“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” Romans 13:14
Paul had just made the statement that every believer must wake up and put off all types of sinful acts. These sinful acts are called the deeds of darkness. Now he states that instead of acting in these sinful ways one is to put on Jesus Christ and not even think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Many believers know that they should not be doing anything sinful. Often people will have old habits that they cannot seem to break. The sinful act has a bind on them that does not seem to leave.
In the verse today it gives a very simple two part answer. The first part is to clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ. This is to make Jesus Christ The Lord and Master of your life. He is the one who is to be in absolute control of your life, not you. He is the one who is to control every part of your life–every move, thought, action, and word you make.
The second part is to not even think about how to gratify the desires of your flesh. The flesh is the sinful part of human beings, not the physical flesh. These desires are selfish and sinful against God and others. Here it states to not even think about it.
The mind is very powerful. It can control your attitudes, abilities and actions. If you set your mind to something it can usually be done, as long as your mind is willing to overcome every obstacle. This includes sin. For most people not committing an actual murder is easy because they do not really think about actually doing it. However, with jealousy, it is easy because it starts with thinking about what you do not have and what others do have. Sexual sins start out with a thought and builds from there.
Keep your mind on Jesus. Don’t give any room for sinful thoughts. Don’t even allow room for gratifying the sinful nature in your life. Think about Jesus and what He would do. Think about what Jesus did for you. Transform your mind to that of Jesus and you will overcome sin.
I pray today that you will clothe yourself with Jesus; that you will turn away from all sin; that you will only think about Jesus; and that God will strengthen you to keep Jesus Lord of your life.
Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus as someone with a teenage driver explained, “We steer where we stare!”
Amen! Excellent example. Thank you.
Excellent post, Tom! I love the simplicity and ease of application!
Blessings today! Greta
Thank you. Only by the grace of God.
Thank God!!!