Putting on Christ!

It is a long time since we dressed up to go somewhere due to the pandemic.  Dressing-up involves not only the will but also the emotions.  Much depends on how we feel that day! It also has a lot to do with how we want others to perceive us!  Paul advises the Roman believers to "…  put on the Lord Jesus Christ.." (Rom 13:14).  The Bible talks about many lists of sins that we have to put off. Col 3:8-9 says we have to put off anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language, and lies. Eph. 4:25-32 advises us to put off all unrighteousness, including sexual immorality and pride. Paul says that we should make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its lusts.  According to Paul, not only the perpetrators of those sins but also those who approve of them deserve death (V32)!  Paul is a fantastic teacher of practical Christianity! 

When believers get baptized into Christ, Paul says, they have put on Christ (Gal 3:27).  When we understand it that way, the elect has to put on the attributes of Jesus Himself - tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, forgiveness, and above all, love(Col 3:12-14). Only by casting off the works of darkness in our life can we put on Christ.  Then the first step in putting on Christ is the decision to live a holy life involving not only our emotion but also the will.  Second,  the Word has to dwell in our hearts richly. This will protect us from falling into sin.  Third, we have to ask the Holy Spirit to help us in putting our decision into practice.  We do not need special strength to go with the flow, but we need God's help to stand against the tempter! We have to put on the whole armour of God, that we may be able to stand against the devil, for our battle is not just against flesh and blood, but against principalities and rulers of darkness. (Eph 6:11,12).  The Christian life is not just about saying no to sin; it is also about saying yes to obedience to the Word!

My friend, Paul says that he disciplines his body and brings it into subjection not to become disqualified when he has preached to others (1 Cor 9:27).  Unless we discipline our bodies and mind like Paul, we will fall.  May the Lord help us guard ourselves against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Let us put on Christ for those around us to find Christ through us!  

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