Jun 28, 2020
Originally Presented: Nov 9th, 2008
Scripture Reading: Romans 13:11-14
As yet another implication of our great salvation in Jesus Christ. Romans 13:11-14 calls us to purity of life. We are commanded in this passage to lay aside the deeds of darkness and to put on the armor of light (Rom 13:12). Some of the deeds of darkness are cited in verse 13 … carousing (wild partying), drunkenness, sexual promiscuity, sensuality (shameless behavior without restraint), strife, and jealousy.
Instead of such living, Christians are called on to "put on the armor of light" (Rom 13:12). Unlike the catalog of the deeds of darkness, Paul does not delineate what the 'armor of light' is. Romans 13:14 helps us to define the 'armor of light' when, using the same verb, we are commanded to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ." To 'put on Christ' means to grow in Christlike character. We become more like Christ by communing with Him and loving Him and meditating on His excellencies.
The truth given in this passage to help motivate us toward purity is the end of the present age and the return of Christ . . . "Knowing the time . . . now salvation is nearer to us than when we believed. The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand" (Rom 13:11,12). The end of the age and the promise of Christ's coming ought to shake us out of spiritual lethargy and work in our hearts an urgency and vigilance concerning personal purity.