Clothed In God's Presence
Romans 13:11-14 (NLT)
This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.
Reflection
From the very beginning, God created sex as a beautiful and sacred gift. It was designed to be a source of unity and intimacy between a husband and wife. In the sacred covenant of marriage, two souls become one, both physically and spiritually. It is a reflection of God's love for His people, a profound and intimate union that mirrors the intimacy He desires with us.
The world's view of sex, however, has been twisted and distorted. What was meant to be a blessing within the covenant of marriage has been perverted into something casual, fleeting, and often devoid of love and commitment. It is important that we remember that God's original design for sex still stands, and it is a powerful reminder of His love for us and His desire for our fulfillment.
God's desire is for us to live in freedom and holiness, not in bondage to our desires. He graciously invites us into a new life, one free from shame and the chains of sin. As we put on the armor of light and seek to live in alignment with God's design for us, we find true fulfillment and joy.
Paul urges us to cast off the deeds of darkness (verse 12), which includes sexual immorality (verse 13). God offers us a way out of the shame and bondage that often accompanies sexual sin. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, we can find forgiveness, healing, and restoration. God's grace is more abundant than any sin we may have committed. He invites us to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, to put on His righteousness, and to walk in the freedom He offers.
Action Steps
Take a moment to evaluate your heart’s posture when it comes to sex. Are you honoring God in that area of your life? If not, what is preventing you from doing so, and how can you change that?
Prayer
God, I thank You that You care for me by providing parameters that protect me, but also that you love me enough to forgive and free me from my sin. I pray that You will help connect my heart to Yours and teach me to turn to You in times of temptation. Thank You for Your grace and faithful forgiveness. It is in Your name that I pray, amen.
This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.
Reflection
From the very beginning, God created sex as a beautiful and sacred gift. It was designed to be a source of unity and intimacy between a husband and wife. In the sacred covenant of marriage, two souls become one, both physically and spiritually. It is a reflection of God's love for His people, a profound and intimate union that mirrors the intimacy He desires with us.
The world's view of sex, however, has been twisted and distorted. What was meant to be a blessing within the covenant of marriage has been perverted into something casual, fleeting, and often devoid of love and commitment. It is important that we remember that God's original design for sex still stands, and it is a powerful reminder of His love for us and His desire for our fulfillment.
God's desire is for us to live in freedom and holiness, not in bondage to our desires. He graciously invites us into a new life, one free from shame and the chains of sin. As we put on the armor of light and seek to live in alignment with God's design for us, we find true fulfillment and joy.
Paul urges us to cast off the deeds of darkness (verse 12), which includes sexual immorality (verse 13). God offers us a way out of the shame and bondage that often accompanies sexual sin. Through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, we can find forgiveness, healing, and restoration. God's grace is more abundant than any sin we may have committed. He invites us to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, to put on His righteousness, and to walk in the freedom He offers.
Action Steps
Take a moment to evaluate your heart’s posture when it comes to sex. Are you honoring God in that area of your life? If not, what is preventing you from doing so, and how can you change that?
Prayer
God, I thank You that You care for me by providing parameters that protect me, but also that you love me enough to forgive and free me from my sin. I pray that You will help connect my heart to Yours and teach me to turn to You in times of temptation. Thank You for Your grace and faithful forgiveness. It is in Your name that I pray, amen.
Posted in Tree Church Daily Devo
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