~ Romans 13:13–14
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Paul’s words in Romans 13:13–14 come with urgency. Just before this, he writes, “The night is far gone; the day is at hand” (v. 12). In other words, time is short, Christ’s return is near, and our lives must reflect that reality. So he urges believers to live with integrity, discipline, and holiness—“as in the daytime,” where everything is visible and accountable.
The list Paul gives—orgies, drunkenness, immorality, sensuality, quarreling, jealousy—represents lifestyles ruled by the flesh. The common thread is indulgence of uncontrolled desires, whether in appetite, sexuality, or emotions. These are the very things that dishonor God, harm the body, and destroy relationships.
Instead, Paul commands: “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” The Greek phrase means to clothe oneself completely, as with a garment. Just as we get dressed each day, so we must daily choose to “wear” Christ—His character, His holiness, His love. To put on Christ is to let Him cover us, shape us, and define how we live.
Paul adds: “Make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” The word for “provision” (pronoia) means forethought, planning ahead. Sin often thrives not by accident but by preparation—stockpiling excuses, arranging opportunities, keeping temptations close at hand. Paul says: cut it off at the root. Don’t plan for sin; plan for holiness.
This has direct application to the biblical health message. Gluttony, drunkenness, and indulgence are not just spiritual dangers—they also ruin the body, God’s temple. When we “make provision for the flesh,” whether by keeping unhealthy habits, refusing self-control, or normalizing excess, we reap corruption (Gal. 6:8). But when we “put on Christ,” even in our eating, drinking, and daily choices, we reap life, strength, and joy.
Notice the balance here: Paul is not calling for mere denial of desire but replacement. We don’t just say no to the flesh; we say yes to Christ. We don’t just strip off sinful habits; we clothe ourselves in His Spirit. Health and holiness are not about empty deprivation but about fullness of life in Christ—life that overflows in discipline, peace, and fruitfulness.
For the modern believer, this passage challenges us to examine: Am I making provision for the flesh, or am I putting on Christ? Do my daily choices—what I consume, how I rest, how I live—reflect self-indulgence or Spirit-led discipline? The world says to gratify every craving; Christ says to crucify the flesh and walk in newness of life.
The good news is that His Spirit empowers us. We don’t clothe ourselves in Christ by willpower alone. We ask, and He covers us. We yield, and He fills us. This is how we walk in health, holiness, and hope until the day of His return.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I choose today to put You on as my covering. Guard me from making provision for the flesh, and teach me to live in the light of Your holiness. Let my body, mind, and spirit glorify You in all things as I wait for Your coming. Amen.
