DEVOTIONAL

THE REFUGE

Out of all the epistles, the Apostle Paul has written, there is no doubt that the epistle of Romans is like the Himalayas to all the other letters. Its roots are driven deeply in the theological understanding of God’s sovereignty and man’s inability to come to Him apart from the divine mercy. The Holy Spirit has used this book to transform the lives of many, some who stand as Giants in the Christian faith, names such as Augustine, Martin Luther and John Wesley. This letter alone systematically walks you through the doctrine of sin, election, redemption, sanctification and glorification. Countless men and women of faith have singled out Romans as the weapon in The Lord’s arsenal that graciously brought about their surrender to Christ. It explains the new nature created by God through the work of regeneration, replacing the heart that is infected with sin from the time of birth, with a new heart that longs to uphold the commandments of God. This letter is inspired by The Lord and should be studied in-depth by every believer.

In the verse above,  Paul commands every believer, in a culture that is promoting all types of sinful perversity, to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and so walk in Him. Their inner man must be strengthened through obedience that they may come to a place of great discernment, to be able to prove that which is acceptable to God. So, he commands them to flee from all idolatry, to turn from drunkenness, sexual promiscuity, sensuality and behave like citizens of heaven, where their eternal home has been prepared. So, Paul tells all who are in Rome, who have come to Christ in faith, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh regarding its lusts.” They are to be The Lord’s lanterns shining in the midst of darkness, carefully observing their lifestyle, conforming themselves to the life of Jesus Christ. Peter, many years later affirming the writings of Paul will pen, “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of those who are lost, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.” The Bible is very clear based upon the evidence of saving faith that holiness and godliness must be the principle that is stamped upon our hearts.  Christian, though the Apostle was speaking primarily to his generation, this inspired text reaches thousands of years to our generation also.

May the Lord write it upon our hearts with an iron stylus never to be removed. So now my brothers and sisters in Christ, be of a sober mind, fully aware of your adversary who prowls around like a lion seeking whom he may devour. Always be prepared, knowing that the sin of open vice and excess is great in this world. Remember also that the cares, riches, pleasures, and honors of this world intoxicate the mind to outward rebellion against Christ; Who for your sake endured the cross joyfully, despising the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of The Father, who is in heaven. Let not your life be mesmerized by the allurements of this world, for your life is but a vapor, it appears for a little while, and then it vanishes away. You know not, Christian that you will even see the sunset, so gird yourself with holy vengeance against the tyranny of sin. For the Son of Man will soon appear riding in the clouds of heaven, a sharp two-edged sword will come forth from his mouth, and he will consume all of His enemies, bringing redemption to all who patiently await His return. Therefore, saints of the Most High, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.”