How does Romans 13:14 connect with Ephesians 4:24 about putting on the new self? The Command to Clothe Ourselves • Romans 13:14: “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.” • Ephesians 4:24: “and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Both verses use the same Greek verb (endýsasthe – “put on,” “clothe yourselves”). The Spirit is calling believers to a conscious, continual action: dress ourselves with Christ Himself, thereby expressing the “new self” He has already created in us. One Garment, Two Angles 1. Romans 13:14 emphasizes the Person we put on—“the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2. Ephesians 4:24 highlights the product—“the new self… in true righteousness and holiness.” The garment is the same. Wearing Christ (Romans) equals living out the new nature He birthed in us (Ephesians). Clothing Imagery in the Rest of Scripture • Galatians 3:27: “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” • Colossians 3:10–12: we have “put on the new self… therefore … clothe yourselves with compassion…” • Isaiah 61:10 foretells it: “He has clothed me with the garments of salvation.” The consistent picture: salvation gives us the garment; daily obedience keeps it buttoned. Putting On Means Putting Off Romans 13:14 adds, “make no provision for the desires of the flesh.” Ephesians 4:22 precedes 4:24 with “put off your former way of life.” The Spirit never calls us merely to say yes to Christ without a decisive no to sin: • Starve the flesh—no advance planning, no secret stash of sinful opportunity. • Feed the new self—time in the Word, prayer, fellowship, service. Why This Matters Today • Identity: We do not manufacture holiness; we dress in the righteousness already ours in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, 21). • Witness: When believers “wear” Christ, the world sees His character (Matthew 5:16). • Readiness: Like armor (Ephesians 6:11), clothing ourselves with Christ prepares us for spiritual battle each day. Practical Steps for Daily Dressing 1. Begin the day by affirming Romans 13:14 aloud—declare who you are wearing. 2. Review any “provision for the flesh”: entertainment, relationships, online habits—cut off what fuels the old self. 3. Replace with intentional “new self” habits—scripture memorization, acts of service, encouraging speech. 4. Check your wardrobe throughout the day: is impatience, lust, or pride peeking out? Re-clothe immediately through confession and faith (1 John 1:9). 5. End the day thanking Christ that His garment never wears out, even when we stumble. The Result Living Romans 13:14 is the practical outworking of Ephesians 4:24. When we clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus, the “new self” becomes visible, tangible, and attractive—a walking testimony of God’s righteousness and holiness in real life. |
    |