Romans 13:13–14: Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Paul gave several admonitions in the light of the Lord’s soon return. The first is, “Wake up!” Relate this with 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11, and also Matthew 25:1–13. The second is, “Clean up!” We do not want to be found dressed in dirty garments when the Lord returns (1 John 2:28–3:3). The Christian wears the armor of light, not the deeds of darkness. He has no reason to get involved in the sinful pleasures of the world. Finally, Paul admonished, “Grow up!” (Rom. 13:14) To “put on” the Lord Jesus Christ means to become more like Him, to receive by faith all that He is for our daily living. We grow on the basis of the food we eat. This is why God warns us not to make provisions for the flesh. If we feed the flesh, we will fail; but if we feed the inner man the nourishing things of the Spirit, we will succeed. 1
Application
- Does your Christian life look more like you’re living in the “night life,” or more like you’re living in the “daylight?”
- Do you set your flesh up, or your spirit up, for success each day? Which do you make more of “a provision” for, your spirit or your flesh?
Prayer
Lord, help me to “put You on” everyday, and “put off” the junk that leads to more sinning.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.