Make No Provision for the Flesh

Make No Provision for the Flesh

One scripture that we read this morning was from Romans 13:14. I would like to spend our time tonight by expounding a little on both verse 13, and verse 14.

  • “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.” (Romans 13:13-14)

We will begin by defining lightly the six words Paul used to warn us how not to walk.

Definitions:

Revelry: Usage: “kómos”

  • Refers to a festive procession or celebration, often characterized by excessive feasting, drinking, and licentious behavior.
  • In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe a lifestyle of indulgence and moral laxity
  • In contrast to the virtues of self-control and sobriety expected of believers.

Drunkenness: Usage: The term “methé”

  • Refers to the state of intoxication or drunkenness, often associated with excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. [Strong’s: deep drinking]
  • In the New Testament, it also is used to describe a condition that leads to moral and spiritual laxity
  • Also, contrasted with sobriety and self-control.

Lewdness: Usage: The Greek word “κοίτη”

  • Primarily refers to a bed or a place of lying down.
  • In the New Testament, it is often used metaphorically to denote sexual relations….
  • Here Paul is using the negative connotation of illicit sexual behavior.
  • The marriage bed which is acceptable to God, would be the positive in contrast.

Lust: Usage: The term “aselgeia”

  • Refers to unrestrained, shameless behavior, often associated with sexual excesses and moral depravity.
  • It denotes a lack of self-control and a disregard for moral boundaries, often manifesting in actions that are openly indecent or offensive.
  • In the New Testament, it is used to describe behaviors that are contrary to the holiness and purity expected of believers.
  • Strongs adds, “filth” to this list.

Strife: Usage: The Greek word “eris”

  • Refers to a state of conflict, disagreement, or rivalry.
  • It is often used in the New Testament to describe interpersonal conflicts and divisions within communities, particularly within the context of the early Christian church.
  • The term conveys a sense of contentiousness and a spirit of rivalry that disrupts harmony and unity which is commanded of the church (Eph. 4:1-3).

Envy: Usage: In the New Testament, “zelos”

  • Can have both positive and negative connotations.
  • Negatively, it can denote jealousy or envy, where one’s fervor is misdirected or self-centered.
  • Positively, it refers to an intense enthusiasm or fervor for something good, such as devotion to God or a righteous cause. (2 Cor. 7:11) The zeal they had in putting away sin.

Let Us Walk Properly…