2 Peter 3:11, in speaking of the coming Day of the Lord, Peter writes, "Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?" What a soul searching question! "What manner of persons ought we to be?" The word 'conversation' refers not only to what we say, but to our lifestyle or manner of living. We are instructed in James 1:21-22, to "lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your ownselves."
The Word, either preached or written, cannot effectively take hold of our lives if we are not willing to separate ourselves from the moral filth and evils of a corrupt society. Living for God is not 'cultural' or a matter of personal preference. Rather it is one of abject obedience to the Word of God! The Bible tells us what is improper for God's holy people. We must be careful what we allow in our homes for entertainment and pleasure. Anything with immorality and obscenity will grieve the Holy Spirit and violate God's holy standard for His people. (Eph. 4:30) God's Word warns us, "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them." Eph. 5:6-7.
We are told to put off the old man and "put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and holiness." Eph. 4:24 We as believers must take righteousness and holiness seriously! Our houses and hearts must be swept clean and filled with the Word of God and the holiness of Christ. God is a holy God and what is true of God must be true of His people. Holiness carried the thought of being separated from the ungodly ways of the world and set apart for love, service, and worship toward God. (2 Cor. 6:14-18) Holiness is the goal and purpose of our election in Christ. It means being like God, dedicated to God, and living to please God. It is accomplished by the Spirit of God, who cleanses our souls and spirits from sin, renews us in the image of Christ, and enables us by the infusion of grace to obey God according to His Word?
Thank God for His so great salvation!! Thank God, He is still working on me to make me what He wants me to be!!
The Word, either preached or written, cannot effectively take hold of our lives if we are not willing to separate ourselves from the moral filth and evils of a corrupt society. Living for God is not 'cultural' or a matter of personal preference. Rather it is one of abject obedience to the Word of God! The Bible tells us what is improper for God's holy people. We must be careful what we allow in our homes for entertainment and pleasure. Anything with immorality and obscenity will grieve the Holy Spirit and violate God's holy standard for His people. (Eph. 4:30) God's Word warns us, "Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them." Eph. 5:6-7.
We are told to put off the old man and "put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and holiness." Eph. 4:24 We as believers must take righteousness and holiness seriously! Our houses and hearts must be swept clean and filled with the Word of God and the holiness of Christ. God is a holy God and what is true of God must be true of His people. Holiness carried the thought of being separated from the ungodly ways of the world and set apart for love, service, and worship toward God. (2 Cor. 6:14-18) Holiness is the goal and purpose of our election in Christ. It means being like God, dedicated to God, and living to please God. It is accomplished by the Spirit of God, who cleanses our souls and spirits from sin, renews us in the image of Christ, and enables us by the infusion of grace to obey God according to His Word?
Thank God for His so great salvation!! Thank God, He is still working on me to make me what He wants me to be!!