Romans 13:12-14: “The night is far gone, the day is at hand. So then let us therefore cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”
Paul warns the Roman church that “jealousy” – besides the other sins that he lists, is a common but sinful desire and attitude that pollutes our hearts and minds. He says, “make no provision.” Don’t let it creep in! He doesn’t warn one particular gender over another, which I find interesting.
Jesus warns in Mark 7:2 that pride, coveting, and envy “defile a person.” They come from the heart, as all sin does.
Matthew 27:18 states that Pilot knew the Sadducees and the high priest were envious of Jesus’s authoritative ministry and His popularity with the people. He asked the people who they wanted him to release, Barabbas, the most notorious prisoner at that time, or “Jesus who is called the Christ?” Pilot, a Roman governor, was required to uphold the law. But he was also a politician – he had to get along with the people. Then, due to the sin of envy/jealousy, Barabbas was released over Jesus Christ to be crucified. Pilot never based his decision on integrity. Yet Jesus Christ had victory, in the end, proved by His resurrection, with more to come!
Think of putting on “the armor of light,” which is referenced in 1 Thess. 5:8 – “breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation” – as the upgrade to your wardrobe you put on every morning in getting dressed. Clothes make up our identity. I love the color purple and gravitate to any clothes that are purple in my favorite clothing store, which is Chico’s. I have been known to be called “the purple lady.” Doesn’t wearing the right outfit help us, women, to feel more confident in our appearance? Chuck Swindoll has said: “The idea of “putting on” something, such as Christ (Gal. 3:27), “the new self” (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10), or “the armor of God” (Eph. 6:10-17), reminds me of the old adage “Clothes make the man.”
As we dig deep into God’s Word, we become transformed to become more Christ-like in our thoughts and behavior. It is like wearing a bulletproof vest much like police wear under their uniform as it is a shield of protection and defensive armor. Psalm 28:7 declares: “The Lord is my strength and my shield.” Psalm 3:3 states: “But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” This truth gave David the confidence to walk by faith and not by sight despite his threatening circumstances.
The word “provision” means planning ahead. God’s Word, hidden in our hearts and filling our thoughts will help us plan ahead to not give in to sinful desires and actions, such as jealousy and envy, amongst others. Chuck Swindoll has also said: “Plan ahead to make sin inconvenient, because the flesh is impulsive.”
Which impulsive stronghold of “desires of the flesh” is holding you back?
Listen to The Change In Me, Casting Crowns Lyric Video. Songwriters: Mark Hall/Jason Ingram. The Change in Me lyrics, Capitol Christian Music Group. Nov. 16, 2018.