RISING UP IN READINESS FOR THE COMING OF THE LORD (ROMANS 13:11-14)
The passage before us is taken from Paul the apostle's letter to the young church at Rome. The Roman society at that time was in a horrible state of corruptness and ungodliness. Lawlessness, decadence, permissiveness, self-indulgence, greed and ungodly ambition had taken root. and horrible sins were rampant in the society at that time. It was in this kind of environment that the young church in Rome was being raised up for the Lord. Thus, Paul charged the church to rise up, depart from every form of slumbering, separate totally from the corruptness and sinfulness in the world, walk aggressively and fervently in holiness and be prepared in readiness for the coming of the Lord (Romans 13:12-14).
The church today is being warned by the Holy Spirit, through His Word, to be "awake out of sleep" (Romans 13:1 1; 1 Corinthians 10:1 1). We are to reject every form of slumbering, slothfulness and lukewarmness, while the wind of worldliness, disobedience and distortion of the Bible, immorality and compromise carry many away to eternity without Christ (Mark 13:35-37 Ephesians 5:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:6). This urgent call to be awake and be ready for the coming of the Lord, forms the stronghold of our Bible Study.
UNFOLDING THE CORRUPTNESS OF THE SEASON
Romans 13:11: Matthew 24:42-44; 1 Peter 4:7; James 5:8; Revelation 1:3; 22:10
It is very important for us, believers, that we be aware of the time that we are in. We are to be alert to the significance of the hour. That is why the Bible says: "knowing the time". It also says: "it is high time...". This means, we are not just in an ordinary passing time, we are in a special season: the season of more corruptness, decay, unrighteousness and open rebellion against God (2 Timothy 4:3,4; Hebrews 3:12). It is also the season for our watchfulness, vigilance, preparedness and readiness every hour for the sudden appearing of the Lord in the sky (Matthew 24:42-44: 1 Peter 4.7: James 5:8; Revelation 1:3; 22:10). The coming of the Lord is at the door. We are at the zero hour. We are to walk before God honestly, separate totally from all ungodliness, worldliness and compromise, and be ready every minute for the rapture of the saints.
URGENT CHARGE FROM OUR SAVIOUR
Romans 13:12,13; Hebrews 12:1; Colossians 3:5; 2 Timothy 2:3;
The Lord, by His Spirit, charges every true believer to "cast off the works of darkness" and to "put on the armour of light". The words "cast off" and "put on" are militarv terms They are used for a newly recruited soldier, reporting for duty at the army headquarters. Still in his civilian clothes, he signs the papers affirming his membership of the armed forces, and is given a complete uniform. He then totally casts off his civilian dress, and puts on his military uniform. From that moment he takes up the military identity. The same for us too. Our casting off the works of darkness must be deliberate and decisive (2Timothy 2:3). Every evil habit, manner, character connection, fellowship and permissiveness must go (Hebrews 12:1; Colossians 3:5). Also, we are to put on the “armor of light” (Romans 13:12). What is the armour of light? It is: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, sandal of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, Sword of the Spirit, helmet of salvation, and, aggressive prayer. We are children of light, we must put on the armour of light (Ephesians 5:8: 6:1 1,13). As we put on the armour of God, we are to stand firm in the faith, remain in holiness without fear and be e ready for Christ's return.
UNBENDING CONSECRATION OF THE SAINTS
Romans 13:13; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 4:1,17; 5:2,8,15
Every true believer is commanded to walk in purity, sincerity without deceit as we aggressively serve the Lord. The word: 'walk" denotes our outward life which people see. It must show honesty, "as in the day". None should find fault in our walk as believers in the world. There must be no darkness or any lifestyle that will bring mockery to the Cross of Calvary. We are to separate totally from every sinful pleasure, live above reproach, with our conscience clear before God and men. We are to walk, worthy of the heavenly call (Ephesians 4:1), not like the unbelievers (Ephesians 4:17), in love (Ephesians 5:2), as children of light (Ephesians 5;8), and watchfully with vigilance ( Ephesians 5:15).
Above all, we are to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, giving no chance to the flesh in any form in our lives, and quenching its ungodly desires. When we put on the Lord Jesus, we live a crucified life (Galatians 2:20). In speech, in thought and in doings, in dressing, appearance, relationship, familv life and ministry, Christ is seen, honoured and glorified. Our yieldedness to the Lord must be unbending, our walking in holiness: uncompromising, and, our determination to meet the Lord at Rapture must be with steadfastness, even unto the end.
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