In writing to the early Christians living in ancient Rome, the Apostle Paul instructs:
“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
The world of ancient Rome was filled with much sinfulness. Exploitation of people. Widespread slavery. Sexual slavery. Corruption. Greed. Malice. The same sinfulness which fills our world today.
Paul addressed this in the opening of his letter to the Romans:
“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.” – Romans 1:18
“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” – Romans 1:21
Nothing has changed. Although it is now over 2,000 years later, the darkness and sinfulness of the human heart remains the same.
The letter to the Romans was written to instruct Christians (both the early Christians living in ancient Rome as well as us today) in matters of doctrine and in how to live a holy life.
A life which is “marked” by Jesus Christ is a life characterized by holiness.
* A life which is no longer under the control of the sinful nature, but rather has been made completely new! With new desires! With new interests!
* A life which is now characterized by righteousness … and light!
Like this city here on this hillside. It is a dry barren hillside. The drop off is sheer and steep. The night is darkening. And yet … the city shines out with light!
This right here is what a life of holiness looks like!
“So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. … Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 13:12-14
When we are “clothed with the Lord Jesus Christ” we are spiritually covered and “clothed” with the light of Jesus’s righteousness and holiness.
The darker the world becomes around us (with sin and wickedness) the brighter the light of Jesus’s righteousness and holiness shines from our life.
Even far away, the light shines out brightly! The light of Jesus’s righteousness and holiness can be seen from “miles away” (so to speak).
“So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. … Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 13:12-14
A life which is “marked” by Jesus Christ is a life characterized by holiness.
