Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Romans 13:14

"But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof]." — Romans 13:14 (ASV)

In conclusion, the apostle returns to his figure of putting on clothing (cf. v.12), but now the garment is personalized: they must put on the Lord Jesus Christ. They must consciously accept the lordship of the Master. But how can Paul say this when believers have already put on Christ at conversion and baptism (Galatians 3:27)? There is always room for decisive renewal, for fresh advance.

Paul allows no room for a spirit of complacency, as though a life of godliness automatically follows faith. The redeemed must always be attuned to the Savior. They must exercise ceaseless vigilance lest the flesh prevail. They must not give thought to how the desires of the old nature can be satisfied (cf. ch. 6). Union with Christ must be accompanied by a constant reckoning of oneself as dead to sin and alive to God and his holy will.