Besides this you know the
time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation
is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11-12
This morning,
I continued my study of Romans. Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I continued with chapter sixteen Living in View of That Day, which
covers Romans 12:17-13:14. My focus today is v13:11-14, which my
commentary refers to under the heading "Live in the Light." As Romans 13 closes, Paul urges believers to act - we've seen and experienced the Light and now we must put into practice what we preach and hear. He gives us warnings against debased living...against living in the flesh.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105
My commentary reminds me that Paul's urgency is important because we never know the hour of our own demise nor the hour of Jesus' promised return (Matthew 24:36). We are urged as well to review similar text in 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8. We must "cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light." Similar text is found in Ephesians 6:10-17. How we do this is with and through Christ and the Holy Spirit as He enables a Christ-centered life.
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Heavenly Father - You are an awesome God and You provide the full armor of God and You are a lamp for my feet - thank You for walking with me and protecting me as I go. I am grateful! Yet I am undeserving of how You bless me and how You provide salvation. My sin continues - worry primarily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
