Romans 13:14 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

But (to sum up all in one word), put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ - in such wise that Christ only may be seen in you (see 2 Corinthians 3:3; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:24);

And make not provision, х pronoian (G4307) mee (G3361) poieisthe (G4160)] - 'take not forethought,' to [fulfill] the lusts [thereof]: q.d, 'Direct none of your attention to the cravings of your corrupt nature, how you may provide for their gratification.' Remarks:

(1) How gloriously adapted is Christianity for human society in all conditions! As it makes war directly against no specific forms of government, so it directly recommends none. While its holy and benign principles secure the ultimate abolition of all iniquitous government, the reverence which it teaches for magistracy, under whatever form, as a divine institution, secures the loyalty and peaceableness of its disciples amid all the turbulence and distractions of civil society, and makes it the highest interest of all States to welcome it within their pale, as in this, as well as every other sense, 'the salt of the earth, the light of the world.'

(2) Christianity is the grand specific for the purification and elevation of all the social relations-inspiring a readiness to discharge all obligations, and, most of all, implanting in its disciples that love which secures all men against injury from them, inasmuch as it is the fulfilling of the law.

(3) How should the rapid march of the kingdom of God, the advanced stage of it at which we have arrived, and the ever-nearing approach of the perfect day-nearer to every believer the longer he lives-quicken all the children of light to redeem the time, and, seeing that they look for such things, to be diligent that they may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless (2 Peter 3:14)!

(4) In virtue of 'the expulsive power of a new and more powerful affection,' the great secret of persevering holiness in all manner of conversation will be found to be "Christ IN US, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27), and Christ ON US, as the character in which alone we shall be able to shine before men (2 Corinthians 3:3).

Romans 13:14

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.