Put On Christ as Your Daily Garment

JESUS WAS TO BE PUT ON
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
Romans 13:14 14Rather,clothe yourselveswith the
LORD Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to
gratify the desires of the flesh.
Christ Put On BY SPURGEON
“But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the
flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.”
Romans 13:14
As Christ is your Food, nourishing the inner man, so put Him on as your
garments covering the outer man. “Put you on the Lord Jesus Christ.” It is a
very wonderful expression. It is most condescending on our Lord’s part to
allow such an exhortation. Paul speaks the mind of the Holy Spirit and the
word is full of meaning. Oh, for Divine Grace to learn its teaching! It is full of
very solemn warning to us, for we need a covering thus divinely perfect.
Oh, for Grace to practice the command to put it on! The Apostle does not so
much say, “Takeup the Lord Jesus Christ and bear Him with you,” but, “Put
on the Lord Jesus Christ” and thus wearHim as the garment of your life! A
man takes up his staff for a journey or his sword for a battle–but he lays these
down again after a while. You are to put on the Lord Jesus as you put on your
garments and thus He is to coveryou and to become part and parcel of your
outward appearance, surrounding your very self as a visible part of your
manifest personality.
“Put you on the Lord Jesus Christ.” This we do when we believe in Him–then
we put on the Lord Jesus Christ as our robe of righteousness. Itis a very
beautiful picture of what faith does. Faith finds our manhood naked to its
shame–faithsees that Christ Jesus is the Robe of Righteousness provided for
our need. And faith, at the command of the Gospel, appropriates Him and

gets the benefit of Him for it. By faith the soul covers her weaknesswith His
strength, her sin with His atonement, her folly with His wisdom, her failure
with His triumphs, her death with His life, her wanderings with His
constancy.
By faith, I say, the soul hides itself within Jesus till Jesus, only, is seenand the
man is seenin Him. We take not only His righteousnessas being imputed to
us, but we take Himself to be really ours. And so His righteousness becomes
ours as a matter of fact. “By the obedience of One shall many be made
righteous.” His righteousness is setto our accountand becomes ours because
He is ours. I, though long unrighteous in myself, believe in the testimony of
God concerning His Son Jesus Christ and I am accountedrighteous, even as it
is written, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for
righteousness.”
The riches of God in Christ Jesus become mine as I take the Lord Jesus Christ
to be everything to me. But, you see, the text does not distinctly refer to this
greatmatter for the Apostle is not referring to the imputed righteousnessof
Christ. The text stands in connectionwith precepts concerning matters of
everyday practicallife and to these it must refer. It is not justification, but
sanctificationthat we have here. Moreover, we cannot be said to put on the
imputed righteousness ofChrist after we have believed, for that is upon us as
soonas we believe and needs no more putting on!
The command before us is given to those who have the imputed righteousness
of Christ–who are justified–who are acceptedin Christ Jesus. “Putyou on the
Lord Jesus Christ” is a word to you that are savedby Christ and justified by
His righteousness!You are to put on Christ and keep putting Him on in the
sanctifying of your lives unto your God. You are, everyday, to continually
more and more wearas the garment of your lives the Characterof your Lord.
I will handle this subject by answering questions. First, Where are we to go
for our daily garment? “Put you on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Secondly, What is
this daily garment? “Put you on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Thirdly, How are we
to act towards evil when we are thus clad? “and make not provision for the
flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” And then I will finish with the consideration
of the question, Why should we hastento put on this matchless garment? For,
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us put on the armor of light.”
1. May the Holy Spirit help us while we, in the first place, answerthe
inquiry, WHERE ARE WE TO GO FOR OUR DAILY GARMENT?
Beloved, there is but one answerto all questions as to our necessities.
We go to the Lord Jesus Christ for everything! To us, “Christis All.”

“He is made of God unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and
sanctificationand redemption.”
When you have come to Christ for pardon and justification you are not to go
elsewhere forthe next thing. Having begun with Jesus you are to go on with
Him, even to the end, “for you are complete in Him,” perfectly storedin
Christ, fully equipped in Him. “It pleasedthe Father that in Him should all
fullness dwell.” Every necessitythat can ever press upon you betweenthis life
in the wilderness and yonder sea of glass before the Throne of God will be
found in Christ Jesus!
You ask, “Whatam I to do for a vesture which will befit the courts of the
Lord? For armor that will protect me from the assaults ofthe foe? Fora robe
that will enable me to actas a priest and king unto God?” The one answerto
the muchincluding question is, “Put you on the Lord Jesus Christ.” You have
no further need. You need not look elsewhere fora thread or a shoe lace. So,
dear Friends, I gather from this that if we seek anexample, we may not look
elsewhere thanto our Lord Jesus Christ. It is not written, “Put you on this
man or that,” but, “Put you on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
The model for a saint is His Savior. We are very apt to selectsome eminently
gracious oruseful man to be a pattern for us. A measure of goodmay result
from such a course, but a degree of evil may also come of it. There will always
be some fault about the most excellent of our fellow mortals and as our
tendency is to caricature virtues till we make them faults, so is it our greater
folly to mistake faults for excellencesandcopy them with carefulexactness
and generallywith abundant exaggeration!By this plan, with the best
intentions, we may reachvery sadresults.
Follow Jesus in the wayand you will not err. Let your feet go down exactly in
His footprints and you cannot slide. As His Grace enables us, let us make it
true that, “as He was, so are we in this world.” You need not look beyond your
Lord for an example under any circumstances. OfHim you may enquire as of
an unfailing oracle. You need never enquire what is the generalcustomof
those about you–the broad road of the many is no way for you. You may not
ask, “Whatare the rulers of the people doing?” You follow not the fashion of
the great, but the example of the Greatestof all!
“Put you on the Lord Jesus Christ” will apply to eachone of us. If I am a
tradesman, I am not to ask myself–Onwhat principles do other traders
conduct their business? Notso. What the world may do is no rule for me. If I
am a student I should not enquire–How do others feel towards religion? Let
others do as they will, it is for us to serve the Lord! In every relationship in

the domestic circle, in the literary world, in the sphere of friendship, or in
business connections, I am to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
If I am perplexed, I am bound to ask–“Whatwould Jesus do?” And His
example is to guide me. If I cannot conceive ofHis acting in a certain way,
neither must I allow myself to do so–but if I perceive, from His precepts, His
spirit or His actions, that He would follow such-and-such a course–tothat line
I must keep. I am not to put on the philosopher, the politician, the priest or
the popularity hunter–I am to put on the Lord Jesus Christ by taking His life
to be the model upon which I fashion my own life.
From our text I should also gather that we are to go to the Lord Jesus Christ
for stimulus. We want not only an example, but a motive–an impulse and
constraining power to keepus true to that example. We need to put on zeal as
a cloak and to be coveredwith a holy influence which will urge us onward. Let
us go to the Lord Jesus formotives. Some fly to Moses andwould drive
themselves to duty by the thunders of Sinai. Their designin service is to earn
eternal life or prevent the loss of the favor of God. Thus they come under Law
and forsake the true way of the Believerwhich is faith.
Not from dread of punishment or hope of reward do Believers serve the living
God–we put on Christ and the love of Christ constrains us. Here is the spring
of true holiness–“Sinshall not have dominion over you, for you are not under
the Law, but under Grace.” A strongerforce than Law has gripped you–you
serve God, not as servants whose sole thought is the wage–butas children,
whose eye is on the Father and His love. Your motive is gratitude to Him by
whose precious blood you are redeemed. He has put on your cause and
therefore you would take up His cause. I pray you, go not to the steep sides of
Sinai to find motives for holiness–buthastento Calvary and there find those
sweetherbs of love which shall be the medicine of your soul. “Put you on the
Lord Jesus Christ.”
Coveredwith a consciousnessofHis love and fired with love to Him in return,
you will be strong to be, to do, or to suffer as the Lord God may appoint. Need
I say never find a reasonfor doing right in a desire to win the approbation of
your fellow men? Do not say, “I must do this or that in order to please my
company.” That is poor life which is sustainedby the breath of other men’s
nostrils! Followers ofJesus will not wearthe livery of custom or stand in awe
of human censure. Love of commendation and fearof disapprobation are low
and beggarlymotives–theyswaythe feeble many–but they ought not to rule
the man in Christ.

You must be moved by a far higher consideration–youserve the Lord Christ
and must not, therefore, become the lackeyof men. His Glory is to be your
one aim! And for the joy of this you must treat all else as a light thing. Here
we find our spur–“The love of Christ constrains us.” Beloved, the text means
more than this! “Put you on the Lord Jesus Christ,” that is, find in Jesus your
strength. Although you are saved and are quickened by the Holy Spirit so as
to be a living child of the living God, yet you have no strength for heavenly
duty exceptas you receive it from above. Go to Jesus for power!I charge you,
never say, “I shall do the right because I have resolvedto do it. I am a man of
strong mind. I am determined to resistthis evil and I know I shall not yield. I
have made up my mind and there is no fear of my turning aside.”
Brother, if you rely upon yourself in that way, you will soonprove to be a
broken reed. Failure follows at the heelof self-confidence. “Putyou on the
Lord Jesus Christ.” I charge you, do not rely upon what you have acquired in
the past. Say not in your heart, “I am a man of experience and therefore I can
resisttemptation which would crush the younger and greenerfolk. I have now
spent so many years in persistent well-doing that I may reckonmyself out of
danger. Is it likely that I should ever be led astray?” O Sir, it is more than
likely! It is a factalready! The moment that a man declares he cannotfall, he
has alreadyfallen from sobriety and humility!
Your head is turned, my Brother, or you would not talk of your inward
perfection! And when the head turns, the feet are not very safe. Inward
conceitis the mother of open sin. Make Christyour strength and not yourself–
nor your acquirements or experiences. “Putyou on the Lord Jesus Christ”
day by day and make not the rags of yesterday to be the raiment of the future.
Get fresh Grace. Saywith David, “All my fresh springs are in You.” Getall
your powerfor holiness and usefulness from Jesus and from Him alone.
“Surely in the Lord have I righteousness andstrength.” Rely not on resolves,
pledges, methods, prayers. Lean on Jesus, only, as the strength of your life.
“Put you on the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is a wonderful word to me because it
indicates that in the Lord Jesus we have perfection. I shall in a moment or two
show you some of the virtues and Graces whichare resplendent in the
Characterof our Lord Jesus Christ. These may be likenedto different parts
of our armor or garments–the helmet, the shoes, the breast-plate. But the text
does not say, “Put on this quality or virtue of the Lord Christ,” but, “Put you
on the Lord Jesus Christ.” He Himself–as a whole–is to be our array!
Not this excellence orthat, but Himself. He must be to us a sacredoverall. I
know not by what other means to bring out my meaning–He is to cover us
from head to foot. We do not so much copy His humility, His gentleness, His

love, His zeal, His prayerfulness as Himself. Endeavorto come into such
communion with Jesus Himself that His Characteris reproduced in you! Oh
to be wrapped about with Jesus–feeling, desiring, acting as He felt, desired
and acted!What a raiment for our spiritual nature is our Lord Jesus Christ!
What an honorable robe for men to wear!Why, in that case our life would be
hid in Christ and He would be seenof us in a life quickenedby His Spirit,
swayedby His motives, sweetenedwith His sympathy, pursuing His designs
and following in His steps!
When we read, “Put you on the Lord Jesus Christ,” it means, Receive the
whole Characterof Christ and let your whole characterbe conformed to His
will. Cover your whole being with the whole of the Lord Jesus Christ! What a
wonderful precept! Oh, for Grace to carry it out! May the Lord turn the
command into an actualfact. Throughout the rest of our lives may we be
more and more like Jesus that the purpose of God may be fulfilled wherein we
are “predestinatedto be conformed to the image of His Son.”
Once more, observe the specialty which is seenin this garment. It is specially
adapted to eachindividual Believer. Paul does not say merely to one person,
“Put you on the Lord Jesus Christ,” but to all of us, “Put you on the Lord
Jesus Christ.” Can all the saints put on Christ, whether babes, young men or
fathers? You could not all of you wearmy coat, I am quite certain–andI am
equally certainthat I could not wearthe garments of many of the young
people now present. But here is a matchless Garmentwhich will be found
suitable for every Believer–withoutexpansionor contraction!Whoever puts
on the Lord Jesus Christ has put on a robe which will be his glory and beauty!
In every case the example of Jesus is admirably suited for copying.
Suppose a child of God should be a king–whatbetter advice could I give to
him, when about to rule a nation, than this–“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ”?
Be such a king as Jesus wouldhave been! No, copy His royal Character!
Suppose, on the other hand, that the person before us is a poor woman from
the workhouse–shallI say the same to her? Yes, and with equal propriety–for
Jesus was very poor and is a most suitable Example for those who have no
home of their own. O Worker, put on Christ and be full of zeal! O Sufferer,
put on the Lord Jesus Christand abound in patience! Yonder friend is going
to the Sunday schoolthis afternoon. Well, in order to win those dear children
to the Savior, “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” who said, “Suffer the little
children to come unto Me, and forbid them not.”
In His sacredraiment you will make a goodteacher!Are you a preacherand
about to address thousands of persons? How better can I advise you than that
you put on Christ and preach the Gospelin His own loving, pleading, earnest

style? The preacher’s Modelshould be His Lord. This is our preaching gown,
our praying surplice, our pastoralrobe–the Characterand Spirit of the Lord
Jesus–andit admirably suits eachform of service!No man’s example will
preciselyfit his fellow man, but there is this strange virtue about the
Characterof Christ that you may all imitate it and yet be none of you mere
imitators.
He is perfectly natural who is perfectly like Christ. There need be no
affectation, no painful restraint, no straining. In a life thus fashionedthere
will be nothing grotesque or disproportionate, unmanly or romantic. So
wonderfully is Jesus the SecondAdam of the new-born race, that each
member of that family may bear a likeness to Him and yet exhibit a clear
individuality. A man advanced in years and wisdom may put Him on and so
may the leastinstructed and the freshestcomer among us! Please remember
this–we may not choose examples–buteachone is bound to copy the Lord
Jesus Christ.
You, dear Friend, have a specialpersonality–youare such a person that there
is not another exactlylike you and you are placedin circumstances so peculiar
that no one else is tried exactlyas you are–to you, then, is this exhortation
sent, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” It is absolutelycertain that for you, with
your personalsingularity and peculiar circumstances, there canbe nothing
better than that you array yourself in this more than royal robe. You, too,
who live in ordinary circumstances and are only tried by common
temptations–youare to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”–forHe will also be
suitable for you.
“Oh,” cries one, “but the Lord Jesus neverwas exactly where I am!” You say
this from lack of knowing better, or from lack of thought. He has been
tempted in all points like as you are. There are certain relationships which the
Lord Jesus could not literally occupy, but then He took their spiritual
counterpart. Forinstance, Jesus could not be a husband after the flesh. Does
anyone demand how He could be an example for husbands? Hearken!
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church and gave
Himself for it.” He is your Model in relationship which, naturally, He never
sustainedbut which, in very deed He has more than fulfilled. Wherever you
may be, you find that the Lord Jesus has occupiedthe counterpart of your
position, or else the position is sinful and ought to be stopped.
In any place, at any hour, under any circumstances,in any matter you may
put on the Lord Jesus Christand never fearthat your array will be
unsuitable. Here you have a summer and winter garment–goodin prosperity
as well as in adversity. Here you have a garment for the private chamber or

the public forum, for sicknessorfor health, for honor or for reproach, for life
or for death. “Put you on the Lord Jesus Christ” and in this raiment of
workedgold you may enter into the King’s palace and stand among the spirits
of just men made perfect!
II. Secondly, trusting to the Holy Spirit, let us enquire WHAT IS THIS
DAILY GARMENT? The Lord Jesus Christ is to be put on. May the Spirit of
God help us to do so!We see how the sacredGarment is here describedin
three words. The sacredtitles of the Son of God are spread out at length–“Put
you on the Lord–Jesus–Christ.”Put Him on as Lord. Call Him your Master
and Lord and you will do well.
Be His servant in everything! Submit every faculty, every capacity, every
talent, every possessionto His government. Submit all that you have and are
to Him and delight to own His superior right and His royal claim to you. Be
Christ’s man–His servant, under bonds to His service forever–finding therein
life and liberty. Let the dominion of your Lord coverthe kingdom of your
nature. Then put on Jesus. Jesus means a Savior–in every part be coveredby
Him in that blessedcapacity. You, a sinner, hide yourself in Jesus, your Savior
who shall save you from your sins. He is your Sanctifierdriving out sin and
your Preserverkeeping sin from returning.
Jesus is your Armor againstsin. You overcome through His blood. In Him
you are defended againstevery weaponof the enemy. He is your Shield,
keeping you from all evil. He covers you all overlike a complete suit of armor
so that when arrows of temptation fly like a fiery shower, they may be
quenched upon heavenly mail and you may stand unharmed amid a showerof
deaths. Put on Jesus, and then put on Christ. You know that Christ signifies
“anointed.” Now, our Lord is anointed as Prophet, Priest and King, and as
such we put Him on.
What a splendid thing it is to put on Christ as the anointed Prophet and to
acceptHis teaching as our creed! I believe it. Why? Because He said it. This is
argument enough for me. Mine not to argue, or doubt, or criticize–the Christ
has said it and I, putting Him on, find in His authority the end of all strife.
What Christ declares, Ibelieve–discussionends where Christ begins. Put Him
on, also, as your Priest. Notwithstanding your sin, your unworthiness, your
defilement, go to the altar of the Lord by Him who, as Priest, has taken away
your sin, clothed you with His merit and made you acceptable to God! In our
greatHigh Priest we enter within the veil. We are in Him. By faith we realize
this and so put Him on as our Priestand lose ourselves in His accepted
Sacrifice.

Our Lord Jesus is also anointed to be King. Oh, put Him on in all His imperial
majesty by yielding your every wish and thought to His sway!Set Him on the
throne of your heart. As you have submitted your thoughts and
understanding to His prophetic instructions, submit your actionand your
practicallife to His kingly government. As you put on His priesthood and find
Atonement in Him, so put on His royalty and find holiness in Him.
I now wish to show the description given in Colossians3–fromthe 12 th verse.
I will take you to the wardrobe for aminute and ask you to look overthe
articles of our outfit. See here, “Put on therefore”–yousee everything is to be
put on–nothing is to be left on the pegs for the moths to eat, nor in the window
to be idly stared at. You put on the whole armor of God. In true religion
everything is designedfor practicaluse. We keepno garments in the drawer–
we have to put on all that is provided. “Put on therefore, as the electof God,
holy and beloved, tender mercies, kindness.” Here are two choice things–
mercy and kindness–silkenrobes, indeed!
Have you put them on? I am to be as merciful, as tender-hearted, as kind, as
sympathetic, as loving to my fellow men as Christ Himself was. Have I
reachedthis point? Have I ever aimed at it? Who among us has put on these
royal robes? See whatfollows–thesechoice things come in pairs–“humbleness
of mind, meekness.” Thesechoice garments are not so much esteemedas they
should be. The cloth of one called, “Proud-of-Heart,” is very fashionable and
the trimmings of Mr. Masterfulare much in request. It is a melancholy thing
to see what greatmen some Christians are. Truly the footman is bigger than
his master!
How some who would be thought saints can bluster and bully! Is this to put on
the Lord Jesus Christ? Point me to a word of our Lord’s in which He scolded
and tyrannized and overrode any man! He was meek and lowly, even He, the
Lord of All–what ought we to be who are not worthy to loose the laces ofHis
shoes? Permitme to say to any dear Brother or Sisterwho has not a very
tender nature–who is naturally hard and rasping, “Put on the Lord Jesus
Christ,” my Brother, my Sister–andmake not provision for that unfeeling
nature of yours! Endeavor to be lowly in mind that you may be gentle in
spirit.
See, next, we are to put on longsuffering and forbearance. Some men have no
patience with others–how canthey expectGod to have patience with them? If
everything is not done to their mind they are in a fine fury. Dearme! Whom
have we here? Is this a servantof Mars, or of the Fire God? Surely this
fighting man does not profess to be a worshipper of Christ! Do not tell me that
the man losthis temper. It would be a mercy if he had lostit, so as never to

find it again!He is selfish, petulant, exacting and easilyprovoked! Has this
man the Spirit of Christ? If he is a Christian, he is a naked Christian and I
would urge Him to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” that he may be fully
clothed.
Our Lord was full of forbearance. “ConsiderHim that endured such
contradiction of sinners againstHimself, lestyou become weariedand faint in
your minds.” Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and bear and forbear. Put up with
a greatdeal that really ought not to be inflicted upon you–and be ready to
bear still more rather than give or take offense. “Forgiving one another, if any
man has a quarrel againstany, even as Christ forgave you, so also do you.” Is
not this heavenly teaching? Put it in practice!Put you on your Lord!
Have you fallen to loggerheads withone another, and did I hear one of you
growling, “I’ll, I’ll, I’ll—-”? Stop, Brother! What will you do? If you are true
to the Lord Jesus Christ you will not avenge yourselfbut give place unto
wrath. Put the Lord Jesus on your tongue and you will not talk so bitterly!
Put Him on your heart and you will not feel so fiercely! Put Him on your
whole characterand you will readily forgive–notonly this once, but unto 70
times seven! If you have been unjustly treatedby one who should have been
your friend, lay aside wrath and begin again–andperhaps your Brother will
begin again, also, and both of you, by love, will overcome evil. “Put you on the
Lord Jesus Christ.”
“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfection.”
Love is the belt which binds up the other garments and keeps allthe other
Graces wellbracedand in their right places. Put on love–whata golden belt!
Are we all putting on love? We have been baptized into Christ and we profess
to have put on Christ–but do we daily try to put on love? Our Baptism was
not true if we are not buried to all old enmities. We may have a greatmany
faults but God grant that we may be full of love to Jesus, to His people and to
all mankind!
How much I wish that we could all put on, and keepon, the next article of this
wardrobe! “And let the peace ofGod rule in your hearts, to which also you
were calledin one body; and be thankful.” Oh, for a peacefulmind! Oh, to
rest in the Lord! I recommend that lastlittle word, “Be thankful,” to farmers
and others whose interests are depressed. I might equally recommend it to
certain trades people whose trade is quite as goodas they could expect.
“Things are a little better,” said one to me–and at that time he was heaping up
riches. When things are extremely well, people say they are “middling,” or a
“little better.” But when there is a slight falling off they cry out about,
“nothing doing, stagnation, universal ruin.”

Thankfulness is a rare virtue–but let the lover of the Lord Jesus abound in it.
The possessionof your mind in peace, keeping yourselfquiet, calm, self-
possessed, content–this is a blessedstate. And in such a state Jesus was–
therefore, “put you on the Lord Jesus Christ.” He was never in a fret or fume.
He was never hurried or worried. He never repined or coveted. Had He
nothing to worry Him? More than you have, Brothers and Sisters. And did He
not have many things to distress Him? More than all of us put together!Yet
He was not ruffled but showeda prince-like calm, a Divine serenity. This our
Lord would have us wear.
His peace He leaves with us and His joy He would have fulfilled in us. He
wishes us to go through life with the peace ofGod keeping our hearts and
minds from the assaults ofthe enemy. He would have us quiet and strong–
strong because quiet–quietbecause strong. I have read of a greatman, that he
took two hours and a half to dress himself every morning. In this he showed
littleness rather than greatness–butif any of you put on the Lord Jesus Christ
you may take what time you will in dressing yourself. It will take you all your
lives, my Brothers and Sisters, to fully put on the Lord Jesus Christ and to
keepHim on!
Let me say againthat you are not only to put on all these garments which I
have shown you in the wardrobe of the Colossians, but, more than this–you
are to put on all else that makes up Christ Himself. What a wardrobe is this!
“Put on Christ,” says the text. Put on the Lord Jesus Christfor daily wear.
Not for high days and holy days only, but for all time and every time! Put on
the Lord Jesus Christon the Lord’s-Day but do not lay Him aside during the
week. Ladies have ornaments which they put on occasionallyfor display on
grand occasions. As a rule, these jewels are hidden awayin a jewelcase.
Christians, you must wearyour jewels always!Put on the Lord Jesus Christ
and have no case in which to concealanypart of Him. Put on Christ to keep
Him on!
I saw a missionary from the cold north the other day and he was wearing a
coatof moose skinwhich he had worn among the Red Indians. “It is a capital
coat,” he said. “There’s nothing like leather. I have worn it for 11 years.” In
the arctic regionthrough which he had traveled he had worn this garment
both night and by day–for the climate was much too cold to allow the taking
off of anything. Brethren, the world is far too cold to allow our taking off
Christ evenfor an hour! So many arrows are flying about that we dare not
remove a single piece of our armor even for an instant. Thank God we have in
our Lord a Garment which we may always wear. We can live in it and die in

it–we can work in it, rest in it and, like the raiment of Israel in the wilderness–
it will never wax old.
If you have put on something of Christ, put on more of Christ. I dare not say
much in commendationof apparel here in England, for the tendency is to
exceedin that direction. But I noticed, the other day, the remark of a
missionary in the South Sea Islands. He statedthat as the heathen people
became convertedthey began to clothe themselves. And as they acquired
tenderness of conscienceanddelicacyof feeling, they gave more attention to
their clothes–wearing more and of a bettor sort.
Howeverthat may be as to dress for the body, it is certainly so as to the
arraying of the soul. As we make spiritual progress we have more Graces and
more virtues than in the beginning. Once we were content to wear only faith,
but now we put on hope and love. Once if we wore humbleness, we failed to
wearthankfulness–but our text exhorts us to weara full dress, a court suit–
for we are to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” You cannot weartoo much of
Him! Be coveredfrom head to foot with Him. Put on the Lord in every time of
trial. Do not take Him off when it comes to the test. Quaint Henry Smith says
that some people wear the Lord Jesus as a man wears his hat which he takes
off to everybody he meets.
I am afraid I know persons of that kind–they wearChrist in private, but they
take Him off in company–especiallyin the company of the worldly, the
sarcasticand the unbelieving. Put on Christ, intending never to take Him off
again. When tempted, tried, ridiculed, hear in your ears this voice, “Put you
on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
III. My time fails me, and I must hurriedly notice, in the third place, HOW
ARE WE TO ACT TOWARDS EVIL IN THESE GARMENTS? The text
says, “Put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh,
to fulfill the lusts thereof.” By the flesh is here meant the evil part of us which
is so greatly aided by the appetites and desires of the body. When a man puts
on Christ, has he still the flesh about him? Alas, it is so! I hear some brethren
say that they have no remaining corruptions.
I claim liberty to believe as much as I like of a man’s statements as to his own
personalcharacter. When he bears witness concerning himself, his witness
may or may not be true. When a man tells me that he is perfect, I hear what
he has to say but I quietly think within myself that if he had been so, he would
not have felt the necessityofspreading the information. Goodwine needs no
compliment and when our town once holds a perfect man within its boundary

there will be no need to advertise him! Goods that are puffed probably need
puffery.
Brethren, I fear we have all very much of the flesh about us and therefore we
need be on our guard againstit. What does the Apostle say? “Make no
provision for the flesh.” By this he means severalthings. First, give no
tolerance to it. Do not say, “Christ has sanctified me so far, but you see I have
a bad temper naturally and you cannot expectit to be removed.” Dear
Brother, do not make provision for thus sheltering and sparing one of your
soul’s enemies!Another cries, “Youknow I always was a gooddeal
desponding and therefore I can never have much joy in the Lord.” Don’t
make room for your unbelief! If you find a kennel for this dog, it will always
lie in it!
“But,” says another, “I was always rather fond of gaietyand so I must mix up
with the world.” Well if you cook a dinner for Satan, he will surely take a seat
at your table! This is to make provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts of it.
Do not do so, but slay the Canaanites–break theiridols, throw down their
altars–andcut down their groves. Moreover, give sin no time. Allow no
furlough to your obedience. Do not sayto yourself, “At all other times I am
exact, but one time in a year, at a family meeting, I take a little liberty.” Is it
liberty to you to sin? I am afraid there is something rotten in your heart.
“Ah!” cries one, “I only allow myself an hour or two occasionallywith
questionable company. I know it does me harm but we must all have a little
relaxation and the talk is very amusing, though rather loose.”Is evil a
relaxation to you? It ought to be worse than slavery! What a trial is foolish
talking to a child of God! How can you find pleasure in it? Give no license to
the flesh! You cannottell how far it will go. Keep it always under subjection
and make no space for its indulgence. Provide no food for it. Carve it no
rations. Starve it out–atany rate, if it needs fodder–let it look elsewhere.
When you are allotting your provision to the body, the soul, the spirit–allot
nothing to the depraved passions. If the flesh says, “Whatis for me?” say,
“Nothing.” Some people like a little bit of reading for the flesh. As some
people like a little bit of what they call “ratherhigh” meat, so do these folk
enjoy a portion of tainted doctrine or questionable morality. Thus they make
provision for the flesh and the flesh takes care to feed on it and to give its lusts
a meal. I have knownprofessors whomI would not dare to judge, dabble just
a little in matters which they would forbid to others but they think them
allowable to themselves if done in secret.

“You must not be too exact,” they say. But the Apostle says, “Make not
provision for the flesh.” Do not give it a morsel–do not even allow it the
crumbs that fall from your table. The flesh is greedy and never has enough–
and if you give it some provision it will stealmuch more. “Put you on the Lord
Jesus Christ,” and then you will leave no place for the lusts of the flesh. That
which Christ does not cover is nakedunto sin. If Christ is my Livery and I
wearHim and so am knownto be His avowedservant–thenI place myself
entirely in His hands always and forever–andthe flesh has no claim whatever
upon me!
If, before I put on Christ, I might make some reserve and duty did not call, yet
now that the Lord Jesus Christ is upon me, I have done with reserves andam
openly and confessedlymy Lord’s. “Know you not,” says the Apostle, “that as
many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ?” Being buried
with Him we are dead to the world and live only unto Him. The Lord bring us
up to this mark by His mighty Spirit and He shall have the glory of it.
IV. If this is the case andwe have, indeed, “put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” we
will thank God evermore. But if it is not so, let us not delay to be arrayed in
these garments. WHY SHOULD WE HASTEN TO PUT ON CHRIST? A
moment is all that remains. It is dark. Here is armor made of solid light–let us
put on this attire at once–thenthe night will be light about us and others
beholding us will glorify God and ask for the same raiment. With so dense a
night round about us a man needs to be dressedin luminous robes. He needs
to wearthe light of God. He needs to be practically protectedfrom the
darkness around him.
“Put on the Lord Jesus Christ,” moreover, for the night will soonbe over and
the morning will soondawn. The rags of sin–the sordid robes of worldliness–
are not fit attire for the heavenly morning. Let us dress for the sunrise. Let us
go forth to meet the dawn with garments of light about us. “Put on the Lord
Jesus Christ,” for He is coming, the Belovedof our souls!Over the hills we
hear the trumpet sounding! The heralds are crying aloud, “The Bridegroom
comes!The Bridegroom comes!” ThoughHe has seemedto tarry, He has been
always coming post haste. Today we hear His chariotwheels in the distance.
Nearerand nearer is His advent.
Let us not sleepas others do. Blessedare they who will be ready for the
wedding when the Bridegroomcomes!What is that wedding dress that shall
make us ready? Nothing can make us more fit to meet Christ and to be with
Him in His glory than for us to put on Christ today! If I wearChrist as my
garment I do great honor to Christ as my Bridegroom. If I take Him for my
glory and my beauty while I am here, I may be sure that He will be all that

and more to me in eternity! If I take pleasure in Jesus here, Jesus will take
pleasure in me when He shall meet me in the air and take me up to dwell with
Him forever.
Put on the wedding dress, you beloved of the Lord! Put on the wedding dress,
you brides of the Lamb and put it on at once, for behold He comes!Haste,
haste, you slumbering virgins! Arise and trim your lamps! Put on your robes
and be ready to behold His Glory and to take part in it! O you virgin souls, go
forth to meet Him! With joy and gladness go forth, wearing Himself as your
gorgeous apparel, fit for the daughters of a king!
The Lord bless you, for Christ’s sake!Amen. PORTIONS OF SCRIPTURE
READ BEFORESERMON–Romans 12;13:8-14.HYMNS FROM “OUR
OWN HYMN BOOK”–917, 262, 263.
BIBLEHUB RESOURCES
Pulpit Commentary Homiletics
The Christian's Duty In The PresentAge
Romans 13:11-14
C.H. Irwin
The Christian is not to be insensible to the movements of the world. "Knowing
the time," says the apostle (ver. 11). Mr. Spurgeonsays he reads the
newspapers to see how God is governing the world. It is well for us to know
what are the current beliefs and motives of our fellow-men.
I. THE CHRISTIAN'S CONFIDENCE.
1. "The night is far spent.
(1) The forces of evil are far spent. Some Christians are always looking on the
dark side of things. They see no traces of the breaking day. With them it is
always night. They would have us believe, with CanonTaylor, that missions
are a failure. They would have us believe, with Lord Wemyss, that prohibition
of the liquor traffic is a failure. They would have us believe that Sunday
closing is a failure. But it is those who want such movements to fail that

usually originate such a cry. There is no failure in the forces ofright. Failure
is written on the forces ofsin. Its night is far spent.
(2) The clouds of mystery will soonbe lifted. There are difficulties in
reconciling religion and science. Yetthe. difficulties are only apparent. They
are only temporary clouds. There are difficulties in God's providence that we
cannot understand. But by-and-by they will all be made plain. Every mystery
will be solved. Now we know in part; but then shall we know even as also we
are known."
(3) The dark hours of pain and sorrow will soonbe over. How dark is the hour
of sickness!how dark the hour of bereavement! What shadows
disappointment causes to pass over our lives! But the night is far spent.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."
2. "The day is at hand. The day of our Saviour's coming is rapidly drawing
nearer. Already we may hear the sound of his chariot-wheels. Graduallyhis
kingdom has been making progress in the earth, his truth has been gaining
the victory over error. The Reformationshook off the dust of centuries from
the Word of God. The discoveryof printing had already prepared the way for
the spreadof the emancipatedBible. Old kingdoms that encouragederrorand
fosteredecclesiasticaldespotismhave been falling. New nations have arisento
swaythe destinies of the world - the nations of the Bible-loving, liberty-loving,
Anglo-Saxonrace. Old wrongs have been redressed. Our King is coming. The
day is at hand."
II. THE CHRISTIAN'S CALL.
1. A call to activity. "Now it is high time to awake outof sleep" (ver. 11). It is
plain that this exhortation is addressedto Christians, for the writer adds, "for
now is our salvationnearer than when we believed." Many Christians are
asleep. Theyare inactive and idle, and are doing nothing to prepare the way
of the Lord. It may be addressedalso to the unconverted. This very passage,
the closing part of this thirteenth chapter, was the means of converting St.
Augustine.
2. A call to amendment. "Let us castoff the works ofdarkness" (ver. 12).
Some works are literally works of darkness, as for example those specifiedin
the thirteenth verse. Drunkenness and impurity are most practisedin the
night. "Theythat be drunken are drunken in the night." But "works of
darkness" may be regardedas including all sinful works. Sinloves
concealment. The Christian is to castoff everything that will not bear the
light, to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. "The dayis

at hand." How shall we abide the day of our Lord's coming if we do not, by
Divine help, separate ourselves from sin?
3. A call to conflict. "Let us put on the armour of light" (ver. 12). We are to
wage warwith our owntemptations, and with the evil that is in the world. Let
our armour be the armour of light. Let us not fight the world with its own
weapons - with hatred, or bitterness, or deceit. Let our weapons be good
weapons - the weapons oftruth, justice, love. They will conquer. Let us never
do evil that goodmay come.
4. A call to Christ-likeness. "Putye on the Lord Jesus Christ" (ver. 14). That
is to say, "Be clothedwith his spirit." This is the secretofstrength. Like Sir
Galahad, whose strengthwas as the strength of ten because his heart was
pure, the man who is Christ-like in spirit will overcome all temptations, and
will grapple victoriously with all difficulties. This is emphatically a call which
the Christian needs to hear in the present age, when there is so much in the
Church as well as in the world that is contrary to the spirit of Christ. Let us,
then, hear the trumpet-call of duty, and, as we go forth, let us brace up our
spirits with the inspiring thought that "the night is far spent, and the day is at
hand." - C.H.I.
Biblical Illustrator
Let us walk honestly, as in the day.
Romans 13:13, 14
Rules .for walking in the day
I. IN GENERAL. Walk honestly (Titus 2:12).
1. Soberly.
2. Righteously.
3. Godly.
II. IN PARTICULAR.
1. Notin rioting and drunkenness (Isaiah 5:13).
(1)This deprives us of the use of reason.
(2)And so, for the present, blots out the image of God.
(3)Makes menunfit for duty (Luke 21:34; Hosea 4:11).
(4)Exposetha man to all other sin.

(5)Hath a particular curse entailed upon it (Isaiah 5:11; Proverbs 23:1. 29, 30,
etc.).
2. Notin chambering and wantonness (Hebrews 13:4). To avoid this —
(1)Be careful to keepa goodconscience(Genesis39:9).
(2)Watchover your spirits (Malachi2:16).
(3)Pray againstit (Psalm119:37).
3. Strife and envying.
(1)They are signs of a carnalmind (1 Corinthians 3:3; Galatians 5:19, 20;
James 3:14, 15).
(2)Proceedonly from pride and ignorance (1 Timothy 6:4).
(3)Produce confusionand evil works (James 3:16, 17).
4. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.
(1)By baptism (Galatians 3:27).
(2)By faith, we put on —
(a)His righteousness.
(i)Christ took our nature upon Him (John 1:14).
(ii)Suffered for our sins (Isaiah 53:5. 6).
(iii)By this He expiated our sins, and purchasedrighteousness forus (1 John
2:2).
(iv)All believers are interested in all His sufferings and righteousness
(Galatians 2:16).
(v)Hence their sins are hid, as it were, from the eyes of God (Romans 8:33, 34;
Philippians 3:8, 9).
(b)His graces.
(i)Humility (1 Peter5:5; Matthew 11:29).
(ii)Self-denial (Matthew 16:24).
(iii)Temperance (1 Corinthians 7:31).
(iv)Patience (Luke 21:19; James 1:3).
(v)Thankfulness (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
(vi)Heavenly-mindedness (Philippians 3:20).
(vii)Charity (Acts 10:38; James 1:27).
(viii)Constancy and perseverance (Revelation2:26).

III. USE.
1. Put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Consider —
(1)Your sins are many, and it is only by Him they can be pardoned (1 John
2:1).
(2)Your sins are strong, and only by Him subdued,
(3)God angry, only by Him appeased(Matthew 3:17).
(4)Your hearts corrupted, only by Him cleansed(1 Corinthians 1:2).
(5)Your souls are immortal, and it is only by Him that they canbe saved(Acts
16:30, 31).
(Bp. Beveridge.)
How the Christian ought to walk
J. Lyth, D.D.
I. CONSISTENTLY— as in the day.
II. TEMPERATELY— subjecting —
1. Appetite.
2. Sense.
3. Passion.
III. LIKE CHRIST.
1. Denying himself.
2. Condemning sin in the flesh.
(J. Lyth, D.D.)
Christian sincerity
C. H. Spurgeon.
Standing near the remarkable spring at Ewell, in Surrey, and watching the
uprising of the waters, one sees atthe bottom of the pool innumerable circles
with smaller circles within them, from which extremely fine sand is
continually being upheaved by the force of the rising water. Tiny geysers
upheave their little founts, and from a myriad openings bubble up with the
clearcrystal. The perpetual motion of the waterand the leaping of the sand
are most interesting. It is not like the spring-head in the field, where the
cooling liquid pours forth perpetually from a spout, all unseen, till it plunges

into its channel; nor like the river head where the stream weeps from a mass
of mossy rock;but here are the fountains of earth's hidden deeps all unveiled
and laid bare, the very veins of nature openedto the public gaze. How would
it amaze us if we could in this fashionpeer into the springs of human
characterand see whence words and actions flow! What man would wish to
have his designs and aims exposedto every onlooker?But why this aversion to
being known and read of all men? The Christian's motives and springs of
actionshould be so honestand pure that he might safelydefy inspection. He
who has nothing to be ashamedof has nothing to conceal. Sinceritycan afford,
like our first parents in Paradise, to be nakedand not ashamed.
(C. H. Spurgeon.)
Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ
Put on Christ
Matthew Wilks.
I. THERE IS A WONDERFULFITNESSIN CHRIST'S CHARACTER TO
MEET THE CONDITION OF SINNERS. Puton Christ as —
1. Your hope before God.
2. Your sanctification.
3. Your help.
4. Your exemplar.
II. THERE IS THIS FITNESSIN NOTHING ELSE THAN CHRIST.
III. THEREFORE, IF WE WOULD BE HAPPY, WE MUST MAKE USE OF
CHRIST FOR OURSELVES. Put Him on in your —
1. Thoughts.
2. Affections.
3. Conversation.
4. Profession.
(Matthew Wilks.)
How and why we are to put on Christ
Robert Hall, M.A.

I. WHAT IS INTENDEDBY "PUTTING ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST."
In the Eastgarments are of greaterimportance than with us. The finest were
there accumulated, preserved with the greatestcare, andconstituted a
considerable part of wealth. Hence more frequent allusions are made to this
than we are accustomedto use. In the Bible, qualities of characterare often
representedby clothing. Job says, "I put on righteousness as a robe." In
Isaiahthe Messiahis introduced as "clad with zeal as with a cloak." Our Lord
represents the acceptedcharacterofa believer by the wedding garment of a
guest, and Peterexhorts us to be "clothed with humility," etc. We put on
Christ —
1. When we make an open professionof His name. It is not enoughto believe.
Latent faith canat the best only edify its possessor. Butthe Church is
intended to be the light of the world. Whoeverconceals his religion must
acceptthe consequence."Whosois ashamedof Me," etc.
2. By cultivating an acquaintance with the doctrines, imbuing our minds with
the spirit and sentiments, of the gospel. All the doctrines of Christianity are
intended to expel our native corruption, and raise us nearer to the character
and will of God. We cannot then put on Christ, without the serious perusal of
the Scriptures, and the devout contemplation of the Cross.
3. When we imitate His example. Other models are imperfect, and unsafe for
universal imitation: but that challenges our entire pursuit. One greatend of
His obedience unto death was that He might leave us an example whose steps
we might follow. In order to obey the will of God you cannot adopt any
method so simple and sure as to inquire, "How canI this day actin a manner
most consonantto the mind of Christ?"
II. WHY ARE WE TO PUT ON CHRIST?
1. That Christ may be glorified by us. If we love Him, we shall desire to glorify
Him: but what can tend so much to His glory, as to let men see the efficacyof
His doctrine on our character? Nothing canbe so calculatedto counteract
infidelity and convince men that there is a Saviour.
2. That we may experience religious peace and joy, by making it clearto
ourselves that we belong to Him. You never knew a person, however
depressedby poverty or sickness, who, if he sincerelyservedthe Lord, was not
happy.
3. That we may best prepare for a dying hour, and for the solemn scenes
beyond. This is to put on the wedding garment; the want of this, in the day
when the King comes in to see the guests, will leave a man speechless!

(Robert Hall, M.A.)
Putting on Christ
Archdn. Farrar.
The Hebrew language one continual picture. Every fact and emotion rendered
by an image. The truth, e.g., that Christ is life, and that apart from Christ is
no life, is actforth most often by vivid metaphors. The generalsignificance of
the presentmetaphor is that the old sinful life is to be doffed like a soiledand
sordid garment, and the new nature which Christ gives and inspires, is to be
put on like a new and shining robe.
I. TRY TO BE LIKE CHRIST. Love what Christ loved, hate what Christ
hated. The next clause helps to explain this part of the meaning, by giving us
its opposite.
II. But perhaps you will say, "If that be all, any moralist might, in other
language, tellus the same. We read something like it in every noble teacher.
We know in our best moments that we arc mean, guilty creatures, but we do
not know how to be otherwise. You bid us seek for nobler manners and purer
tastes;you might as well bid the snaredbird to fly, or the worm to throw off
the rock which is crushing it to earth." Well, the gospelof Christ has broken
the snare, and rolled awaythe rock. To put on Christ is TO SHARE HIS
MIGHT, to come into quickening electric personalcontactwith Him, to derive
magnetic force from His personality, to live by His Spirit, and so to be born
againand to become a new creature.
III. We look at our ruined selves, our corrupted hearts, our wastedlives, and
"abhor ourselves in dust and ashes." How canwe ever stand before God, who
chargetheven the angels with folly, and in whose sightthe very heavens are
not clean? Ah, but there is yet another and more blessedmeaning of "putting
on Christ," and it is TO BE FOUND IN HIM; not trusting in our own
righteousness whichis as filthy rags, but BEING CLAD IN THE WHITE
ROBE OF HIS FORGIVING GRACE. How heart-brokenhave been the last
utterances of even the greatestmen! (Grotius. Baconand Shakespearein their
wills.) Conclusion:Such, then, is the meaning of this Divine message. Break
with your past self; come to Christ for strength, and by prayer to Him and
earnestlyseeking Him, be quickened and transformed. And as it means this
hope for the future, and this strength in the present, so also it means
forgiveness forthe past. Saynot, then, that the meaning is not clear; strive
rather to make it yours by blessedexperience.

(Archdn. Farrar.)
Putting on Christ
J. Benson.
I. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN THIS? This is a figurative expressionfor an
interest in Christ, union with Him, and conformity to Him.
1. As our wisdom, for our illumination.
(1)To give light to our understanding in the knowledge ofthe Scriptures.
(2)To correctand rectify our judgment on all points of necessarybelief.
(3)To inform our conscience inall matters of practice.
(4)To guide our will, and influence our affections, in the subjects of our
choice, desire, pursuit, and expectation.
2. As our righteousness,for our justification.
3. As the source ofthe Spirit, and of grace, forour sanctification.
4. As our example, for our direction and improvement in holiness. This is
consideredby interpreters as the chief thing meant. remarks, "It is a common
phrase that a person has put him on, whom he imitates." The kings of Persia,
on their coronation-day, put on a robe which the first Cyrus wore before he
was king, to remind them of imitating his exemplary temper and behaviour.
Certainly one grand end of the appearance ofChrist in our nature, was to set
us an example of blamelessness, usefulness, holiness (John12:26;Colossians
2:6; 1 Peter2:21; 1 John 2:6). Hence, those that have put on Christ will
conduct themselves as directed in the context. They will walk "honestly," in a
manner becoming their privileges.
II. WHY WE OUGHT TO DO SO.
1. That "being clothed, we may not be found naked," destitute of the robe of
righteousness, andgarment of salvation.
2. Fordecency, it being a shame to be unclothed, especiallygarments being
provided for us.
3. Fordefence againsterror, sin, misery, the wrath of God, an accusing
conscience, andall the consequencesofneglect.
4. Forornament; that we may not be without the wedding garment, and
therefore be excluded from the marriage feast.
(J. Benson.)

Putting on Christ
T. Binney, LL.D.
I. THE DUTY ENFORCED.
1. Toput on Christ is to endeavour to be like Him, to have Him on is to
succeedin the attempt. It is the investment of the soul with the virtues which
adorned His character, just as a man clothes his body with articles of dress.
Many a man has so done this as to put others in mind of Christ; he was so
Christlike; just as if one of His followers after His departure had put on the
garments which Christ had worn. Does any one of us put others in mind of
Jesus?
2. To put on Christ does not mean any mechanicalattempts after mere
external likeness, as clothes maybe put on a lay figure, or a portrait wrought
on canvas. What is meant is not so much a studied imitation of what in Him
may have met the eye of observers, as the culture of a deep internal sympathy
with His Spirit which manifested itself in words and deeds. You may put royal
robes on a corpse, and in particular lights and distances it may seemalive. In
the same way a mere simulated likeness to Christ may be put on a dead
spiritual nature; but this, so far from representing Him, presents only an
aggravatedimage ofHis worstenemies whom He denounced as "whited
sepulchres." Christis not to be put on over the natural man, but the natural
man becoming spiritual, a visible Christ comes out as an emanation from
within; just as His inward essentialglorycame out on the Mount of
Transfiguration.
3. To put on Christ is not synonymous with the being clothed with Christ's
justifying righteousness, andso hiding our sins from the sight of God; it
rather refers to sanctification— a subjective participation of life through
Christ, and the consequentoutgrowthof conformity to Him. It comes after
justification. "As many as have been baptized in Christ have put on Christ,"
etc.
4. The precept suggests the moral perfection of Christ. No caution is given, as
if there were some things which were not to be put on. There is no fear of your
being too much like Him. It would not do to speak thus of any one else,
howeverdistinguished. In every other characterthere is something to be
excepted, e.g., Abraham's duplicity, David's bloodguiltiness, etc.
Nevertheless(1)There were things in Christ we cannot and must not imitate.
Here we distinguish betweenan example and a pattern. The latter is to be
literally traced, just as the engraverproduces the facsimile of a painting; the

former may be something whose form we cannot repeat, but whose principle
we may imbibe and infuse into other acts different in form but of the same
kind. Thus we cannot like Christ perform miracles, but we can cultivate the
spirit of love which moved Him to do what He did. We shall not be tempted as
He was;but the same parts of our nature will be assailed;and we can learn to
resistas He resisted, with the swordof the Spirit. It might not be right for us
to go into the company of sinners as He did, nor employ His terrible
invectives; but we cancherish the spirit which led Him to seek the lost, and
sympathise with His repugnance to evil. We have not Christ's personal
religion which had no repentance.(2)There were many acts of personal
holiness and relative virtue which our Lord could not exercise. He was not a
merchant, magistrate, or head of a household. But He embodied the principle
of universal obedience, and fulfilled every obligationarising from all the
relations which He could or did sustain towards God and man. This is what
we are to do, and to learn from Him to do.
II. TO WHOM THE DUTY APPERTAINS. The words are addressedto a
Christian Church, who have receivedthe gospel. Those who believe in Christ,
and are reconciledto God by Him, are required to put Him on. But let no man
go on sinning in the supposition that some day by Divine grace he may become
convertedand then put on Christ. This should be remembered by the children
of Christian families particularly. Let their earliestlessonbe to strive to be
like Christ, and after many a failure they may gradually come to a sense of
forgiving mercy which will not be lessenedby their endeavours before they
knew the precise nature cf their obligations to Him.
III. HOW IT IS TO BE CARRIED OUT. To put on Christ there must be —
1. A thoroughly honestdesire to be like Him. This needs deep consideration
and prayer for the grace of the Holy Spirit.
2. A frequent and devout study of the characterof Jesus in order to
understand both its form and spirit.
3. A study of what Christ taught and required.
4. A deliberate and habitual effort to realise all this in personalcharacterand
life.
5. Seasons ofspecialself-examinationas to likeness or unlikeness to Christ.
6. Carefulness to guard againstreligious acts becoming formalities.
IV. THE BLESSEDNESSOF FULFILLING THIS DUTY.
1. It constitutes the most solid and satisfactoryproofof inward religion. The
spiritual processesofcontrition, faith, forgiveness,dec., are all inward and

secret, and so there is a necessityfor the practicalfruits of these in likeness to
Christ, to be brought forth, so that the Christian and others may have full
demonstration that he is born of God.
2. It is the only way of securing that peace and comfort which specifically
belong to the religious life. The peace ofthe sinner flows into him entirely
from without; the peace ofa saint from purified affections and Godlikeness,
and in proportion as he puts on Christ will this be securedto him in Christ's
companionship.
3. It is the greatsecretofspiritual strength, safety, and perseverance.The text
gives us the meaning of "the armour of light."
4. It is the bestpreparation for the day of His coming, when they only who are
like Him will be able to see Him as He is.
(T. Binney, LL.D.)
Christ's characterthe soul's true garment
D. Thomas, D.D.
The soul requires a garment as well as the body, and the true garment of the
soul is the characterofChrist. This is —
I. A MOST INDISPENSABLE GARMENT. Sinhas stripped the soul of its
true attire, and three things mark its history everywhere.
1. Moralshame. It shrinks from the eye of scrutiny.
2. Painful exposure. It is at the mercy of the elements around it.
3. Robing expedients. From the time that our first parents sewedtheir fig
leaves, every, soul has been busy at some garment. The old Paganworld was
full of such manufactures, nor is the modern religious world destitute of such
self-made robes, but they are all "filthy rags."
II. A MOST PRECIOUS GARMENT. The most valuable thing in the world is
moral goodness, whosemostperfectform is the characterof Christ. This
garment is —
1. Ever beautiful. "How greatis His beauty." "We beheld His glory," etc. The
highest beings in the universe admire this robe.
2. Ever enduring. The costlyrobes of princes shall rot, even the heavens
themselves shall be folded up as a vesture, but the characterof Christ shall
last for ever.

III. A MOST AVAILABLE GARMENT. We are constantlyputting on the
characters ofothers. This assimilationis a law of our socialbeing. Our
characters are formed on the principle of imitation. The characterof Him is
most easilyattainable by us. He has the most —
1. Lovableness. He whom we love most we shall imitate most. Christ is
infinitely lovable.
2. Accessibleness.He, if lovable, with whom we canhave the most free,
constant, and uninterrupted access, willimpress us most easily with his
characteristics. Christis ever with us. "Our fellowship is indeed with the
Father, and with His SonJesus Christ."
(D. Thomas, D.D.)
The garment of salvation
R. Cecil, M.A.
I. WHAT IS IT TO PUT ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST? It implies the
taking of —
1. His merit.
2. His spirit and temper.
3. His badge, and making a public profession ofbeing His servants.
II. HOW ARE WE TO DO THIS? By —
1. An internal application of Him. Thus we put on Christ before God, and
make Him our only —
(1)Plea.
(2)Ground of justification.
(3)Hope of glory.
2. An external professionof Him, by works before men.
(R. Cecil, M.A.)
The believer's dress
T. Robinson, D.D.
castevery other in the shade.
I.COSTLY. It costthe King of Glory His life and death (Philippians 2:6-8).
II.COMFORTABLE.It fills the soul with peace and joy (Romans 15:13).

III.COMPLETE. It leaves not part of body or soul exposed(Colossians2:10).
IV.COMELY, in the eyes of God, angels, and men (Ezekiel16:14).
V.GLORIOUS (2 Corinthians 3:18).
VI.DURABLE (Hebrews 13:8).
VII.DIVINE (Jeremiah23:6).
(T. Robinson, D.D.)
The best dress
J. Edmond, D.D.
(Children's Sermon): — It is —
I. A NEW DRESS.
1. It is not our natural dress.
2. It is of peculiar excellence.
II. A RICH DRESS. To put on Christ is to put on —
1. Humility, as the tunic, always worn, fitting the body close.
2. Love, as the cloak, oftentaken off to castround others.
3. Truth, as the girdle, making the wearerstrong and ready for work.
4. Obedience, as the sandals.
III. A CHURCH DRESS, because —
1. It is the best. It is right to wearthe best dress in church.
2. It is sacred.
IV. A COURT DRESS. You will wearthis dress in heaven. Keep it well, then;
you are to see the King in it.
(J. Edmond, D.D.)
The drama of life
T. R. Stephenson.
The apostle meant, "PersonifyChrist; act His part" Neverit is true, shall we
be perfect as the Masterwas;but by patience, prayer, and effort we may come
to resemble Him closely. A young artist may be twitted as he sits before his
model with, "Are you vain enough to think that you canpaint as well as Titian

or Turner?" He will reply, "No, but I hope by industry to make fair copies of
their pictures."
I. DIRECTIONS.
1. Study your part well. No successwithout this. Alexander carrieda copy of
Homer with him in all his campaigns. Eminent orators have studied
Demosthenes andCicero. Lord Wolseleyhas made war his one study. How
widely Dickens observed!So successin our line cannotbe achievedwithout
habitual regard to Christ. "Beholding as in a glass,"etc. A saint had a vision
of Christ on which he gazedso long that he afterwards found in his own hands
and feetthe marks of the nails. A mere fable, but one with an impressive
moral.
2. Attend to private preparation. Solitary discipline has ever precededpublic
proficiency in musicians, soldiers, etc. Communion with God will keepus
right in our fellowship with man.
3. Be an enthusiast. He who has no higher ambition than to get through his
part will never be a goodactor. "How comes it," askeda bishop of Garrick,
"that I, in expounding Divine truths, produce so little effect, while you so
easilyrouse the deepestfeelings of your audience by the representationof
your fiction?" "Because,"saidthe actor, "I recite fiction as if it were truth,
while you deliver truth as if it were fiction."
II. ENCOURAGEMENTS.
1. You have a prompter — the Holy Ghost, "He shall bring all things to your
remembrance," etc. NapoleonIII. wrote, "I always make my greatuncle my
model, his spirit accompanying me, and enabling me to succeedin the same."
We may make a higher boast than that.
2. Others have acted their part well.
3. Nevermind though you actbadly at first. When Kemble made his first
appearance he was laughed down; so was Disraeli.
4. You will be applauded if you act your part well — by God and the good.
(T. R. Stephenson.)
Persuasivesand dissuasives
J. Lyth, D.D.
Here is —
I. A PERSUASIVE TO HOLINESS — put on Christ.

1. His humility and self-denial.
2. His meekness and patience.
3. His purity and fervent zeal.
II. A DISSUASIVE FROM SIN.
1. Guard againstits occasions.
2. Check the first desire.
3. Mortify its lusts.
(J. Lyth, D.D.)
Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ
C. A. Bartol.
There are two methods of moral improvement: first, acting from ourselves
according to an abstractprinciple; and, secondly, living over againthe
example of actual excellence.It is the latter method to which the text points. It
is certainly a very remarkable power which God has given us, of realising in
ourselves a characterdifferent from our own. We cannotfail to see in such a
constitution the Divine purpose, not only that we should enter into the feeling
of others, but moreoverthat we should enrich our own nature; not be
confined strictly to our native tendencies and original biases, but borrow
others' wisdom, copy others' virtue, and incorporate into our own being a
thousand exotic excellences.A considerationof some of the modes in which
this representing, realising poweroperates may help us to understand it as a
moral faculty, and consecrateit to the highest uses. Do we not see a very
familiar display of it in the genius of the poet, by which he conceives of
characters — creatures of his imagination, yet true to nature — distinguished
from one another and from himself in their modes of thought and actuating
passions, and, through all the variety of situations in which they may be
placed, severallywell sustained? Nothing is more common than this
representationin the Bible itself. Sacredhistorian, psalmist, and prophet are
continually figuring certain characters before ourminds as examples or
warnings. The parables of our Lord are commonly but portraitures to our
spiritual fancy of diverse moral characters;and we canlearn the lessonHe
intends only by a vigorous use of this representing and reproducing power.
The exercises, too, ofthe human voice in recitationand oratory, only set
before us in tones what the pen has first traced in simple words. From the
child that is taught to speak the sentiments of some saint or martyr in his

earliestdeclamations atschool, to the grave debaterin legislative halls;from
the narrator at the fireside, to the lively rehearserof inspired pages ofhuman
composition, or the edifying readerof the sacredWord of God, what do we
see throughout but this very endeavourof the soul to personate and put on the
meaning and feeling of some other character, and, so far as it is understood
and believed to be a noble character, to adopt, appropriate, and live over
againits nobleness? Or, to illustrate the subjectfrom more homely,
universally known facts, the strong working of this assimilating power of the
soul will not be doubted by any who have noticedhow in daily life we
continually fashion eachother, and are fashionedby those we are with; who
have observedthe contagionof customin a community, the transfer of
manners, the mutual likeness oftenobtaining both of moral traits and visible
expressionbetweenhusband and wife, and more or less all the dwellers under
a single roof, and, in short, the transforming force upon our own hearts from
the sceneswe enter, the presence we stand in, the books we read, the images
we contemplate. This impersonation of the soul, in the use and actualbearing
of every man, exceeds in subtlety and extent all the imaginations that poetry
has ever expressed. Therefore is not the Divine wisdom toward us shown,
when the Scripture fixes on this fundamental instinct as a moral power to be
dedicated, for its main employment, to our spiritual growth? Like the painter
who drew in a single likeness the transcript of what was best in eachselected
countenance, we shallbe continually transferring from the vast galleries of
Providence and Holy Writ, from the societyof the present and the past, and
from the face of those on earth or in heaven, the manifold moral beauty which
is "every creature's best," and thus put that imitative and personating faculty,
by which we pass into another's heart, to its highest designeduse. The justice
we admire, the charity we love, the holy zealand endurance we revere, the
fervent adorationand self-devotionwhich makes our hearts burn — all these
we possess andbecome. The whole gospelis preached and summed up in that
single exhortation. "To put on Christ"; "to be found in Him, not having our
own righteousness";to be "clothed" with His meeknessand humility; to have
"His spirit," and "the same mind in us that was also in Him"; to open our
hearts for His "abode," and have Him "formed within us, the hope of glory"
— who but recognisesatonce, in this so controvertedand abusedlanguage,
the burden of the New Testament? And wherein is the sense ofthis language,
if not in the appropriation of His worth to our nature, by the force of
sympathy, and of a twofold spiritual consciousnessoperating to unite Him to
ourselves? Thus the Divine graces ofHis characterare not impressedin the
way of mere commandment alone; but, as the beauty of the landscape and the
fragrance of flowers possess ouroutward senses,so these finer influences sink

into the deeper perceptions of the spirit. No poet's imagination, no speaker's
expression, no artist's fancy, no friendship's experience, and no other
characteron the historic pages canwork on us the elevating transformation
which we feel in gazing on our Masteras He appears in the artless evangelic
accounts, till our whole thought becomes identified with the object of our
regard, and He appears to us, not in human articles of theoretic belief, but
shines with a living glory into our real knowledge and love. Neither can any
simple self-culture, which has perhaps been too much our method, any
laborious efforts of will, any works or merits of ours, suffice for our salvation,
and lift us into the highest Divine frame, without this admiring absorption of
mind into the model and mould of perfection, by which we "put on Jesus
Christ."
(C. A. Bartol.)
Robed in Christ's righteousness
C. H. Spurgeon.
The moment the man believes in Jesus Christ he is in the righteousness of
Christ — perfectly righteous; he has put upon him the Saviour's garments.
You heard Mr. Weaversay on this platform — I thought it was a good
illustration — that one day he met with a very poor man who was in rags.
This man being a Christian, he wishedto befriend him; he told him if he
would go home with him, he would give him a suit of clothes. "So,"said
Richard, "I went upstairs and took off my secondbest, and put on my Sunday
best, for I did not want to give him my best. I sent the man upstairs, and told
him he would find a suit which he could put on; it was my secondbest. So
after he had put on the clothes, and left his rags behind, he came down and
said, 'Well, Mr. Weaver, whatdo you think of me?' 'Well,' I said, 'I think you
look very respectable.''Oh, yes, but, Mr. Weaver, it is not me; I am not
respectable, it is your clothes that are respectable.'And so," addedMr.
Weaver, "so is it with the Lord Jesus Christ; He meets us coveredwith the
rags and filth of sin, and He tells us to go and put on not His secondbest, but
the bestrobe of His perfect righteousness;and when we come down with that
on, we say, 'Lord, what dost Thou think of me?' and He says, 'Why, thou art
all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee.' We answer, 'No, it is not me, it is
Thy righteousness;I am comely because Thouart comely; I am beautiful
because Thouart beautiful.'"
(C. H. Spurgeon.).

COMMENTARIES
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(14) Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.—Acontinuation 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.
BensonCommentary
Romans 13:14. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ — A strong and beautiful
expressionfor the most intimate union with him, and the being clothed with
all the graces whichwere in him; including the receiving, in faith and love,
every part of his doctrine; obeying his precepts, imitating his example, and
adorning ourselves therewith as with a splendid robe, not to be put off;
because it is the garb intended for that eternal day, which is never to be
followedby night. The apostle does not say, “Put on purity and sobriety,
peacefulness andbenevolence;” but he says all this, and a thousand times
more, at once, in saying, Put on Christ. And make not provision for the flesh
— To raise foolishand sinful desires in your hearts, or, when they are raised
already, to devise means to gratify them.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
13:11-14 Fourthings are here taught, as a Christian's directory for his day's
work. When to awake;Now;and to awake out of the sleepof carnalsecurity,
sloth, and negligence;out of the sleepof spiritual death, and out of the sleepof
spiritual deadness. Considering the time; a busy time; a perilous time. Also
the salvationnigh at hand. Let us mind our way, and mend our pace, we are
nearer our journey's end. Also to 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; clothes worn in the night. Castoff the sinful works of
darkness. Observe whatwe must put on; how we should dress our souls. Put
on the armour of light. A Christian must reckonhimself undressed, if
unarmed. The graces ofthe Spirit are this armour, to secure the soul from
Satan's temptations, and the assaults ofthis present evil world. Put on Christ;

that includes all. Put on righteousness ofChrist, 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, as Christ
anointed and appointed by the Fatherto this ruling, saving work. And how to
walk. When we are up and ready, we are not to sit still, but to appear abroad;
let us walk. Christianity teaches us how to walk so as to please God, who ever
sees us. Walk honestly as in the day; avoiding the works of darkness. Where
there are riot and drunkenness, there usually are chambering and
wantonness, andstrife and envy. Solomonputs these all together, Pr 23:29-35.
See what provision to make. Our greatcare must be to provide for our souls:
but must we take no care about our bodies? Yes; but two things are
forbidden. Perplexing ourselves with anxious, encumbering care;and
indulging ourselves in irregular desires. Natural wants are to be answered,
but evil appetites must be checkedand denied. To ask meatfor our necessities,
is our duty, we are taught to pray for daily bread; but to ask meat for our
lusts, is provoking God, Ps 78:18.
Barnes'Notes on the Bible
But put ye on - Compare Galatians 3:17. The word rendered "put ye on" is
the same used in Romans 13:12, and is commonly employed in reference to
"clothing" or "apparel." The phrase to "put on" a person, which seems a
harsh expressionin our language, was one not infrequently used by Greek
writers, and means to imbibe his principles, to imitate his example, to copy his
spirit, to become like him. Thus, in Dionysius Halicarnassus the expression
occurs, "having put on or clothedthemselves with Tarquin;" i. e., they
imitated the example and morals of Tarquin. So Lucian says, "having put on
Pythagoras;" having receivedhim as a teacherand guide. So the Greek
writers speak ofputting on Plato, Socrates,etc. meaning to take them as
instructors, to follow them as disciples. (See Schleusner.)Thus, to put on the
Lord Jesus means to take him as a pattern and guide, to imitate his example,
to obey his precepts, to become like him, etc. In "all" respects the Lord Jesus
was unlike what had been specifiedin the previous verse. He was temperate,
chaste, pure, peaceable,and meek;and to "put him on" was to imitate him in
these respects;Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter2:22; Isaiah 53:9; 1 John
3:5.
And make not provision - The word "provision" here is what is used to denote
"provident care," orpreparation for future needs. It means that we should
not make it an object to gratify our lusts, or study to do this by laying up
anything beforehand with reference to this design.

For the flesh - The word "flesh" is used here evidently to denote the corrupt
propensities of the body, or those which he had specifiedin Romans 13:13.
To fulfil the lusts thereof - With reference to its corrupt desires. The
gratificationof the flesh was the main object among the Romans. Living in
luxury and licentiousness, they made it their greatobjectof study to multiply
and prolong the means of licentious indulgence. In respectto this, Christians
were to be a separate people, and to show that they were influenced by a
higher and purer desire than this grovelling propensity to minister to sensual
gratification. It is right, it is a Christian duty, to labor to make provision for
all the real needs of life. But the real wants are few; and with a heart disposed
to be pure and temperate, the necessarywants of life are easily satisfied;and
the mind may be devoted to higher and purer purposes.
Jamieson-Fausset-BrownBible Commentary
14. But—to sum up all in one word.
put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ—in such wise that Christ only may be seenin
you (see 2Co 3:3; Ga 3:27; Eph 4:24).
and make no provision—"take no forethought."
for the flesh, to fulfil the lust thereof—"Directnone of your attention to the
cravings of your corrupt nature, how you may provide for their gratification."
Note, (1) How gloriously adapted is Christianity for human societyin all
conditions! As it makes war directly againstno specific forms of government,
so it directly recommends none. While its holy and benign principles secure
the ultimate abolition of all iniquitous government, the reverence which it
teaches formagistracy, under whateverform, as a divine institution, secures
the loyalty and peaceablenessofits disciples, amid all the turbulence and
distractions of civil society, and makes it the highest interest of all states to
welcome it within their pale, as in this as well as every other sense—"the salt
of the earth, the light of the world" (Ro 13:1-5). (2) Christianity is the grand
specific for the purification and elevationof all the socialrelations;inspiring a
readiness to discharge allobligations, and most of all, implanting in its
disciples that love which secures allmen againstinjury from them, inasmuch
as it is the fulfilling of the law (Ro 13:6-10). (3) The rapid march of the
kingdom of God, the advancedstage ofit at which we have arrived, and the
ever-nearing approach of the perfectday—nearerto every believer the longer
he lives—should quicken all the children of light to redeem the time, and,
seeing that they look for such things, to be diligent, that they may be found of
Him in peace, without spot and blameless (2Pe 3:14). (4) In virtue of "the
expulsive power of a new and more powerful affection," the greatsecretof

persevering holiness in all manner of conversationwill be found to be "Christ
IN US, the hope of glory" (Col 1:27), and Christ ON US, as the characterin
which alone we shall be able to shine before men (2Co 3:8) (Ro 13:14).
Matthew Poole's Commentary
Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ; he exhorted, Romans 13:12, to put on the
armour of light; now, to put on Jesus Christ. This is necessary, forthough
grace may help to defend, yet it is Christ and his righteousness only that can
coverus (as a garment doth our nakedness)in the sight of God. To put on
Christ, is to receive him and restupon him by faith; as also to profess and
imitate him. You have the same phrase, Galatians 3:27.
Make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof: by flesh, here, some
understand the corrupt nature; others, the body. When he says,
make not provision for the flesh, he doth not mean, that they should not
provide things necessaryfor the body; this is allowed, Ephesians 5:29 1
Timothy 5:23; we are no where commanded to neglectormacerate our
bodies; but he means, that we should not gratify it in its sinful lusts or
lustings: see 1 Corinthians 11:27. Sustain it we may, but pamper it we may
not: we must not care, cater, or make projects for the flesh, to fulfil its
inordinacics and cravings.
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,.... As a man puts on his clothes when he
rises in the morning: the righteousness ofChrist is compared to a garment, it
is the best robe, it is fine linen, cleanand white, and change ofraiment; which
being put on by the Father's gracious actof imputation, covers the sins and
deformities of his people, defends them from divine justice, secures themfrom
wrath to come, and renders them beautiful and acceptable in his sight: which
righteousness being revealedfrom faith to faith, is receivedby faith, and made
use of as a proper dress to appear in before God; and may be daily said to be
put on by the believer, as often as he makes use of it, and pleads it with God as
his justifying righteousness, whichshould be continually: moreover, to put on
Christ, and which indeed seems to be the true sense of the phrase here, is not
only to exercise faith on him as the Lord our righteousness, andto make a
professionof his name, but to imitate him in the exercise of grace and
discharge of duty; to walk as he walked, and as we have him for an example,
in love, meekness, patience, humility, and holiness:

and make not provision for the flesh; the body: not but that due care is to be
takenof it, both for food and clothing; and for its health, and the continuance
and preservationof it by all lawful methods; but not so as
to fulfil the lusts thereof; to indulge and gratify them, by luxury and
uncleanness:it is a saying of Hillell (k), "he that increases flesh, increases
worms";the sense his commentators (l) give of it is, that
"he that increasesby eating and drinking, until he becomes fatand fleshy,
increases forhimself worms in the grave:''
the designof the sentence is, that voluptuous men, who care for nothing else
but the flesh, should consider, that ere long they will be a repastfor worms:
we should not provide, or be caterers forthe flesh; and, by pampering it, stir
up and satisfy its corrupt inclinations and desires.
(k) Pirke Abot, c. 2. sect. 7. (l) Bartenora in Pirke Abot, c. 2. sect. 7. Vid.
Fagium in ib.
Geneva Study Bible
But {l} put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh,
to fulfil the lusts thereof.
(l) To put on Christ is to possess Christ, to have him in us, and us in him.
EXEGETICAL(ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)
Meyer's NT Commentary
Romans 13:14. Ἐνδύσασθε τ. κύρ. Ἰ. Χρ.] This is the specificallyChristian
nature of the εὐσχημόνως περιπ. But the expressionis figurative, signifying
the idea: Unite yourselves in the closestfellowshipof life with Christ, so that
you may wholly present the mind and life of Christ in your conduct. In
classicalGreek also ἐνδύεσθαί τινα denotes to adopt any one’s mode of
sentiment and action. See Wetsteinand Kypke. But the praesens efficacia
Christi (see Melanchthon)is that which distinguishes the having put on Christ
from the adoption of other exemplars. Comp. Galatians 3:27;Ephesians 4:24;
Colossians 3:12;and on the subject-matter, Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:17;
Photius in Oecumenius: πῶς δὲ αὐτὸνἐνδυτέον; εἰ πάντα ἡμῖν αὐτὸς εἴη,
ἔσωθεν καὶ ἔξωθεν ἐν ἡμῖν φαινόμενος. Observe further, that the having put
on Christ in baptism was the entrance into the sonship of God (Galatians
3:27), but that in the further development of the baptized one eachnew
advance of his moral life (comp. on Romans 13:11) is to be a new putting on of
Christ; therefore it, like the putting on of the new man, is always enjoined
afresh. Comp. Lipsius, Rechtfertigungsl. p. 186 f.

καὶ τῆς σαρκὸς κ.τ.λ.]and make not care of the flesh unto lusts, i.e. take not
care for the flesh to such a degree, that lusts are thereby excited. By μὴ the
πρόνοιανποιεῖσθαι εἰς ἐπιθ. togetheris forbidden, not (as Luther and many)
merely the εἰς ἐπιθ., according to which the whole sentence would resolve
itself into the two members: τῆς ς. πρόνοιανμὲν ποιεῖσθε, ἀλλὰ μὴ εἰς ἐπιθ. In
that case μὴ must have stoodafter ποιεῖσθε (see Romans 14:1); for a
transpositionof the negationis not to be assumedin any passageofthe N. T.
τῆς σαρκός]is emphatically prefixed, adding to the putting on of the Lord
previously required, which is the spiritual mode of life, that which is to be
done bodily. The σάρξ is here not equivalent to σῶμα (as is frequently
assumed;see on the other hand Calovius and Reiche), but is that which
composes the material substance of man, as the source and seatof sensuous
and sinful desires, in contrastto the πνεῦμα of man with the νοῦς. Paul
purposely chose the expression, because in respectof care for the body he
wishes to present the point of view that this care nourishes and attends to the
σάρξ, and one must therefore be on one’s guard againstcaring for the latter in
such measure that the lusts, which have their seatin the σάρξ, are excited and
strengthened. According to Fritzsche, Paul absolutely forbids the taking care
for the σάρξ (he urges that σάρξ must be libidinosa caro). But to this the
expressionπρόνοιανποιεῖσθε is not at all suitable. The flesh, so understood, is
to be crucified (Galatians 5:24), the body as determined by it is to be put off
(Colossians2:11), its πράξεις are to be put to death (Romans 8:13), because its
φρόνημα is enmity againstGod and productive of death (Romans 8:6-7). The
σάρξ is here rather the living matter of the σῶμα, which, as the seatof the
ἐπιθυμίαι, in order to guard againstthe excitement of the latter, ought to
experience a care that is to be restricted accordingly, and to be subordinated
to the moral end (comp. on σάρξ, 1 Corinthians 7:28; 1 Corinthians 15:50; 2
Corinthians 4:10-11;2 Corinthians 7:1; 2 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians
12:7; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 4:13-14). In substance and in moral principle,
the ἀφειδία σώματος (Colossians 2:23)is different from this. Chrysostom
aptly observes:ὥσπερ γὰρ οὐ τὸ πίνειν ἐκώλυσεν, ἀλλὰ τὸ μεθύειν, οὐδὲ τὸ
γαμεῖν, ἀλλὰ τὸ ἀσελγεῖν, οὕτως οὐδὲ τὸ προνοεῖν τῆς σαρκὸς, ἀλλὰ τὸ εἰς
ἐπιθυμίας, οἷοντὸ τὴν χρείαν ὑπερβαίνειν. Moreoverit is clearin itself, that
Paul has added the secondhalf of Romans 13:14 in view of what is to be
handled in chap. 14, and has thereby prepared the way for a transition to the
latter.
Expositor's Greek Testament

Romans 13:14. ἀλλὰ ἐνδύσασθε τὸν Κ. Ἰ. Χριστὸν, ἀλλὰ emphasises the
contrastbetweenthe true Christian life and that which has just been
described. The Christian puts on the Lord Jesus Christ, according to Paul’s
teaching, in baptism (cf. Galatians 3:27), as the solemn deliberate act in which
he identifies himself, by faith, with Christ in His death and resurrection(chap.
Romans 6:3). But the Christian life is not exhaustedin this act, which is rather
the starting-point for a putting on of Christ in the ethical sense, a “clothing of
the soulin the moral dispositionand habits of Christ” (Gifford); or as the
Apostle himself puts it in Romans 6:11, a reckoning of ourselves to be dead to
sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Everytime we perform an ethical actof
this kind we put on the Lord Jesus Christ more fully. But the principle of all
such acts is the Spirit of Christ dwelling in us (chaps. 6–8), and it is the
essentialantagonismofthe spirit to the flesh which determines the form of the
last words:καὶ τῆς σαρκὸς πρόνοιαν μὴ ποιεῖσθε εἰς ἐπιθυμίας. It is to inquire
too curiously if we inquire whether σάρξ here is used in the physiological
sense = the body, or in the moral sense = libidinosa caro (as Fritzsche argues):
the significance ofthe word in Paul depends on the fact that in experience
these two meanings are indubitably if not inseparably related. Taking the
flesh as it is, forethought or provision for it—an interest in it which consults
for it, and makes it an object—canonly have one end, viz., its ἐπιθυμίαι. All
such interest therefore is forbidden as inconsistentwith putting on the Lord
Jesus Christ in the powerof the Holy Spirit.
Cambridge Bible for Schools andColleges
14. But put ye on, &c.]For similar language see Galatians 3:27;(where
Baptism is to be viewedin its ideal, as involving and sealing the acceptance
and confessionof Christ.) Cp. also Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10. Here
again(see Romans 13:12, last note,)observe how the new effort of the life of
grace is spokenof as if it were its beginning.
the Lord Jesus Christ] Here the Saviour is presented as the soul’s armour and
arms. Cp. Romans 13:12. By means of Him, beheld by faith, adored, accepted,
and welcomedas the Guestof the soul, sin is to be resistedand subdued.
Grace is to come, above all other means, by means of personaldealings with
Him.
and make not provision, &c.]Lit. make not forethought of the flesh. The
clause, ofcourse, means (under a sortof euphemism) “positively deny the
flesh;” but it speciallysuggests the sad thought of the elaborate pains with

which so often sin is planned and sought.—Seethe close of1 Corinthians 9 for
St Paul’s own practicalcomment on this precept.
to fulfil the lusts thereof] Lit., simply, unto lusts; with a view to (evil) desires.
An instructive parallel is Colossians2:23, where probably render, “not of any
value with a view to [resisting the] gratification of the flesh.” Mere ascetic
rules there stand contrastedwith the living grace ofthe personalSaviour here.
This verse is memorable as the turning-point of St Augustine’s conversion. In
his Confessions (VIII. 12) he records how, at a time of greatmoral conflict, he
was strangelyimpelled by a voice, perhaps the cry of children at play, (“Take
and read, take and read,”)to open againthe Epistles of St Paul (codicem
Apostoli) which he had recently been reading. “I read in silence the first place
on which my eyes fell; Not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering
and wantonness, notin strife and envying; but put ye on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in its lusts. I neither cared, nor
needed, to read further. At the close ofthe sentence, as if a ray of certainty
were poured into my heart, the clouds of hesitation all fled at once.”—The
following words, But him that is weak in faith receive ye, were pointed out to
him just after by his friend Alypius, to whom Augustine shewedthe present
verse. Augustine was at the time so slightly read in the Scriptures that he was
not aware (he says)of this contexttill Alypius, with an application to himself,
drew his attention to it.
Bengel's Gnomen
Romans 13:14. Τὸν) Here is summarily containedall the light and power of
the New Testament, as it is the whole of salvation [everything that is wrong
being excluded.—V. g.] 1 Corinthians 6:11.—ἸησοῦνΧριστὸν, Jesus Christ)
ch. Romans 6:3-4.—σαρκὸς, ofthe flesh) This has respectto ch. 7 and 8.—
πρόνοιαν, care)The care of the flesh is neither forbidden in this passageas
bad, nor praised as good, but it is reduced to order and fortified againstthe
dangers to which it is liable, as something of a middle character[betweenbad
and good], and yet in some respects the objectof suspicion. Πρόνοια, previous
[anticipatory] care of the flesh is opposedto holy hope.—ἐπιθυμίας,lusts)of
pleasure and passion:with this comp. Romans 13:13 [and ch. Romans 6:7.]
Vincent's Word Studies
Provision(πρόνοιαν)

Etymologicallyakin to take thought for, in 13:17.
Flesh
In the moral sense:the depraved nature.
PRECEPTAUSTIN RESOURCES
BRUCE HURT MD
Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for
the flesh in regardto its lusts (NASB: Lockman)
Greek:alla endusasthe (2PAMM) ton kurion Iesoun Christon, kaites sarkos
pronoian me poieisthe (2PPMM)eis epithumias.
Amplified: But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ(the Messiah), and
make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the
evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts). (Amplified
Bible - Lockman)
Int'l Children's Bible But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. Forget
about satisfying your sinful self. (ICB: Nelson)
NLT But let the Lord Jesus Christ take controlof you, and don't think of
ways to indulge your evil desires. (NLT - Tyndale House)
NIV Rather clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ & do not think
about how to gratify the desires ofthe sinful nature. (NIV - IBS)
Phillips Let us be Christ's men from head to foot, and give no chances to the
flesh to have its fling. (Phillips: Touchstone)
Wuest: But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and stop making
provision for the sinful nature with a view to a passionate craving.
BUT PUT ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST:all endusasthe (2PAMM) ton
kurion iesounchriston:
Gal 3:27; Eph 4:24-note;Col 3:10-note; Col3:11-note; Col 3:12-note
Romans 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries
Romans 13:11-14:Your PresentWalk and the Coming Day - StevenCole

Romans 13:11-14 Putting On The Lord Jesus Christ, Part 2 - John
MacArthur
Romans 13:11-14 Time to Wake Up - John MacArthur
Romans 13:11-12 Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, Part 1 - John MacArthur
Romans 13:12-14 Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, Part 2 - John MacArthur
Romans 13:11-14 Do You Know What Time It Is - RayPritchard
Romans 13:11-14 Responsibilities Under Grace 12 - Wayne Barber
The Expulsive Powerof a New Affection - Thomas Chalmers - a classic!
See relatedresource:Covenant-Exchanging Robes > Identification - Two
Become One
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ as a man puts on a garment, and stop living
a life in which your first thought is to gratify the desires ofChristless human
nature. (Barclay, W: The Daily Study Bible Series, Rev. ed. Philadelphia: The
WestminsterPress)
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t let any thought in your head that
would lead to a sinful desire—notjust to the gratification of the sinful desire,
but even the desire itself. (John Piper's paraphrase)
"THE CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN"
This is what the world says, but in this verse Paul has a similar thought in the
spiritual realm. The Greek picture is to take upon one's selfthe interests of
Christ, entering into His views, being wholly on His side, imitating Him
(enabled by His Spirit) in thoughts, words and deeds. This is not possible
naturally, but only supernaturally.
But (235)(alla) is an adversative conjunction indicating contrast, difference,
or limitation but, however, yet, nevertheless, atleast. Paul now introduces the
contrary position every believer should assume in order to facilitate a walk
worthy of the calling to which we have eachbeen called (eg, "ambassadors of
Christ" whom the lost world is watching).
The Lord Jesus Christ --William Newellnotes that…
The full title of our Lord Jesus Christ awakenand almoststartles us here:
Jesus is His personalname (Mt 1:21); as Christ, the anointed One, He does
His saving work; as Lord, He is over all things.
The full title was announced by Peterat Pentecost:"God hath made Him both
Lord and Christ, this Jesus whomye crucified." (Acts 2:36) All true believers
have put on Christ (Gal 3:27) for He is their life (Col 3:4-note); and the

Corinthians were told that-Jesus Christ was in them (2Co 13:5). It is striking
that the first use of our Lord's full title is by Peterin Acts 11:17, in connection
with the gift of the Holy Spirit in the upper room: "The gift God gave unto us,
when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ." They had before believed on
Jesus, as the JewishMessiah, the Christ, the Son of God: but evidently when
He had ascendedinto glory, God led them to a surrendering of earthly hopes,
and an appropriating of their Lord, in His now exaltedand glorified
character, as the Lord Jesus Christ, in a phase of faith never know before. It
is this Christ Paul commands us to put on-the Lord Jesus Christ! Not as our
righteousness are we to "put Him on": for He is Himself the righteousness of
all believers. But it is as to our walk and warfare that we put Him on. We are
to be panoplied with Christ! (Romans:Verse by Verse)
Put on (1746)(enduo from en = in + dúo = to sink, go in or under, to put on)
means to put on as a garment or to cause to get into a garment. Clearly Paul's
use is figurative and signifies not that which is merely external but internal,
intimate identification with Christ.
All believers are progressivelybeing sanctifiedby the Spirit, Who empowers
us to put off the filthy, dirty flesh clothes and put on the new clothing of
Christ Jesus ourLord. (cf. see Eph 4:22-note, Eph 4:23-note;Eph 4:24-note;
Col 3:12-note).
There is a sense in which the putting on of Christ has already taken place in
our spiritual baptism into Christ, Paul explaining…
For all of you who were baptized (baptizo ~ identified with) into Christ have
clothed (enduo - in the aoristtense = past completedaction = descriptive of
every believer's eternal, immutable position in Christ and identification and
oneness with Christ) yourselves with Christ. (Gal 3:27; cp Ro 6:3-note)
Enduo is in the aoristtense, middle voice, imperative mood (aorist
imperative). A command in the aoristtense conveys the sense of"Do it now
and do it effectively" and can even indicate a sense ofurgency (to not do so
leaves us vulnerable to the lusts of the flesh!) The middle voice is reflexive
which means the subject initiates the actionand participates in the results or
effects of that actions. The middle voice can be translated "You yourself put
Christ on!" In other words God is not going to force us, but by grace through
faith He does give us this provision of which we canand should partake if we
are to fight the goodfight of faith (cp 1Ti 6:12).
In the present passagePaulis speaking to believers who have already been
clothed with Christ and thus in commanding them to put on the Lord Jesus
Christ, he is calling for believers to daily put Christ on.

Put On Christ as Your Daily Garment

Put On Christ as Your Daily Garment

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