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Make No Provision For The Flesh - Romans 13
Make No Provision For The Flesh - Romans 13
“… Make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts (Rom. 13:14).
Paul has in chapter 8, already made a strong contrast between a life according to the flesh and one that is according to the Spirit. Even for those who would walk according to the Spirit, they still face temptations of the flesh.
Problem of the lusts and ME – James 1:14-15 14 But …each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
Lusts is a basic word in Greek that means ‘desire’. It is used both in a negative way (and usually translated ‘lust’ in such situations), and also in an positive way including what God desires for us and of us.
There are things that we desire that God has prohibited. Such desires are common to man. Even in their popularity though, they are wrong. Thus, Paul’s admonition here is that we are to make no provision for the fulfilling of such desires.
Imagine, if I want to lose weight but I love Blue Bell Cookies and Cream ice cream. To fortify my willpower, I decide to fill my big freezer with gallons and gallons of this. That way, I will be building up my ability to deny the desire and thus will be able to lose weight. Yea, right. How’s that working for you? ☹
Such in effect is simply making provision to fulfill the desire. NOW, eating ice cream is not in itself sinful or a work of the flesh (gluttony is) but it does illustrate our struggle. When you know you have a desire for something that God has prohibited, it is simply easier to avoid partaking if you have set up your own safety barricades. Yes, ice cream will be available at the store, but if you have to get dressed and make that trip in the middle of the night you are much more likely to avoid giving in. If you only have to walk into the kitchen and grab a spoon – well.
So, analyze your own desires. Acknowledge those that are of the flesh verses those that are of the Spirit. Build your own safety barricade against the fulfilling of the desire.
This is not a thing for ME to do for YOU, nor for you to do for me. This is your relationship with God and your desire that must be dealt with by YOU. Look back at the times you gave into such desires of the flesh. You will find that you either didn’t provide the needed safety ropes OR you crossed over them and gave in. How are you doing with your desires?
Hugh DeLong
