Monday, February 25, 2013

HOLINESS (Book Appendix Excerpt)


1 Peter 1:14-16

 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

“Be ye holy” This is not a suggestion but a statement or a command.  There is nothing outrageous, difficult or unattainable about living a holy life unto God.  We make it so hard because we want to be not only in the world but also of the world, and still be able to reap the benefits of God. 

That’s why you have so many Christian men and women living together before marriage, (shaking up).  More babies are born out of wedlock then ever before, because no one wants to talk about fornication or how to say no until you say “I do” as husband and wife.  You have men liking men and women liking women right here within the body of Christ, because no one wants to talk about homosexuality until it hits home.  Men and women are getting married to the wrong person because they did everything they wanted to do outside the Will of God and now they want their mess to be blessed by saying it is better to marry than to burn.  God is not only a holy God, but he is a God of order. 

In today’s society, you have men gripping about women being too holy and vice versa.  Is there such a thing as being too holy?  Are we basing our definition on holiness according to the world’s standards, which includes our fleshly desires or according to the Word of God.

Holiness is defined as a state or character of being Holy.  Holy is defined as set apart to the service of deity.  Deity is God or somebody or something that is treated like a god.  Basically, holiness is the state, character, disposition, nature or make-up of being set apart to the service of God. 

Vs 15 of our text –the Amplified Version states,”But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. 

Holy implies sacredness, being consecrated to God or being worthy of God.  You must be free from impurity.  There can be no hint of moral pollution or spiritual defilement.  To be holy is to be free from anything that would offend a perfect God.  Those things we use to do when we were in the world, we can’t do any more.

To live a holy life is a choice.  It is not something that you can put on or take off whenever it is convenient.  It is a lifestyle or way of life.  As we yield ourselves to God, and as we soberly, seriously and vigilantly resist  the devil and all his temptations, we will find that God is able to “perfect, establish, strengthen and settle” us.  As a living witness, it is not easy, but it is worth it. 

We have to get out of our comfort zones.  If you are going to live holy, then stop making excuses and just live holy.  We must stand up for what is morally and spiritually right at any cost even if we have to stand-alone.  We must proclaim the Gospel not only with our mouths but also by example. 

Concluding with 1 Peter 2:11-12
(New Living Translation)

Dear brothers and sisters, you are foreigners and aliens here. So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls. Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.[]

Will you live holy?

6 comments:

  1. My brother rеcommenԁed I would possibly lіke this web sitе.
    Hе was onсe entirеly right.
    This put up aсtually made my day. You can nοt imagine just hоw much time I had
    spent foг thіs information! Thanks!


    Feel fгee to suгf to mу web blog; linked internet site

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I appreciate your comment. Thank your brother for me for the recommendation. Share with others. Thanks again.

      Delete
  2. I love it when individuals come together and share
    ideas. Great blog, keep it up!

    Here is my web page: onlineradio

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! I will try to do my best to keep it up. I did say try. :) Thanks again!

      Delete
  3. Hi, yes this article is in fact nice and I have learned lot of things from it regarding blogging.
    thanks.

    Here is my blog ... internetradio

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your comment. I'm glad I can help although I am still learning. Work in progress. :)

      Delete