𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗘𝗣 𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗨𝗗𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘

SLEEP OR SUDDEN DEPARTURE
Redeeming Today in the Dispensation of Grace

INTRODUCTION

Every night, people sleep—and some never wake. Life is fragile, brief, and uncertain. In this present dispensation of the grace of God (Eph. 3:2), Paul urges believers to wake up spiritually, walk wisely, and redeem the time. Breath today is mercy, not merit.

Life preserved is grace extended.
Lamentations 3:22–23 (KJV)

① SLEEP — Physical Rest vs. Spiritual Slumber
Romans 13:11; Ephesians 5:14 (KJV)

A. Bodily Rest – Sleep restores the body
B. Spiritual Drowsiness – Complacency dulls urgency
C. Stirring Call – “Awake” before time runs out
Grace calls us awake, not apathetic.

② SUDDENNESS — Life’s Uncertain End
James 4:14; Luke 12:20 (KJV)

A. Brief Vapor – Life appears, then vanishes
B. Borrowed Breath – Tomorrow is not promised
C. Blunt Reality – Death comes without warning
Uncertainty demands preparedness.

③ SEASONS — God-Numbered Days
Psalm 90:12; Acts 17:26 (KJV)

A. Appointed Times – God sets the boundaries of life
B. Accountable Moments – Days are stewardship
C. Awakened Wisdom – Numbering days shapes choices
Grace teaches urgency with wisdom.

④ SURVIVAL — Mercy That Preserves
Psalm 3:5; Job 33:18 (KJV)

A. Nightly Protection – God keeps while we sleep
B. Near Escapes – Dangers unseen and avoided
C. New Mercies – Each morning is a gift
Waking up is grace, not luck.

⑤ SOBRIETY — Thankfulness Over Thoughtlessness
1 Thessalonians 5:6; Colossians 3:15 (KJV)

A. Alert Living – Watchful, not careless
B. Appreciative Heart – Gratitude fuels worship
C. Aware Mindset – Life valued, not wasted
Thankfulness guards against complacency.

⑥ STEWARDSHIP — Redeeming the Time
Ephesians 5:15–16; Colossians 4:5 (KJV)

A. Careful Walk – Wisdom over impulse
B. Captured Moments – Time used for eternal gain
C. Commissioned Living – Purposeful daily choices
Grace redeems time through intention.

⑦ SALVATION — Assurance Before Departure
2 Corinthians 6:2; Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

A. Urgent Invitation – “Now is the accepted time”
B. Unmerited Gift – Salvation by grace alone
C. Unshakeable Hope – Assurance in Christ
Be ready to die by being saved today.

⑧ SERVICE — Living While It Is Day
John 9:4; 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV)

A. Present Opportunity – Today is the field
B. Productive Labor – Work that counts eternally
C. Persistent Faithfulness – Abounding in the Lord’s work
Saved people serve while time remains.

⑨ SERENITY — Peace in Life and Death
Philippians 1:21; Romans 14:8 (KJV)

A. Christ-Centered Life – Living is Christ
B. Confident Death – Dying is gain
C. Calm Assurance – Belonging to the Lord
Grace gives peace—whether waking or departing.

CALL TO ACTION

Thank God for today
Redeem the time you have
Trust Christ fully—serve Him faithfully
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom — Psalm 90:12 (KJV)

CONCLUSION

Many slept and never woke. You did. That is grace.
Life today is not an accident—it is an opportunity to believe, to live wisely, and to glorify Christ.
Don’t just wake up—walk wisely.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Sleep reminds us of human weakness
Death exposes life’s uncertainty
Days are numbered by God
Waking up is mercy
Gratitude fuels godliness
Time must be redeemed
Salvation must be settled
Service must be intentional
Peace is found in Christ alone