The verse Romans 13:14 says “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” This verse teaches an important principle for Christians about how to live in a way that honors God.
To “make no provision for the flesh” means we should not plan or provide opportunities for our sinful nature to indulge in sin. Our “flesh” refers to the part of us that still desires sin. As Christians we have been freed from slavery to sin, but we still battle temptations daily. The way to fight sin is to “make no provision for the flesh” – don’t make it easy for yourself to give in to temptation.
Practically this means a few things:
- Avoid tempting situations – don’t put yourself in compromising circumstances which would provide an opportunity for sin.
- Flee from sources of temptation – cut off access to things which inflame your sinful desires.
- Fill your time with Godly pursuits – replace sinful habits and interests with righteous ones.
- Ask God for grace to resist temptation – rely on the Holy Spirit’s power, not your own.
The latter part of the verse complements this teaching. We are to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”, meaning we must continually embrace Christ in our lives. As we focus on pursuing Christ wholeheartedly, we will find power to turn away from sin.
1. What does “the flesh” refer to?
“The flesh” is a term used in the New Testament, especially in the writings of Paul, to describe the sinful desires and tendencies within human nature. It represents the part of us that remains under the control of sin.
In contrast to “the flesh” is “the spirit”, which represents the regenerated nature of a believer controlled by the Holy Spirit. So “the flesh” does not refer to our physical bodies, but rather the inner sinful nature that wars against our new spirit.
Paul describes the constant struggle between the flesh and the spirit in Romans 7:14-25. Though Christians have been freed from slavery to sin, they still retain their fleshly nature which pulls them towards sin. Hence the need to “make no provision for the flesh” by not giving any foothold to our inner sinful desires.
2. What kinds of “provisions” should we avoid?
Anything that caters to the desires and appetites of our sinful nature should be avoided. Here are some examples of “provisions” we should refrain from:
- Entertainment promoting immorality – Certain television shows, movies, books that encourage sexual immorality, violence, greed, etc.
- Habits feeding sinful cravings – Drugs, alcohol, pornography and other addictive behaviors.
- Tempting social media content – Suggestive photos, unwholesome conversations, and other social media material inflaming lust or vain conceit.
- Environments centered around sin – Places or events that revolve around drug use, sexual immorality, and other sinful acts.
- Relationships leading into compromise – Close associations with non-believers or nominal Christians who draw us away from Christ.
Of course this list is not exhaustive. The key principle is to avoid anything that caters to our inner sinful tendencies and makes sin more enticing or available.
3. How can we “make no provision” in practical daily life?
Here are some practical ways Christians can “make no provision for the flesh” in daily life:
- Install internet filters to block inappropriate sites and content.
- Avoid environments or social circles prone to gossip, sexual sin, drug use, greed, etc.
- Cancel subscriptions or unfollow accounts on social media that promote ungodly content.
- Develop new healthy habits to replace sinful behaviors.
- Avoid extended time alone with romantic interests prior to marriage.
- Decline party invitations where alcohol and drugs are present.
- Stop purchasing and consuming media that stirs up sinful desires.
- Limit time aimlessly surfing the internet to avoid online temptations.
- Find accountability partners to confess sins and temptations to.
Ultimately we must be vigilant about identifying and restricting anything that caters to our fleshly desires. Just removing obvious temptations is not enough. We must proactively fill our time with righteous and God-honoring pursuits.
4. What does it mean to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”?
This phrase means we must continually embrace and exemplify Christ in our daily lives. It is not enough to simply avoid sin – we must also pursue holiness. We put on Christ by:
- Studying His life and teachings in Scripture.
- Seeking to exemplify His character of love, humility, righteousness.
- Pursuing intimate relationship with Him through prayer and worship.
- Obeying His commands and walking as He walked.
- Representing Christ through our speech, conduct, lifestyle.
- Relying on His strength to overcome temptation.
- Clothing ourselves symbolically with Christ’s righteousness.
“Putting on Christ” means He increasingly becomes the focus of our lives. As we set our minds on Christ, we receive grace and power to resist the desires of the flesh.
5. What is the connection between these two commands?
These two commands perfectly complement each other. As we “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” we receive strength to “make no provision for the flesh.” And as we restrict opportunities for sin, our love and devotion to Christ grows even stronger.
Trying to resist temptation in our own power is legalism and will fail. It is only through relying on Christ’s strength that we can overcome sin. Likewise, just professing faith in Christ while continuing to entertain sin is hypocrisy.
True holiness requires both mortifying sin and clinging to Christ. These two directives must go hand in hand. As John Owen wrote, “Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” We kill sin by nurturing our relationship with Christ.
6. What does this teach us about battling temptation?
This verse teaches some key truths about how to gain victory over temptation:
- Avoid compromising situations – don’t flirt with temptation.
- Our own willpower is insufficient – rely on Christ’s strength.
- Fill your life with righteous pursuits – don’t be idle.
- Sin still tempts believers – remain vigilant.
- Starve your fleshly desires – don’t cater to them.
- Make Christ your primary focus at all times.
Battling temptation is not just about stopping sinful behaviors – it requires cultivating intimacy with Christ. This verse reminds us to take proactive steps to restrict temptation, while fixing our eyes firmly on becoming more like Jesus every day.
7. How should knowledge of our fleshly struggle affect our earthly lives?
Knowing we have an ongoing war against the desires of the flesh should impact how we live in several ways:
- We will be more vigilant to avoid compromising situations.
- We will be more careful in choices regarding entertainment, social media, relationships.
- We will recognize we do not have the power in ourselves to resist temptation.
- We will prioritize time cultivating intimacy with Christ through spiritual disciplines.
- We will take practical steps to “make no provision for the flesh” and its desires.
- We will be quick to repent when we do give in to temptation.
- We will be gracious towards others who struggle with sin.
- We will focus less on earthly pleasures and more on eternal rewards.
Awareness of the war against our flesh should lead to greater watchfulness and dependence on Christ in daily spiritual battle. Though not perfect in this life, we strive to honor Christ despite lingering sinful tendencies.
8. What are some potential pitfalls or dangers of “making no provision”?
Though well-intentioned, there are some potential pitfalls to avoid in trying to restrict sinful desires:
- Legalism – Imposing rigid extra rules, making righteousness about what we don’t do instead of faith in Christ.
- Isolation – Withdrawing from unbelievers we should reach out to and interact with.
- Neglecting physical needs – Fasting or other ascetic practices taken to unhealthy extremes.
- Obsessively fighting temptation – Becoming overly introspective.
- Self-righteousness – Looking down on those who struggle with sins we don’t.
- Joylessness – Creating rules that suck delight out of God’s creation.
- Despair – Getting discouraged when we inevitably fail and give in to temptation.
In trying to restrict sin, we must be careful our efforts don’t lead to these effects. Our focus must remain on delighting in Christ rather than just battling sin.
9. How should we respond when we fail in this area?
When we fail to “make no provision for the flesh” and give in to temptation, here are some healthy responses:
- Repent and ask God’s forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
- Seek any needed reconciliation with others.
- Pray for God’s help resisting temptation.
- Remove sources of temptation where necessary.
- Find an accountability partner or group.
- Journal about what led to giving in to analyze patterns.
- Focus on Christ’s grace rather than wallowing in guilt.
- Move forward in humility, relying on the Spirit’s power.
While we should feel godly sorrow, unproductive guilt leads only to despair. Our failures remind us of our dependence on Christ. We must cling to the Gospel of God’s forgiveness in the midst of our imperfect efforts to walk uprightly.
10. How does this teaching connect to resting in Christ?
Striving not to “make provision for the flesh” is not about perfecting ourselves in our own power. Rather it is about recognizing our human limitations and desperate need for Christ’s strength and righteousness.
We avoid temptation not out of fear but out of love for Christ and desire to walk uprightly. We rest in the assurance that our failures are not fatal. As we repent and turn to Christ, His grace sustains us.
This teaching reminds us that growth in holiness is a work of the Spirit, not the flesh. Our role is yielding and trusting; His role is empowering and perfecting. The more we rest in Christ’s completed work, the more power we have to resist sin.