How can we "behave decently" in today's society according to Romans 13:13? The Verse in Focus “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.” (Romans 13:13) Why “Daytime” Matters • Daylight exposes; nothing is hidden (John 3:20-21). • Followers of Christ are “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). • Living openly and transparently guards us from secret sin. Six Pitfalls to Reject 1. Carousing 2. Drunkenness 3. Sexual immorality 4. Debauchery (shameless sensuality) 5. Dissension 6. Jealousy These cover public excess, private impurity, and relational strife. Cutting them off safeguards every area of life. Daily Steps Toward Decent Behavior • Stay Alert: “So then, let us not sleep as others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6) • Guard Inputs: What we watch, read, and listen to shapes desires (Psalm 101:3). • Honor Marriage and Purity: “Marriage should be honored by all… God will judge the sexually immoral.” (Hebrews 13:4) • Practice Self-Control: A fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) that counteracts drunkenness and indulgence. • Seek Peace: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) counters dissension. • Cultivate Gratitude: Thankfulness crowds out jealousy (Colossians 3:15-16). Putting On Christ Directly after verse 13, Paul says, “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.” (Romans 13:14) • “Clothe” pictures deliberate, daily choice. • Refuse opportunities for sin; don’t stock the pantry for the flesh. • Saturate mind and heart with Scripture (Psalm 119:11). Community Accountability • Walk with believers who spur you toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Confess and pray together for freedom and healing (James 5:16). • Model daylight living; your example invites others into the light. Living as Beacons Today • Integrity at work: refuse dishonest gain, speak truth. • Respect governing authorities as earlier verses command (Romans 13:1-7). • Serve neighbors sacrificially; love fulfills the law (Romans 13:10). • Maintain hope and joy; visible holiness paired with visible joy draws others (1 Peter 3:15-16). Walking “as in the daytime” lets Christ’s light shine through ordinary life, proving that Scripture’s call to decency is both timeless and transformative. |
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