Read: Romans 13:1-14
Think: Paul, in Romans 13, doesn’t sugar-coat, mince words, or side-step the “holy” standards of God. He says, “…remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living or quarreling and jealousy. Instead clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” Paul doesn’t appear to be making a suggestion, but instead, he is calling believers to live decent lives for everyone to see. He is stating the obvious—darkness opposes the light and evil opposes the holy. He is very specific about what a believer’s life should and should not look like (seeming to have taken this from a portion of Galatians 5).
Act: Could you imagine these verses plastered on a hallway sign on a college dorm floor in 2015? Almost 2000 years after Paul wrote Romans 13, his words are still applicable, relatable, even relevant. It is amazing how God’s Word is “living, active, and sharp” for every culture and every generation (Hebrews 4:12). How does today’s passage specifically relate to your life? Where do you find Paul’s comments relevant or applicable to your life? Spend time pondering the urgency of this message in your own life, as well as in your sphere of influence…then respond to God in prayer.
Pray: Dear Jesus, I live in a culture that is opposed to Your Word. Give me the courage to live a life that clearly represents you. Help me to draw nearer to You by clothing myself in Your presence and putting on the shining armor of right living. Oh, how I need You. Amen.
Be full of faith today!
