Advent Devotion, 12/1/22
ROMANS 13:11-14
11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
In the previous chapter Paul speaks to the believer’s dedication to God and the accompanying transformed lifestyle lived out through spiritual gifts. We are called to live together in love and serve in all relationships and all circumstances. This exhortation continues into Chapter 13 as Paul reminds us that while we live under a government, love is the fulfillment of God’s law.
And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
This specific passage defines that God’s protection is not something we can take for granted. This protection is conditional on our willingness to respond to God’s provision. We are told to put on the armor of light, clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus. Only in a transformed life is the hope of Christ’s return manifest in our earthly lives.
REFLECT
As the days shorten and we spend less time in the light of the sun, may the light of Jesus be seen and observed in the lives of all who follow Him.
PRAY
Father, use the Holy Spirit to show and convict me of living a transformed life. Because you have lavished your grace on me, I will live in a way that honors You. I will treat with respect all whom I meet this day. May your light shine in all I say and do. In Jesus Name – Amen
ADVENT PLAYLIST SONG
“A Day Is Coming,” Pacific Gold, “Pacific Gold”
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