The Bible
– New
Century Version
13 Let us live
in a right way, like people who belong to the day. We should not have wild
parties or get drunk. There should be no sexual sins of any kind, no fighting
or jealousy. 14 But clothe
yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and forget about satisfying your sinful
self.
Thoughts:
In these verses Paul was warning the church about the reasons
why so many were falling into sin. Now friends, Paul was talking to Christians –
members of the church. He reminded them that they were expected to live their
lives as if there was full daylight around them. In other words, live knowing
that Jesus Christ was observing all of their deeds. Funny how we believe that
if we are out of town we can act one way, or do certain things that we know we
can’t do in town for fear of getting caught! Like Paul, I would remind us that
God is everywhere at all times, so He always knows what’s on our mind and what
we do at all times. Paul advised that it is time that we put off clothes worn
in the night, and the sinful works of darkness (the night – those things that
we think people who know us would not see). Now he didn’t leave us hanging, for
he went on to tell us what we must put on, or how we should dress our souls: Put on the armor
of light (Jesus Christ). The graces of the Spirit are this armor, to secure the
soul from Satan’s temptations. If we are to put on Christ, then we are to: Put
on the righteousness of Christ - for justification; Put on the Spirit and grace
of Christ - for sanctification. In fact, we need to walk honestly as in the
day; avoiding the evils of darkness. In these type scenarios, Satan is
generally very busy and often very bad things result from these. Friends, great
care must be given to provide for our souls, else we fall into temptation and
or commit unwanted sin. Remember God sent His Holy Spirit to dwell within us
when we were saved. Why would we subject the Holy Spirit to the events of the
darkness? Are you struggling with the power to overcome the old life – the life
before Christ? Please allow me to pray with you about that need. God desires
His very best for us, and He does not want us to surrender to the things of
Satan any more. Let’s confess these weaknesses to God and ask for His powerful
touch on our lives to help us live noble lives that are pleasing to Him.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I pray that You would impact our lives in such a way
that our minds would be fresh and reminded at all times that through Your Holy
Spirit, You are with us wherever we go. As such, we must respect this fact and
be cautious about where we might not only take our sinful selves, but also how
we disrespect Your Holy Spirit by taking Him into some dark sinful places,
where our worldly bodies might find temporary, but sinful pleasure. Please
forgive me dear God for times where I may have trampled over Your blood and not
respected Your holiness by taking You into places that You have shown us to be
dark or sinful hangouts. Please sharpen our consciences and daily work in our
lives to make us more like You in every way. I know that this can be accomplished
not only through Your great power, but also through my submissive spirit and
untainted desires. Please fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I might walk
uprightly, boldly and in total respect of Your holiness. May others always see
Your very nature very prominent in my life, and may they want to know You personally.
Please tender the hearts of my friends meditating on this devotional today, so
that they also may desire a closer walk with You. For those that may stumble
across this devotional today and may catch a glimpse of Your awesome power and
love, please provoke them unto salvation – draw them close to You, is my humble
prayer that I ask in Your holy name, Jesus my Lord, AMEN!
NOTE: If you have been
challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please speak
with a local Bible Teaching pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com so that we can pray with you and give you help and or
encouragement as you begin, or continue your walk with Jesus. Any words
underlined above will indicate a link to a song that came to mind as I wrote
the devotional. Feel free to click on the link and listen as you continue to
read or pray.
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