Romans 13:11-14 (NRSV)
Read Romans 13:11-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 11Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; Verse 12the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; Verse 13let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Verse 14Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Devotion
We are saved by grace through faith in Christ. Each day that passes brings us closer to the day of the second coming of Christ, closer to the day that we can be with the Lord in eternity. This progress toward the final destiny is motivation to lead a pure life in the present – we are waiting for the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness is at home (2 Peter 3:13).
We live in a time of increasing decadence. Christ is our example and model of moral excellence. Christ also is our armor, our garment: He is our protection against immorality as we choose to follow his steps every day.
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us as individuals and as a church to discern the right from wrong in this time when falsehood may be disguised as truth. May you protect your church from corruption and give her the courage to fight immorality. Amen.