In this passage, the apostle Paul is urging Christians to live a life that is pleasing to God. He emphasizes the importance of good behavior, which should be in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Specifically, he mentions several vices that Christians should avoid, including carousing, drunkenness, sexual immorality, debauchery, dissension, and jealousy.
Paul's focus on behavior is significant because it demonstrates the idea that faith and practice go hand in hand. A Christian who professes faith in Christ must also demonstrate that faith through his or her actions. It is not enough to simply say that one believes in Jesus Christ; one must also strive to live a life that is consistent with the teachings of Christ.
The first vice that Paul mentions is carousing. This refers to wild partying and reckless behavior, which can be dangerous and harmful to oneself and others. Christians are called to be responsible and to exercise self-control in all things, including their social lives.
Drunkenness is another vice that Christians are urged to avoid. Alcohol can impair judgment and lead to poor decision-making, which can have serious consequences. Christians are called to be sober-minded and to avoid anything that would cloud their judgment or impair their ability to make wise choices.
Sexual immorality and debauchery are also mentioned in this passage. These refer to any kind of sexual behavior that is outside of God's design for human relationships. Christians are called to respect the sanctity of marriage and to avoid sexual sin in all its forms.
Dissension and jealousy are also mentioned. These are attitudes that can lead to conflict and division within the church. Christians are called to be peacemakers and to seek unity within the body of Christ.
Finally, Paul urges Christians to "clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." This means that Christians should strive to imitate Christ in all areas of their lives. They should seek to reflect his love, his compassion, his humility, and his selflessness. By doing so, they will be able to resist the temptations of the flesh and live a life that is pleasing to God.
In conclusion, Romans 13:13-14 is a passage that emphasizes the importance of good behavior and self-control in the Christian life. Christians are called to avoid vices such as carousing, drunkenness, sexual immorality, debauchery, dissension, and jealousy, and to strive to imitate Christ in all areas of their lives. By doing so, they will be able to resist the temptations of the flesh and live a life that is pleasing to God.
See also: vs 12
Romans 13:13-14. Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.