The Value of Time - Part 1
Rom. 13:11-14

Introduction:
A. In this passage, Paul tells us that it is time to wake up and begin doing what Yahwah wants us to do.
B. The purpose of this passage is to encourage us to do what is right because time is of the essence.

I. If we value our time, we will “cast off the works of darkness” (13:12-14).
A. There are several things that Paul tells us to put off from our physical bodies (13:12-13).
1. Notice the sins that Paul points out in this passage.
a. “Not in revelry and drunkenness.”
1) Revelry is rioting, or letting loose sinfully.
2) Drunkenness is being intoxicated.
b. “Not in lewdness and lust.”
1) Lewdness is “cohabitation” (Strong’s) or sexual sin
2) Lust is a desire for that which is sinful.
c. “Not in strife and envy.”
1) Strife is arguing contentiously.
2) Envy is an extreme and hateful jealousy.
2. From the very beginning of this epistle, Paul tells them to abstain from sin.
a. Rom. 1:18-32
b. The point is that we must “cast off the works of darkness.”

B. Paul goes on to tell us that we should “make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (13:14).
1. This simply means that we do what we can to put ourselves in a “sin free” environment.
a. Of course, we will never be able to live in a completely sinless situation.
1) Paul dealt with a situation with the church in Corinth in which there was one who was withdrawn from.
2) In that writing, Paul acknowledges that it is impossible to remove yourself from sinful people.
3) I Cor. 5:10

b. However, we can surround ourselves with people and in places that will encourage us to do that which is right.
2. We must do what we can so that we will not fall to sin.
a. I Thes. 5:22 (KJV) - Abstain from all appearance of evil.
b. Again, the implication is that we should stay away from everything that looks sinful.
3. We should do what we can to not give ourselves an opportunity to sin.

II. If we value our time, we will “put on the armor of light” (13:12-14).
A. As we “cast off the works of darkness,” we are to walk properly in Yahwah (13:12-13).
1. There are several things that Yahwah wants us to do.
a. As we put off that which is evil, we must replace it with that which is good.
b. Notice the example of smoking.
c. If we do not fill our lives with good, then we will fall back into sin, and fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
2. Paul encourages us to fill this void by putting “on the armor of light.”
a. Armor is something that is used in battle and is designed to protect the one wearing it.
b. To “put on the armor of light” means that we protect ourselves with that which is good.
c. Eph. 6:10-17
d. When we have prepared ourselves by putting on this armor, then there is no room for “the works of darkness.”