Scripture:
Romans 13:11-14 NKJV
[11] And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now, our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. [12] The night is far spent, and the day is at hand. Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the armor of light. [13] Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. [14] But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.
Observation:
I probably don’t write from Romans enough. However, it’s one of Paul’s greatest letters. Spelling out the plan of salvation and doing his best to explain the grace of GOD in a way that we can all understand. I found myself in chapter 13 this morning looking at these verses, thinking about the definition of the word intentional. It’s one of my favorite words. I use it often when speaking to those around me about how to build a relationship with the LORD. Looking at verse 11, we see Paul giving us some very important instructions. BE READY. there won’t be time to get ready. What he is saying is that with every day that goes by, Jesus is one day closer to coming back… and because no one knows when that day will be, make sure there is plenty of oil in your lamp. Verse 12 is just as important when it comes down to the scheme of things… the flesh has to die its old ways and the things that used to be embraced, such as lewd acts and drunkenness. In fact, in other places, Paul talks about bitter envy and self-seeking motives as being works of the flesh. These are also things that need to be cast off. Put away, not part of the follower’s lives. Moving on to verse 13 to me looks like it pokes holes in the live. However, you want doctrine that we hear preached somewhat regularly from many different pulpits and makes a point to tell us that we are not to live in strife and envy, not to mention lust and lewd behavior, and finally for the verse that finishes up today’s scripture verse 14, tells us to make no provision for the flesh. That means don’t let it take control. Don’t make excuses for it. PUT IT TO DEATH. Put on Christ Jesus. In meekness and humility, set aside that old man.
Application:
When I started writing this, I began thinking… where is the Holy Spirit going to dive in on this, and I believe it’s the words that make no provision for the flesh. But what does that mean, and how do I do it on a regular basis without even thinking about it? Early on in Romans, Paul talks about grace and how it never runs out it’s honestly how we are saved. Let’s make no mistake about that. In fact, let’s just quote it so we know there is no misleading or misunderstanding going on here,” for it is by grace you have been saved, not by works lest no man boast.” But what does that mean, and how do you walk out of your salvation? Jesus tells us we will know a tree by its fruits. This brings up a question… have you ever seen a farmer hard at work trying to bring a harvest? They are cultivating, fertilizing, tilling up rocks, and planting. They are intentional about what they are doing. Knowing just how to bring a harvest. The old dirt gets tilled under fresh dirt full of nutrients, which is tilled to the top and takes its place. 2nd Corinthians 5:17 says any man who is in Christ is a new creation… the old is gone, and a new man stands before you. But just like Lazarus walked out of the tumb. That old man wants to wake up sometimes. This is where the scripture comes into play. ” Make no provision for the flesh.” We have to be intentional about pitting that man to death. Every time he wakes up, we have to tell him he has no place here. That is who we were, not who we are. Let me encourage you this morning… GOD has made you to be so much more than what your flesh was you to be. It’s easy to give in to what feels good and forget about what is good. That’s the battle within us. Our flesh wants to rise up and take over, and we can’t allow it to. Keeping in step with the Holy Spirit is not easy, but it can be done, and here is the key. Jesus said, “Die to YOURSELF daily, pick up your cross, and follow me.” You might ask what your cross is… well, it’s the instrument that puts your flesh to death. We will finish with this, and it’s all through the New Testament. We have to be intentional. We can’t just continue to run after sin. There has to be a point where you turn and repent. You have to go the other way. You may have heard it said if nothing changes…well, nothing changes. Let’s just think about that. The evidence of a life with Jesus is a life that has changed or is seeking and chasing after change. Sanctification is a process. But we have to kill our flesh every time it tries to come back to life. Every time it’s pointed out. We have to nail it to the cross. Eventually, it gets easier to see coming, and we can shoot it down before it comes to life. My encouragement today is that you can do this. GOD has called you, or you would not be reading this. Be intentional about what you do. GOD has a plan for you, and HE wants to use you in a mighty way. Seek HIM to find out what HE wants and move forward with intent. Put your flesh to death and follow HIM with all that is in you.
Prayer:
Father, we do not want our flesh to be calling the shots. We want to walk with you in the cool of the day. Help us to see the works of the flesh coming before they show their ugly head so that we can shoot them down before they even come about. We know that our ways may seem right to us, but in the end, they lead to death… so help us to go against our ways and embrace yours. We want to intentionally walk with you. You have set before us death and life. We choose life. We choose you. We choose your ways. Light our path so we can see it easily. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.