Enlightened Behavior
Rom 13:13,14 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
"You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1Th 5:5-9
Interesting to note the motivation he gives in both passages. He doesn't motivate right behavior out of fear of condemnation. For that would be contrary to the idea that salvation is by faith and not attained by means of behavior. Rather he motivates Christians to behave well in view of who we are and in view of the hope we have. Furthermore, right behavior is simply characteristic of those born of God. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." Gal 5:24 So "walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." Gal 5:16
The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources
Rom 13:13,14 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
"You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1Th 5:5-9
Interesting to note the motivation he gives in both passages. He doesn't motivate right behavior out of fear of condemnation. For that would be contrary to the idea that salvation is by faith and not attained by means of behavior. Rather he motivates Christians to behave well in view of who we are and in view of the hope we have. Furthermore, right behavior is simply characteristic of those born of God. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." Gal 5:24 So "walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." Gal 5:16
The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources
