"The night is far spent, the day is at hand: Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness (Gk. Skotous), and let us put on the armor of light (Gk. Photos). Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof."
Rom. 13:12-14
It was Paul's literary practice to first pen what had been on behalf of the believing community through the cross of the Iesou, and then teach the moral realities that should be evident in the lives of those who have profited therefrom.
Paul taught that the eschaton, or the last days had already appeared during his time. We live within the last days of this age. A new age (aeon) is coming that will be ruled by the Iesou himself.
We live in the "already and the not yet" as one writer put it. We are resident aliens within this cosmos. We are citizens of another country. We know that here we have no continuing city, but we look for the one that is to come. As those who possess precious promises, from the Lord, we are called upon to model our foreign citizenship. We are to be different in the manner we behave while away from home.
Paul states that we, that is we collectively, must cast off away from ourselves the works of darkness. The Greek word for darkness in our text is the word skotous which refers to spiritual darkness. It is a word that denotes a state of being that is inconsistent with one's professed status. It also means to 'stop' or to be restrained because one is unable to see. Darkness is not a psychological term it is a theological term that describes spiritual malignancy.
We must cast off spiritual malignancy as it hinders the living out of our true nature and calling. One cannot represent the Iesou in a consistent manner if one is practicing the works of darkness. This represents a split within and a fragmentary life without, and upward mobility is curtailed by the devouring lie. This life becomes conspicuously bogged down when the great lie is ruling the heart.
We are therefore enjoined by Paul to "put on" the armor of photos. We are obligated to live a photo-graphic life. It is the life of the day that takes no part in the menacing ways of skotous (night). Paul emphatically states that we must walk decorously as in the day. This is a powerful and transforming truth for those who profess claims to the redemptive work of the Iesou. In Him (the Ieosu) is no darkness at all, and therefore those who claim to know Him must walk as He walked.
We cast off the unfruitful works of darkness by faith. We say a resounding 'no' to the powers of darkness who would seduce us only to betray us "in deepest consequence." Paul has to warn constantly believing ones not to be seduced by Komos the god of partying through drunkenness and sensuality. Paul has to warn constantly believing ones about Methe or drinking parties.
You may say that such behavior was never a part of the community, but you would be mistaken. God is not blind to the ways of his redeemed ones. He has a very detailed understanding of our ways. We do well to remember this and not to evade or ignore it. God must tell us not to be engaged in sexual promiscuity within the community. But it does happen, and many have suffered because of it. Marriages and families have been ruined by such behavior.
It is time for us to start living as though the Ieosus is coming for his called out ones. He will come! Will you be ready to see Him? Do not be found in darkness. You do not want to be ashamed before Him when he removes us from the cosmos. The last days are upon us and we need to focus upon the things that will remain unto eternity. Blessings to you.
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