Read Romans 13:8-14

“Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.” (Romans 13:13)

In our previous exploration of this verse, we encountered Paul's powerful exhortation to walk properly. We are called to be vigilant and engaged, ever wary of the dangers of spiritual slumber and improper walking. The principle of this truth is further explained by Paul’s three stark contrasts of what improper walking entails, each prefaced with “not in.”

Let us commit to walking properly: 1) not in revelry and drunkenness; 2) not in lewdness and lust; 3) not in strife and envy. Let these three “not ins” resonate in your hearts!

We can regard these three “not ins” as symbols of imbalanced walks —staggering and disoriented, akin to a drunken wobble. The Christian life demands a balanced stride in the light of day, rather than a faltering step as if lost in the shadows of night. Let’s look at each of these more closely.

The first staggering walk to avoid is characterized by a lack of self-control. Paul warns us against revelry and drunkenness! The Greek term for revelry more directly translates to cutting loose or rioting. It signifies being devoid of moral discipline. Such behavior is utterly unbecoming for a Christian who wears the armor of light! We are called to exercise self-control, resisting the urge to indulge in the flesh and its fleeting desires.

“…How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:2)

The second staggering walk is marked by a lack of purity. Paul admonishes us against lewdness and lust! Lewdness refers to physical sexual immorality, while lust embodies sexual filthiness. In 2 Peter 2:7, this same term is translated as the “filthy conduct of the wicked.” Such behavior has no place among those who wear the armor of light. We must ardently pursue purity and flee from our lusts.

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22)

The final staggering walk is one devoid of humility. Paul cautions us against strife and envy. The Apostle James warns, “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, you boast and lie against the truth.” (James 3:14) Pride, arrogance, and self-importance are unbecoming of those who wear the armor of light. We must cultivate a spirit of humility, as Christ our Lord did.

“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”” (Matthew 20:28)

If Paul had concluded his thoughts there, we might find ourselves loathing: Paul, how can I ever wear the armor of light? I am unworthy, and I fear I will never be worthy of it! Yet, Paul reminds us that we do not put on the armor of light because of our own worthiness, but because Jesus Christ, our very light and life, is worthy!

For what does Paul proclaim next?

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” (Romans 13:14)

Through our union with Christ, we are empowered to wear the armor of light and walk properly, equipped by the divine strength to make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Notice —through Christ, all temptations of the flesh lose their grip!

Beloved, put on the Lord Jesus Christ today, and He will illuminate every corner of your being with His radiant light! Has He called you to it and will you not trust His command? Do it, not because you are worthy, but because He is worthy!

“…put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24)