Romans__13

Scripture

Romans 13:13-14

 

“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 in 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.”

 

Observation-What does it say?

 

Paul is urging the Romans to live Godly lives, to be in Christ. He is urging them to not fall into the temptations of this world. Instead, he urges them to be clothed in the presence of Jesus Christ. He is reminding them of their responsibility as Christ Followers to be lights in this dark world for all to see.

 

Understanding-What does it mean?

 

In Christ we are a new creation.

 

These past couple of weeks we have been discussing in church our identities in Christ. We discussed that to be in Christ is a status, that we are in relationship with Him. We discussed that we are a new creation. We discussed that we are no longer slaves to sin. Finally we discussed that we are made for His good works.

 

In Christ, our old sinful ways are gone, He has made us new. We have instant access to God, His blessings, and the fruits of the spirit. That is... if we stay connected to Him.

 

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” -John‬ ‭15:5-8‬

 

And what are these fruits we should be producing?

 

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”-Galatians‬ ‭5:22-25‬ ‭‬‬

 

Life Application

 

What kind of fruit am I producing?

 

Does my life produce fruit that is ripe, sweet, and fills other people’s lives around me with a fragrance and taste that makes them them want more? Or does it give off a foul aroma, a bitter taste in people’s mouths, and a fruit that deserves to be thrown off to the side to rot? 🤔

 

Father God, I pray that I stay connected to You. I pray that my life produces fruit that is beneficial for others. May my life point others towards You. May the words that come out of my mouth be glorifying to You. Show me areas in my life where I need to improve on and help me to change them. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

 

-Moses Gaddi