Romans 13.11-14 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
With each tick of the clock, our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. It is nearer than when you first started reading this devotional. What does that mean? Don’t waste time and be armed for battle against the flesh and the powers of darkness. Paul is exhorting the people of God to live a high standard of moral conduct, particularly in view of the nearness of the Lord’s return, when our salvation will be consummated. The way to living holy for Christ in a Christ less world is twofold. First, we must put on the Lord Jesus Christ. That means that we submit to His lordship. We accept His Word as His will for our lives. That means that we must abide in constant fellowship with Him, and draw upon His strength. Secondly, we are to make no provision for the flesh, doing nothing to that would feed our always-craving sensual desires and appetites.
Simply put, the Christian life is no joke. It is not for the weak at heart. It is an all out war against as enemy within and the forces of darkness in the world. Paul tells us to not make provision for our flesh for the simple reason that our flesh is constantly making demands to be provided for. The word provision means to give forethought to. It is a conscious, willful plan. Thus, we need to be sober and aware of the ever-present danger of seeking to delight in and make provision for the very things that Jesus Christ redeemed us from.
Recognizing the danger and challenge that the flesh poses to the Christian’s spiritual health and witness, the apostle Paul instructs us to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” To make no provision for the flesh means that we must put off the old clothes that we wore before we belonged to Jesus. We must cast off the sinful works of darkness and put on the armour of light. Beloved, Jesus is nearer than when we first believed. The Christian life is a Spirit filled, intentional walk, that is constantly depending upon The Lord for the strength and grace to walk in the light as He is in the light. Be strong in The Lord and in the power of His might today, beloved!
