Some Key Words (12/24/00)

Knowing (eido [1492]):

to perceive with the outward senses, to see, to understand, to experience, be acquainted with, esteem, regard, acknowledge, consider; to notice, discern, discover, to turn the attention to, pay attention, observe, inspect, examine, to know of, to understand the force and meaning of that which has definite meaning;

Time (kairos [2540]):

season, time - implying that which time provides opportunity to do, the time at which a necessary action occurs - whether convenient or not; due measure, a definite time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch, the right time, a limited time, the things and events of time; a set or proper time

Salvation (soteria [4991]):

deliverance, preservation - material or spiritual, the present experience of God's power to deliver, the future deliverance of the Second Coming, all the blessing of God; safety, deliverance from enemies, Messianic salvation, the present possession of the true Christian, the future blessing that the redeemed will enjoy at the Second Coming; rescue

Armor (hoplon [3696]):

any preparatory tool or implement; weapons used in warfare, an instrument; a utensil or tool - especially offensive weapons

Light (phos [5457]):

sunlight or daylight, light not subject to lighting or extinguishing; lamplight, heavenly light such as surrounds angelic appearances, anything that emits light - stars, fire, torch, etc., brightness, God - as having pure and brilliant qualities, truth and knowledge associated with spiritual purity, exposed to public view, open, the power to understand moral and spiritual truth; to shine or make manifest

Behave (peripateo [4043]):

to walk, make one's way, progress, to make due use of opportunities, to regulate one's life, conduct oneself; to tread all around, walk at large, deport oneself, to follow as a companion or votary

Properly (euschemonos [2156]):

in a seemly manner, decently; decorously

Carousing (komos [2970]):

riotings, revelings, coming from the name of the Greek god of feasting (Comus), whose rites included feasting, drunkenness, and other impurities and obscenities; a nocturnal and riotous precession of half-drunken fellows parading through the streets in honor of Bacchus or another god;

Sensuality (aselgeia [766]):

lasciviousness, wantonness, readiness for all pleasure; unbridled lust, excess, outrageousness, shamelessness;

Strife (eris [2054]):

contention, wrangling; a quarrel

Jealousy (zelos [2205]):

zeal, an honorable emulation and imitation of that which is perceived as excellent, a desire to make war on the good seen in another; excitement of mind, ardor, fervor of spirit, zeal in pursuing, a fierceness of indignation, envious and contentious rivalry; heat, ardor or jealousy as of a husband or of an enemy, malice

Provision (pronoia [4307]):

providence, care, prudence; forethought, providential care; supply

Lusts (epithumia [1939]):

active and individual desire resulting from the diseased passions of the soul; desire, craving, longing, desire for what is forbidden; a longing for what is forbidden

 

Paraphrase: (12/24/00)

11 These things we should be about doing, since we know that the present age is rapidly approaching its end. We must be more alert, knowing that our salvation draws near. 12 Indeed, as dawn approaches, we must all the moreso cease from the acts common to darkness, and clothe ourselves in the ways of light. 13 We must behave properly as we would when in plain sight, not spending ourselves in partying and free sex, nor in arguments and divisiveness. 14 No! We must clothe ourselves in the Lord Christ Jesus, Himself, and give no freedom to the flesh to pursue its lusts.

Key Verse: (12/24/00)

13:14 - As we become Christ-like, allowing His ways to cover and change our own, the flesh will be denied its lusts, as the spirit returns to its rightful rule of the body.

People Mentioned: (12/24/00)

N/A

Some Parallel Verses (12/24/00)

13:11

1Co 7:29 - The time before the end has been shortened, and requires our full attention. 1Co 10:11 - Scripture's record has been made so that we who dwell in the endtimes will have an example. Jas 5:8 - We are to be strong and patient, knowing Christ's return is imminent, 1Pe 4:7 - also being sound in our judgement, and sober in our prayer. 2Pe 3:9-11 - God delays His coming not out of slowness, but out of mercy and patience, allowing as many as will to repent and turn to living in holiness and godliness. 1Jn 2:18 - We know the end is nearing by the presence of antichrists. Rev 1:3 - We are blessed to hear and heed the Word of Revelation, for the end comes soon. Rev 22:10 - The revelation was made openly, because time was short. Mk 13:37 - Christ warns us all to remain alert. 1Co 15:34 - We must be sober-minded and sin-free. Eph 5:14 - Christ shines upon those who awake from their spiritual slumber and death. 1Th 5:6 - We must be alert and sober.

13:12

See all above references through Rev 22:10. Heb 10:25 - We must encourage each other in mutual assembly for the day comes soon, 1Jn 2:8 - in fact, the Light of Christ is shining even now. Eph 5:11 - Not only ought we avoid acts of darkness, but our purpose is to expose them. 2Co 6:7 - We are armed with weapons of righteousness in both hands, 2Co 10:4 - divinely powerful weapons able to destroy the fortresses of evil. Eph 6:11,13 - Wearing the full armor of God, we are enabled to stand firm against anything the Devil may do. 1Th 5:8 - Faith and love are our breastplate and the hope of salvation is our helmet.

13:13

1Th 4:11-12 - We are to lead quiet lives, working at our businesses, behaving well towards strangers and free of need. Lk 21:34 - Dissipation and drunkenness weigh down our hearts, weakening our guard. Gal 5:21 - Those who practice such things will not enter God's kingdom. Eph 5:18 - Rather than getting drunk on wine, we ought to fill ourselves with the Holy Spirit. 1Pe 4:3 - We've had more than enough time to pursue our lusts before conversion.

13:14

Job 29:14 - Righteousness clothes us, justice is a robe and turban to us. Gal 3:27 - In our baptism, we were clothed with Christ. Eph 4:24 - This is our new self, made in God's likeness, created in righteousness and holiness and truth; Col 3:10 - renewed by true knowledge, and in full accord with the image of God our creator. Col 3:12 - As the outside, so the inside. Our heart is fashioned in compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Gal 5:16 - As we walk by the Spirit, the fleshly desires will be denied, 1Pe 2:11 - for fleshly lusts are at war with our soul. As such, we ought to behave as strangers to such lusts.

 

New Thoughts (12/25/00)

As we come to understand the force and meaning of that which is made necessary by the time in which we live, that the future blessing that the redeemed will enjoy at the Second Coming is not that far future, it cannot help but shape our actions. It ought to jolt us out of any false sense of security that has built up. I'm sure I'm not alone in having fallen into the trap of thinking the end cannot come in my day. Surely, it remains far distant, so I can relax. There's time. But the warning of Scripture then and now, is that there really isn't time. The crisis of decision is upon us! If we won't decide for righteousness now, we never will. Though we may not live to see the Second Coming, we will certainly otherwise live to see our own end. Either event pretty much closes the gate on correcting our course. Neither event is predictable by our abilities. The only safe reaction to this understanding is to repent, is to set aside completely the ways of our sinful past, and allow them no further place in our lives. Such efforts, Paul cannot help but put in militaristic terms, because it's going to be a battle. The flesh and the sin that controls it do not give up easily. Nor will they submit willingly once subdued, but will remain restive captives, ever seeking an opportunity to break free once more.

Here and elsewhere, Paul speaks of the weapons that we have been given to fight this good fight. In the current passage, he refers to what is translated as the armor of light. And yet, looking at the definitions, it seems that what is called armor is intended as an offensive weapon. Now, I tend to view armor, helmet, and shield as the defensive regalia of battle, intended to protect their wearer from the harm being inflicted by the enemy. But, the word here indicates an offensive weapon. An interesting choice of words following on the admonition to be at peace with all men. Ah! But it is not with men that we are to take the offense. Rather it is with the spiritual world that is at work behind their actions. Here, no mere defensive holding of ground is sufficient. We are called to take up the unquenchable, inextinguishable light of Christ and bear Him into battle, to pierce the darkness with light which cannot be stopped. Elsewhere, our defensive weaponry is spelled out more clearly. Faith and love protect our heart, faith in strengthening us for action, love in tempering our actions to keep from overreaction. And the hope of salvation protects our head, our mind. This is the most critical piece of our armor, for this is the enemy's favorite point of attack. Doubts, jealousy, criticism, pride, all are designed to turn the mind aside from righteousness. But the hope of salvation keeps us attuned to the matter at hand, and the Word of truth is a weapon of righteousness in our hands.

Lord, I pray that You would help me to cease operating on the defensive, and to take a more offensive stance towards the spirit of this age. Help me to take up the tools and weapons You have provided to beat back the enemy unseen. Build me up in Your strength to stand as a soldier should, ever ready for the battle, ever willing to press hard against the enemy to take new ground for Your kingdom. I pray You find me willing to Your command, my Captain.