Christ In Me

Scripture: Romans 13:12-14 "The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts."

Observation: The Greek word for "armor" here is the base of the use used in Ephesians 6:10 and 12 "Therefore, take up the whole armor of God..." This word, transliterated "hoplon" means an instrument or tool or implement. It has an offensive or proactive sense about it. It is translated as "instrument" in Romans 6:12, as "weapons" in John 18:2 and 2 Corinthians 10:4, and as armor here and in 2 Corinthians 6:7. Essentially it is a tool - a very effective one; one with purpose and strength.

Here Paul equates the "armor of light" with Jesus Christ in verse 14 as see by the fact that we are told to put on both.

Another interesting word here is the one translated as "put on." All but once in the gospels and Acts the word is used in the normal sense of clothing (i.e. the father put the best robe on the prodigal son when he returned), but in every instance that Paul uses it, it has spiritual implications.

Jesus says in Luke that we'll be endued with power from the Holy Spirit. Paul says we should put on the armor of light (Romans 13:12), Jesus (Romans 13:14), incorruption (1 Corinthians 15:53, 54), our new bodies in the resurrection (2 Corinthians 5:3), Christ (Galatians 3:27), the new man (Ephesians 4:24 and Colossians 3:10 - further described in verse 12), and the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10, 14). In 1 Thessalonians 5:8 we're told to put on a shortened version of the armor God.

The idea of putting on a different mindset toward life stems from my identity in Christ (see Romans 6:4), so the concept is really an extension of the closeness we are supposed to have with Jesus. Galatians 2:20 says that I have "died" in Jesus but now He is living in me.  In John 15 Jesus puts it this way: "Abide in Me and I in You."

Romans 8 takes this a step further by equating the Spirit of Jesus with the Holy Spirit (vs. 9). That is further evidence by the similarity of the list of behaviors that we should and should not have as found in Romans 13:13, Galatians 5:16-25, Philippians 4:8, and Colossians 3:12-17.

Application: There is a very real and effective relationship with Jesus that I have been given with my salvation. God intended for me to walk closely to him. He designed my new life to be one of intimate dependance on Him that will produce a fulfilling, joyful and peaceful life. Draw near to God and He will draw near to me (James 4:7-8).

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for doing far more than just saving me. I would not have thought of all these blessings if I had designed my own salvation. You planned my happiness to a level that was not possible apart from You. You are just amazing. What an amazing love I have been brought to! What an unexpected blessing! I love You. Amen.