Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 13:11-14

"And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is salvation nearer to us than when we [first] believed. The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof]." — Romans 13:11-14 (ASV)

Four things are taught here as a Christian's guide for his day's work. Regarding when to awake: the time is now. We are to awake from the sleep of carnal security, sloth, and negligence; from the sleep of spiritual death; and from the sleep of spiritual deadness. This should be done considering the time—which is a busy time and a perilous time—and also that salvation is near at hand.

Let us pay attention to our way and quicken our pace, for we are nearer our journey's end. We must also make ourselves ready. The night is far spent, the day is at hand; therefore, it is time to dress ourselves. Observe what we must put off: the clothes worn in the night. Cast off the sinful works of darkness.

Observe what we must put on, that is, how we should dress our souls. Put on the armour of light. A Christian must consider himself undressed if he is unarmed. The graces of the Spirit are this armour, meant to secure the soul from Satan's temptations and the assaults of this present evil world. Put on Christ; that includes all.

Put on the righteousness of Christ for justification. Put on the Spirit and grace of Christ for sanctification. The Lord Jesus Christ must be put on as Lord to rule you, as Jesus to save you, and in both capacities, as Christ, anointed and appointed by the Father to this ruling, saving work. And we are taught how to walk.

When we are up and ready, we are not to sit still but to go out; let us walk. Christianity teaches us how to walk so as to please God, who always sees us. Walk honestly as in the day, avoiding the works of darkness. Where there is riot and drunkenness, there usually are sexual immorality and sensuality, and strife and envy.

Solomon puts all these together (Proverbs 23:29–35). Now, let us see what provision to make. Our great concern must be to provide for our souls. But must we take no care for our bodies? Yes, we must; but two things are forbidden: perplexing ourselves with anxious, burdensome care, and indulging ourselves in irregular desires.

Natural needs are to be met, but evil appetites must be checked and denied. To ask for food for our necessities is our duty (we are taught to pray for daily bread); but to ask for food for our lusts is provoking to God (Psalms 78:18).