Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – 365 Days Of Guidance – Day 34 – Romans 13:12-14 – Put Aside Deeds Of Darkness – Growing As Disciples
The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:12-14 (NIV)
Put Off, Put On
You live in a world filled with darkness. You are surrounded by people who love darkness and are attracted to evil. This is not true of you, at least not now. You have put off darkness and evil as if they were stinky smelly old clothes. You are no longer attracted to your old life and its values, patterns, and practices, is that true? Yes, I have put off darkness and evil. They no longer attract me like they once did. At one time I was like a sleepwalker walking through the sin and evil of this world. I knew nothing else. I was attracted to evil and darkness. My thoughts, words, and actions were continually evil. You didn’t say evil, and darkness have no attraction to you, did you? No, I did not. It is good that you realize that you will always be subject to temptation and evil as long as you are in this life. Why is that? Your awareness will keep you on guard against evil and darkness. Do you know where evil and darkness will attempt to attack most often? Yes, I do. Tell me. Evil and darkness will first attempt to attack me in my thoughts. Yes, that’s right. Evil and darkness will try to corrupt my thoughts, words, and actions. But the entry that evil and darkness will seek into my life will most often be through my mind. So, what won’t you do? I won’t allow myself to entertain thoughts about how I might gratify the desires of my sinful nature. I like how you used the word entertain, why did you choose that word? An evil thought may enter my mind. I won’t let evil stay in my mind by showing it hospitality by entertaining it. Evil will be shown the door the second I become aware of its presence. Will you have the same attitude toward evil words and evil actions? Yes, I have and will continue to separate myself from anything that I know is not pleasing to you. So, you will put off every evil thought, word, and action? Yes, That’s right. That will be very good.
You must realize that you are not alone in putting off evil thoughts, words, and actions from your life. You can never win your battle by your own strength. You must rely on my word and my Spirit to fight in you, with, and for you, against evil. You must rely on me. You don’t have to convince me. I have fought and lost many battles against evil by using my strength alone. I know that will never work. What will you put on? I will put on the armor that you have given to me. I will put on the new life of righteousness that you have given to me wear. I will allow your word to dwell in me richly. I will allow your word to strengthen and sustain me against every attack of evil and darkness. I will live the life that you have called me to live. I will live and walk in the light with you. My eyes will be fixed on you. I will be drawn to you and drawn away from evil and darkness. I will put on good thoughts, words, and actions that you have given me to think, say, and do. Then you will be living fully in the light with me. Yes, I will. That will be very good.
Lord, I will put off deeds of darkness. I will put on the armor of light you provide so I will be able to stand against evil in the world. I will clothe myself with your righteousness so I will be able to live and walk in the light with you. Amen
Key Question… How are you putting off deeds of darkness so you can live and walk in the light with Christ?
Living It Out… Put off deeds of darkness and put on Jesus Christ so you can live and walk in the light with Him.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that as you put off deeds of darkness you will be able to put on Christ and walk in the light with Him.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you have put on Christ and are walking in the light with Him.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you put aside deeds of darkness so you can walk in the light with the Lord.
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