PUTTING ON CHRIST JESUS LIKE A GARMENT

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Today’s Reading:

(Rom. 13:11-14)

“Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed [in Christ]. 12The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So, let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armour of light. 13Let us conduct ourselves properly and honourably as in the [light of] day, not in carousing [rioting], and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility, not in quarrelling and jealousy. 14But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for [nor even think about gratifying] the flesh in regard to its improper desires.” (Rom. 13:11-14 AMPV)

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In chapter 12:2 Paul pleaded with believers to allow God to renew their thinking pattern which will transform their lives. Then we will know the will of God and do things pleasing unto Him.

In this passage, he now uses the term - ‘running out of time’ to show the critical need for us to awaken from spiritual slumber of complacency, as motivation for godly living. This present evil age we are in, is referred to as the night. Because the dark places of the earth is the habitation of haunts of cruelty (the land is full of darkness and violence). And daytime refers to the time of the coming back of our Lord Jesus Christ, in honour, glory and majesty.

Paul’s understanding of freedom in Christ has a lot to do with deep respect for each other. Freedom in Christ is to allow ourselves to follow our godly conviction of faith, without being coerce or condemned for God alone is the true Judge (vv. 10-12) Our basis of freedom is to focus on the wellbeing of others rather than ‘self’, oppression or intimidation. We should not be a stumbling block to the faith of others, by putting up attitude or action that may lead to sin or cause confusion about the truth relating to God, His character and purpose (v.13) . The weaker vessels for example should be allowed to follow their godly conviction in faith.

“So, remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armour of right living.” (vv.12-13) Without going into the dark deeds as enumerated in verse thirteen, putting on Christ like a garment gives us the shining armour of right living effect, which will promote unity and harmony of purpose in the community of faith and in the society at large.

We will be able to properly and honourable conduct our behaviour as in the light (vv. 13). And our shining armour of right living is to be regulated by the love of Christ Himself (v.14). Unity in the body of Christ is very vital to the life of Christ that we profess (1 Corin 12:12-27).

OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE

Prayer:

1. Deliberately choose to pray for the salvation of someone in need of transformation in your family or environment, without the person’s knowledge. Make it your duty to daily pray for such a person until your joy is full.

2. Father, let me daily die to self, and rise again in Christ Jesus to your glory, honour, and power, in Jesus name.

3. Father, create in me a pure heart, renew a right, teachable and humble spirit within me in Jesus name.

4. Father, let the covenant blood of Jesus cleanse my foundation of inherited and acquired demonic filth, and let the fire of the Holy Ghost sanctify me to the glory of your holy name, in Jesus name.

5. Father, let your fire consume every demonic animals in the garden of my life. I saturate the atmosphere and fumigate the garden of my life with the power of God, and the blood of Jesus in Jesus name.

6. God give us Christian homes! Homes where the Bible is loved and taught. Homes where the Master’s will be sought. Homes crowned with beauty thy love has wrought. God give us Christian homes, in Jesus name.

7. Father, let Your kingdom come in our nation, and let Your will be done, in Jesus name.