How can we "put aside the deeds of darkness" in our daily lives? The Night Is Nearly Over “The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us cast off the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” — Romans 13:12 Paul paints a sunrise picture: darkness fading, daylight breaking. Because this is literally true—Christ’s return drawing nearer each moment—today is the time to throw off whatever belongs to the night. Identify the Darkness Within and Around Us Scripture names the shadows so we can recognize them: • Galatians 5:19-21 lists “sexual immorality… idolatry… jealousy… drunkenness, and the like.” • Colossians 3:5 adds “greed, which is idolatry.” • Ephesians 5:11 calls them “fruitless deeds of darkness.” Whenever an attitude, habit, or entertainment contradicts God’s character, it belongs to the night. Renounce and Repent • Confess—agree with God that the behavior is sin (1 John 1:9). • Turn—change direction; stop defending the sin and start hating it (Proverbs 8:13). • Replace empty apologies with concrete choices: delete, unfollow, unsubscribe, trash, exit. Put On the Armor of Light Armor is active, not decorative. Romans 13:12 links casting off darkness with putting on light. • Truth over lies (Ephesians 6:14). • Righteous choices over selfish desires (v. 14). • Gospel readiness—speak openly of Christ when opportunity knocks (v. 15). • Faith to extinguish temptation’s arrows (v. 16). • Salvation confidence guarding your thoughts (v. 17). • Word-saturated living—Scripture on your lips and in your schedule (v. 17). Walk by the Spirit Daily “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16 • Begin each day acknowledging the Spirit’s indwelling leadership. • When temptation flashes, yield control to Him rather than to impulse. • Expect His fruit—love, joy, peace, and the rest (Galatians 5:22-23)—to crowd out the works of darkness. Guard the Gateways: Mind, Eyes, Ears Philippians 4:8 gives a filter: true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy. Ask of every input—music, show, social feed, conversation: – Does it meet the filter? – Does it stir jealousy, lust, bitterness, or fear? What we refuse to entertain cannot entangle us. Choose Accountability and Community • Hebrews 10:24-25 urges believers to meet together and spur one another on. • Invite a trusted brother or sister to ask hard questions. • Celebrate victories together; pray through setbacks together. Live Ready for the Dawn Romans 13:11 reminds us “our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.” Each obedient choice is practice for eternity’s daylight. Keep eyes on the horizon, armor fastened, hearts clean, and the deeds of darkness will stay where they belong—behind us. |
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