![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.ministryofgrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/06\/Banner-MOG-701.gif\" "\\"Ministry")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to <\/strong>fulfill its<\/em><\/strong><\/span> lusts.<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Christians need to let the light of Christ shine in their lives.<\/p>\n The words \u201cput on\u201d in this verse are from the same root word as verse twelve, where we were told to \u201cput on the armor of light.\u201d In verse twelve, however, it was a suggestion where as in this verse the word is in the imperative mood, indicating a command.<\/p>\n \u201cProvision<\/span>\u201d comes from the Greek word pronoia<\/span>,<\/em> which is made up of pro<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cbefore, in time or location\u201d and a form of noe\u014d<\/span>,<\/em> meaning \u201cto think or to comprehend.\u201d When used as it is in this verse it means \u201cto think about something and make a plan or provision for it ahead of time.\u201d<\/p>\n The word \u201clusts\u201d is from epithumia<\/em><\/span>, which is composed of epi<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cupon, above, or over,\u201d often used as an intensifier, and a form of thumos<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cpassion.\u201d Hence, epithumia<\/em> <\/span>refers to an overly strong passion or desire.<\/p>\n Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Paul starts off this verse with the command, \u201cput on the Lord Jesus Christ.<\/span>\u201d The verb \u201cput on\u201d when used with regard to clothing is easy for us to understand, but to \u201cput on\u201d a person seems a harsh expression in English. However, this expression was frequently used by Greek writers, meaning to take on the other person\u2019s principles, imitate his example, and become like him. The Apostle John said something similar:<\/p>\n This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.<\/span> (1John 1:5-7<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n If we \u201cput on\u201d Christ, then we are to walk in His light. A genuine Christian will want to walk in this light. Unsaved people, however, want to stay out of God\u2019s light. They prefer to stay in their own world of darkness.<\/p>\n Paul finishes this verse with a very practical key to walking in the light. He says, \u201cand make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its<\/em> <\/span>lusts.<\/span>\u201d We all have those sins of the flesh that tend to cause us to stumble time after time whether they be anger, jealousy, impure thoughts, or others. They all come from the lusts of our flesh.\u00a0 Paul tells us that we are to emulate Christ in both attitude and action and that we are not to expend any energy thinking about those things that excite and enflame our sinful lusts. If we want to avoid committing sins of lust, we need to stop thinking of such things. In other words, \u201cIf you\u2019re not going to buy anything, don\u2019t go into the store.\u201d In fact, Paul would say, \u201cDon\u2019t even think about going into the store!\u201d<\/p>\n Application<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Dawn is coming and we need to be living as if the Light of the world has already come. We need to be a light to the dark world around us. We need to act Christ-like so the world can see Him in us. Let\u2019s put on Christ and let His light shine!<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.ministryofgrace.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2010\/06\/Signature1.gif\" "\\"Will\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\n