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. (Rom. 13:12)
Expanded Passage: Romans 13:11-14
When my wife was a kid, her mother was not the disciplinary parent. If my wife got into trouble or her mom needed something done—my wife would hear “Don’t let me get your dad in here.” It usually did the trick for her and her sister. In one sense, there was a fear of getting spanked, but the other part was fear of disappointing their loving father. In healthy homes, we are given expectations and boundaries that build, protect, and guide us into loving, productive, and successful adults.
Paul, trying to help build a healthy church, tells the Roman believers what God expects. He shares the boundaries God has placed in order for his people to become healthy, loving, and holy worshipers. What we see in the passages prior to Romans 13:11–14 are tangible, outward actions of love that emulate Christ.
In contrast, he shifts his focus onto the private, inward sin that corrupts our holiness. He gives the “just wait until your dad gets home” speech to the Roman believers. It’s a wake-up call to the sins others can’t see. Paul warns us of Jesus’ unknown return—his warning to be prepared for when our Father returns. Paul wants the church, and us, to be blameless and without blemish. There is an urgency to a holy life that will benefit us and glorify God.
Hastily put away sin and build holiness that reflects and glorifies God.
Hunter Curtis is a husband and father who loves traveling, reading, and equipping leaders. He is a licensed minister and operates a graphic design business.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
