word is clear: we don’t have all day. Just like an armed robber doesn’t call ahead before breaking in, death or the rapture will come when we least expect it.
1. Spiritual Slumber Is Dangerous
Proverbs 6:9-11 describes someone who keeps hitting the snooze button on their spiritual life. They think, “Just a little more time,” but that delay turns into spiritual poverty. In today’s terms, this is the person who:
Puts off baptism in Jesus’ name (Acts 2:38).
Doesn’t seek the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
Comes to church, but never fully commits.
Paul warned us in Romans 13:11 (NKJV):
“…it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.”
We must understand that spiritual sleep leads to spiritual death.
2. Procrastination vs. Obedience
God’s Word gives us a clear salvation plan in Acts 2:38:
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
But many people today want to believe without obeying. They treat baptism like an optional step, or something to put off for a “better time.” But delayed obedience is still disobedience.
Just like you wouldn’t wait to put out a fire in your house, you shouldn’t wait to be saved.
3. The Parable of the Ten Virgins: A Wake-Up Call
Jesus gave us a powerful example of spiritual procrastination in Matthew 25:1–13—the story of the ten virgins. Five were wise and kept oil (the Holy Spirit) in their lamps. Five were foolish—they believed in the Bridegroom but didn’t stay ready.
“But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.” (v.5)
And while they were sleeping, the Lord came, and only those who were ready went in. The door was shut. The others were left behind.
This is just like today. Some people are in the church, around the presence of God, but still spiritually asleep—not baptized, not filled with the Holy Ghost, not living right. If the Lord comes while you’re “getting ready,” it’ll be too late.
4. A Modern-Day Example:
How many people say:
“I know I need to get baptized in Jesus’ name, but I’m not ready yet.”
“I believe the Holy Ghost is real, but I want to wait until I’m older.”
“I’ll stop living this lifestyle… next year.”
But death doesn’t wait. The rapture won’t wait. Just like the Bible says, it will come like a thief—suddenly, and without warning.
“So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.”
(Proverbs 6:11)
You can’t get ready then—you have to be ready now.
Conclusion: Don’t Sleep on Salvation
Proverbs 6:9–11 is a wake-up call for us today. It’s not just about laziness in life—it’s a warning to those who think they have more time to get right with God. Don’t be like the foolish virgins who slept and missed their chance. Don’t wait to follow Acts 2:38.
The Bible says, “Today is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Not tomorrow. Not next week.
If you haven’t:
Repented of your sins,
Been baptized in Jesus’ name,
And received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues,
…then now is the time. Wake up, before it’s too late.
