Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.
After reading this verse’s last words, I remembered a story about a naughty little boy and some swimming trunks. The little guy’s friends were going to the swimming hole after school, so he asked his dad for permission to go with them.
“Not today”, the dad said, “you are way too behind on your chores”.
On their way to school, the boy’s brother and sister noticed that he had brought swimming trunks with him. The sister said, “But I thought Dad said you couldn’t go; why did you bring your trunks?”
The lad replied, “I know I shouldn’t go, but I brought them just in case I am tempted”
“Just in case I am tempted” is what Paul referenced as “making provision for the flesh.”
Do we keep something or someone close just in case we are tempted?
Is it possible that we are holding on to some sin, refusing to make a clean break, just in case we are enticed?
Is there too much room left for our sinful nature to take over?
Do we leave the door cracked for the devil?
Are we laying the groundwork for failure by not burning those bad bridges we keep crossing?
It would be unwise for a dieting dude to display a chocolate cake around his house.
Wouldn’t it be equally foolish for us to keep our besetting sins accessible?
If you mean business, then I believe the most crucial factor in removing provisions for the flesh can be found at the beginning of today’s verse.
Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ…
I believe Paul is telling us to wear the Lord like a uniform, and by so doing, we remove some of the provisions to sin.
How so?
1. Public Confession
Have you ever been tempted to keep your Christianity in the closet just in case you were tempted? I have. I have thought, “if I tell them I am a Christian, then they will wonder why I am not acting like it.” Claiming Christ should raise the expectations for us shouldn’t it? The fact that our actions are a reflection upon him is something always to consider.
2. Personal Closeness
It would be hard to get any closer to us than the clothes we wear. I believe that staying close to the Lord is the most effective method for removing the flesh’s provisions. Like an appetite for junk is lessened when filled with good stuff, so too a person who walks with the Lord has their cravings curbed for sin.
The old hymn said it best,
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of this world will grow strangely dim
in the light of his glory and grace!”
So, let’s put on the Lord Jesus Christ and not make provision for the flesh
My 2021 Bible Reading Plan
February 10, 2021
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