But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.
put.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Ephesians 4:24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
Colossians 3:10-12 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: …
and.
Romans 8:12,13 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh…
Galatians 5:16,17,24 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh…
Colossians 3:5-8 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: …
and make no provision for the desires of the flesh
This part of the verse warns against planning or providing opportunities to fulfill sinful desires. The "flesh" in biblical terms often refers to the sinful nature of humanity, which is in opposition to the Spirit. In the cultural context of the Roman Empire, where indulgence in various desires was common, this instruction would have been countercultural. It aligns with Galatians 5:16-17, where Paul advises walking by the Spirit to avoid gratifying the desires of the flesh. The call is to live a disciplined life, avoiding situations that might lead to sin, and instead focusing on spiritual growth and holiness.
- Paul has just warned believers to “cast off the deeds of darkness” (Romans 13:12). The word “Instead” signals a sharp turn from what must be abandoned to what must be embraced.
- Scripture often presents this “put off / put on” pattern—see Ephesians 4:22-24 and Colossians 3:8-10—reminding us that repentance is both a turning from sin and a turning toward Christlike living.
- The transition word assures us that God never leaves a vacuum in the Christian life; where sin is evicted, Christ is welcomed.
- To “clothe” ourselves pictures a deliberate, daily decision—like putting on a garment—to let Christ’s character cover every part of life.
• Galatians 3:27 says, “All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
• Isaiah 61:10 celebrates being “clothed with garments of salvation.”
- Practically, this means:
• Thinking His thoughts (Philippians 2:5).
• Speaking with His grace (Colossians 4:6).
• Acting with His love (John 13:34-35).
- Because Jesus is “the Lord,” submitting to His authority is inherent in putting Him on; because He is “Jesus,” we rely on His saving work; because He is “Christ,” we trust His anointed power to live through us.
- “Provision” refers to supplying or planning ahead. Paul urges: don’t stockpile opportunities for sin.
• Proverbs 4:14-15 counsels, “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked… turn away and pass on.”
• Matthew 26:41 echoes, “Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.”
- Practical outworking:
• Remove triggers (2 Timothy 2:22—“flee youthful passions”).
• Establish boundaries that protect your walk (Psalm 101:3—“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes”).
• Pursue accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25).
- “Flesh” is the sin-nature that lingers until glory. Its “desires” are cravings opposed to God’s will (Galatians 5:16-17).
- Scripture is clear these desires are not to be coddled but crucified (Galatians 5:24).
- Victory is promised: walking by the Spirit keeps us from fulfilling fleshly lusts (Romans 8:13). The same grace that saves also empowers (Titus 2:11-12).
Romans 13:14 calls believers to a decisive lifestyle: turn from darkness, put on Christ like a well-fitted robe, and starve the old nature of every opportunity. By daily yielding to the Lord Jesus and refusing to nurture sinful cravings, we live out the gospel’s power and shine His light in a dark world.
(14) Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.--A continuation of the metaphor introduced in Romans 13:12. So invest and identify yourselves with the spirit of Christ as to reproduce it in your outward walk and conduct.Make not provision for the flesh.--Take no thought for the flesh, so as to supply a stimulus to its lusts. A life of luxury and self-indulgence is apt to excite those fleshly impulses which the Christian should try rather to mortify. He therefore warns his readers not to give their thoughts to such things.