Romans 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. I. THE FACT ASSERTED. 1. In reference to Rome and the heathen world at large, the night of Gentile ignorance and vice was far spent, and the day of gospel knowledge, grace, and blessing was at hand. 2. In reference to the Christian Church at Rome, the night of imperfect acquaintance with the gospel was far spent, and the clear day of spiritual light was at hand. 3. In reference to each individual Christian, whosoever and wheresoever he may be, the night of temptation, trial, and trouble is far spent, and the day of heavenly glory and bliss is at hand. II. THE EXHORTATION FOUNDED ON THIS FACT. 1. From the practice of all sin. The dress to be "cast off" is "the works of darkness," so called because — (1) Their source is darkness. (2) Their scene of action is darkness, as far as man can render it so. (3) Their end is the "blackness of darkness for ever"! Sin must return to the place from whence it came; and woe to him who shall be found in its company at the time! 2. To the pursuit of all holiness. "Let us put on the armour of light." In Ephesians 6:13-17 he enumerates the several particulars of the Christian armour.But it is more briefly described in ver. 14. 1. Make the example of Christ your pattern. 2. Seek for union with Christ as your strength. (J. Jowett, M.A.) Parallel Verses KJV: The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. |
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