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NASB | Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 13:14 But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for [nor even think about gratifying] the flesh in regard to its improper desires. |
Bible Question: What is our method, how do we "put on", or "clothe ourselves" with the Lord Jesus Christ? |
Bible Answer: Dear Brother Mark, We do not, of course, as believers, live by methods. Instead, we live by every Word of God. Ours is a life of relationship, not a life of technique. Relationship cannot be boiled down into steps, methods, keys, or techniques. However, it is easy for the vernacular to be influenced by the world -- and the world is always obsessed with technique. So I understand what you are asking. (Personally, though, I find a tendency of my heart to reduce the things of my relationship with the righteous and holy God to such mechanics. I suspect that it is fundamental to the flesh to look for a simple set of rules for guidance. Isn't this what we call legalism? The problem then, of course, is that the rules become an idol. That's a whole other discussion. Sorry for the "rabbit trail.") This word to "put on" (enduo in the Greek) is used almost exclusively in the New Testament for the notion of dressing or being dressed in clothing; i.e., to clothe, or array. In a couple of places the KJV translators seem to transliterate it using the word "endue" (e.g., Luke 24:49). I'll leave it to your superior skill with the Greek to speak to us of any other linguistic aspects that I have missed or might miss in the following. Paul uses this metaphor in at least four places: Romans 13:12, 14; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10, 12. I believe it is a safe, arguable assumption that Paul had the same notions in mind in each of these passages. If that assumption is reliable, it is a boon to our understanding, since we won't need to rely on a single passage to ferret out its meaning. Romans 13:14 says for us to "put on Christ," although in verse 12 he wrote "put on the armor of light." The Galatians passage speaks of those who have "put on Christ." The Ephesians and Colossians passages instruct believers to "put on the new self." The examples in Romans 13:14, Ephesians 4:24, and Colossians 3:12 are imperative statements, where the reader is directed to a specific action. The the remaining passages appear to be more descriptive in nature. Let's look at these latter passages first: For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27 ESV) This passage is an assertion regarding the common nature of believers. Being previously a captive of the law (v23), faith was given (v22-23) unto salvation. We might construe from this passage, therefore, that whatever this phrase may mean, it is (1) something only endemic to the saved, and (3) something that has happened upon salvation. (If it has already happened, why the imperatives mentioned above? I don't want to sidestep that question.) Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. (Colossians 3:9-10 ESV) Here, the believer is admonished to behave in a specific way because of the "new self" having been "put on." I'd suggest that Paul is exhorting the reader to act like what they are now rather than what they once were. Various aspects of this former self (which has been "put off" (v9)) are described earlier in the chapter. The new self is God's renovation in deep, inner knowledge. It is based in the likeness of God. Romans 13:12-14 and Ephesians 4:20-24 makes the same sort of contrast between what was "put off" and what is and is to be "put on." In the Reformed tradition we call this "progressive sanctification." We might phrase Paul's exhortation to the believer something like this: God has done a work in you, so act like God has done a work in you. Christian, let your external behavior manifest consistently what God has done internally. I think its similar to the admonition we received from our parents as teenagers: You're not a child anymore, so stop acting like one! :-) So, to answer your question, I'd suggest the following application: the various attributes of the old self and the new self described in these and related passages should be studied in context. They form a mirror by which we can compare ourselves and through personal revelation by the Holy Spirit, we may be convinced of our need for change. Fortunately, that same Holy Spirit empowers us both to will and to do what is required by our Lord. This is a broad subject. Perhaps my small and inadequate contribution will be of use. In Him, Doc |