21/09/2019
Separation From The World
Key Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. HAVING THEREFORE these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Holiness is a very important issue with God. As Christians, we need to do the things that please God and stay away from or hate the things that displease God. Paul worded it this way in Romans 12:1-2 "I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
As born again believers, we are not to conform to the ways of the world, but rather we are to be transformed (changed) by the renewing of our mind. The Bible says for as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). In other words, from "the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh…" (Matthew 12:34). Holiness is an inside job that reveals itself on the outside.
Loving the Lord means loving and obeying His Word (John 14:15, 23; 1 John 2:3-6). Proverbs 29:18(a) states "Where there is no vision, the people perish". The word vision comes from the Hebrew word hazon which means revelation. The Full Life Study Bible gives us a good explanation of this verse on page 960, "When there is no clear revelation and bold declaration of God's will and standards, God's people lose their Biblical convictions, cast off their moral restraints, and as a result perish. The revealed will of God and His righteous demands as expressed in Scripture must be repeatedly kept before the congregation, or many will begin to conform to the world and disobey God's law".
"Examining your beliefs and values is really looking at who you are and what you stand for. It is looking at your identity. Your principles define who you are. Live as you believe and you are being faithful to yourself and the world." (Author unknown)
Basic Bible principles which describe the essence of holiness:
"Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world" (1 John 2:15-16).
"Be not conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2).
"Abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
"Be temperate in all things" (1 Corinthians 9:25).
"Be ye separate" (2 Corinthians 6:16-18).
"Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:20).
"Abstain from fleshly lusts" (1 Peter 2:11).
"Defile not God's temple" (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
Notice in the eight basic Bible principles mentioned, gender is not an issue. This re-affirms the fact that these basic Bible principles are for all people (male or female) wanting to please the Lord. The purpose of any specific standard of holiness is to help us fulfill these basic Bible principles.
Two-fold nature of holiness (Psalm 24:3-4): 1. Outward-clean hands
Inward-pure heart
Outward - clean hands
Modest Apparel:
The Bible very clearly teaches that there should be a distinction between men and women (Deuteronomy 22:5). Men are to act and look like men and women are to act and look like women. Short shorts, tight pants, see through and skin tight clothing, low neck line, no back and mini skirts are all descriptions of apparel that cannot be considered modest nor can a woman who uses them be called a woman professing godliness (that she considers God and His Word important in her life).
1 Timothy 2:9-10 gives us the godly conduct and dress of a woman desiring to please God.
Modest means "to be orderly, well arranged, becoming, decent, proper, not excessive.
Apparel comes from the Greek word "katastole" which means "long robe, lowered, let down".
Shamefacedness comes from the Greek word "aidos" which means "modesty or reverence". This word speaks of respect, self-restraint or bashfulness toward men; not being bold or forward.
Sobriety speaks of moderation or chastity, good sense and balance.
Make-up and Jewelry:
Makeup and jewelry reflect a false set of values. They over emphasize the temporal, the unimportant, the physical and even the ungodly. Since we are trying to live godly lives, the emphasis should be on what God likes. His values should become our values (1 Peter 3:3-4).
When you read through the Word of God, makeup and exterior ornamentation is consistently spoken of in a negative way and is normally linked with immorality, sensual seduction, brazen shamelessness, unholiness, and disobedience. In the Bible, makeup and jewelry are overwhelmingly associated with the wrong company:
Ancient Egypt first introduced painting of the eyelids to enhance s*xual appeal about 3000B.C. This practice, referred to by Solomon describes an evil, whorish, adulterous woman (Proverbs 6:25).
Read how Jeremiah described Judah’s back slidden state in Jeremiah 4:30.
Ezekiel 23:40 gives us a description of lewd harlots who used make-up to entice men to sin.
2 Kings 9:30 describes the wicked queen Jezebel painting her face.
Can you think of any godly women mentioned in the Bible who wore make-up? That should tell you something.
“From ancient days, people from every race and nation have adorned themselves with rings on the big toe, the thumb, and every finger - lip rings, neck rings (necklaces), nose rings, anklets, bracelets, and earrings.” ("Separated-Because of Him!" Lesson 7, A Search For Truth Publication) People thought that the wearing of jewelry would protect them from evil spirits and considered rings to be a “magic circle.” It seems that the ancient people wore rings for magical reasons, such as to cure disease, to give strength, luck, general protection to the possessor, or to defend from evil spirits. According to the ancient Oriental view, metals and precious stones belonged to certain gods. Any trinket that diverts attention from the wearer to itself served as a protection against the “evil eye.”
In Genesis 35, God instructs Jacob to return to Bethel and build an altar. Look at what Jacob tells all the members of his household to do in Genesis 35:2-4. An initial step in turning to God through consecration and prayer was to remove their jewelry.
In Exodus 12:35-36, Israel took many golden and silver ornaments from the Egyptians before their departure. Jewelry had long been associated with heathen adornment and idolatry. However, it was God’s purpose for His people to use it in the construction of the Tabernacle, not for ornamentation.
Later in the book of Exodus, when Israel sinned by worshipping a calf made from their golden earrings, God threatened to kill them all. He was angry. In Exodus 33:5-6, God commanded that they remove their ornaments as a sign of utter remorse for their sin.
In all we do we need to ask ourselves the following questions:
(1) Does it serve a useful purpose?
(2) Does it agree with Paul’s teaching on modesty, shamefacedness, and sobriety?
(3) What is my motive?
(4) Would Jesus be pleased?
(5) Would it draw unnecessary attention to me?
(6) Would this be attractive to the opposite s*x in a sensual way?
Uncut Hair
1 Corinthians 11:1-16 deals with authority and lets us know that women should not cut their hair.
Since we are under the authority of God's Word, it is our desire to obey the teachings put forth in these scriptures for the following reasons:
It demonstrates the wife's biblical submission to her husband (verse 3).
It demonstrates the church's submission to Christ's teaching.
Uncut hair is a sign to the angels of the Christian woman's obedience to God (verse 10). Angels are concerned with proper order and are shocked at conduct not according to God's will.
A woman dishonours her head (husband/father) when she prays with her head uncovered.
Nature itself teaches this principle (verse 14).
Uncut hair is a woman's glory (verse 15).
This is one of God's method's for keeping a clear distinction between male and female.
“Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering” (verse 14-15). The words “have long hair” in verse fifteen is translated from the Greek word “komao,” which means “to let the hair grow.” The word “hair” in verse fifteen in the phrase “her hair is given her for a covering” is translated from the Greek “kome,” which refers to uncut hair. That's why verse six declares it to be a shame if a woman’s hair is shorn (Greek keiro which means to cut) or shaven. Her long, uncut hair is a glory to her because it symbolizes her submission to her husband or father. A lady cannot let her hair grow and cut it at the same time. On the other hand, it is a shame for a man not to cut his hair. For a man to cut his hair reflects his submission to Christ; uncut hair on a man symbolizes rebellion against his head, Christ.
The "covering" mentioned in this passage is the woman’s uncut hair. Verse fifteen is the only place the word “covering,” a noun, appears in the passage. Previously, the words “uncovered” and “covered” appear. These two words are adjectives (descriptive words); they do not specifically declare what is the covering. But verse fifteen specifically says, “Her hair is given her for a covering.” The word “for” is translated from the Greek “anti,” which means “against” or “instead of.” Here the Bible itself declares that a woman’s long, uncut hair is given to her "instead of" (for) a covering (veil). Therefore, if a woman cuts or shaves the hair on her head, in the eyes of God it is a shameful dishonour to her husband or father (head). If a man allows his hair to grow long, it is a shameful dishonour of Christ.
Inward - pure heart
Bill Gothard, who is with the Institute of Basic Youth Conflicts has translated the following holiness characteristics into simple definitions that are easy to understand and apply.
GOD WANTS THIS:
DEFINITION:
THE FLESH WANTS THIS:
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:
I NEED HELP:
Availability
Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving.
Self-Centeredness
Philippians
2:20-21
Contentment
Realizing God has provided everything I need for my present happiness.
Covetousness
I Timothy 6:8
Decisiveness
The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God.
Double-Mindedness
James 1:5
Deference
Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve.
Rudeness
Romans 14:21
Dependability
Fulfilling what I consented to do - even if it means unexpected sacrifice.
Inconsistency
Psalm 15:4
Discernment
Seeing through a surface problem to the real cause(s) of the problem.
Judgement
I Samuel 16:7
Discretion
The ability to avoid words, actions and attitudes which could result in undesirable consequences.
Simple-Mindedness
Proverbs 22:3
Fairness
Looking at a decision from the viewpoint of each person involved.
Partiality
Luke 6:31
Faith
Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it.
Presumption
Hebrews 11:1
Flexibility
Not setting my affections on ideas or plans which may be changed by others.
Resistance
Colossians 3:2
Generosity
Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purpose.
Stinginess
II Corinthians 9:6
Gratefulness
Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life.
Unthankfulness
I Corinthians 4:7
Hospitality
Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life.
Loneliness
Hebrews 13:2
Humility
Recognizing that God and others are actually responsible for the achievements in my life.
Pride
James 4:6
Joyfulness
The exultation of my inward being that results from genuine harmony with God and with others.
Self-pity
Proverbs 15:13
Orderliness
Preparing myself and my surroundings so that I will achieve the greatest efficiency.
Disorganization
I Corinthians 14:40
Reverence
Awareness of how God is working through people and events to produce Christ’s character in my life.
Disrespect
Proverbs
23:17-18
Self-Control
Instant obedience to the initial prompting of God’s Spirit.
Self-Indulgence
Galatians 5:24-25
Sincerity
Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives.
Hypocrisy
I Peter 1:22
Thriftiness
Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary.
Extravagance
Luke 16:11
Truthfulness
Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.
Deception
Ephesians 4:25
Virtue
The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word.
Impurity
II Peter 1:5
Wisdom
Seeing and responding to life situations from God’s frame of reference.
Natural Inclinations
Proverbs 9:10
Remember, to be holy is to imitate the characteristics and attitudes of Christ in every area of life. When Christ's personality replaces our personality and His mind replaces our mind, then we become real Christians (Christ-like).
In everything you do, say, think, and enjoy, ask yourselves the following questions:
Will it bring glory to God (I Corinthians 10:31)?
Can it be done "in the name of the Lord Jesus" asking His blessing on the activity (John 14:13; Colossians 3:17)?
Will this activity focus my priorities on things that are profitable and help me spend more time with Christ (Mark 4:19; Luke 10:41-42)?
Will this activity help me be a better Christian example, or will it take away from my witnessing power (I Corinthians 10:23; 1 John 2:6)?
Will my action(s) weaken the sincere convictions of others or perhaps offend them (1 Corinthians 8:11-13)?
Will it weaken my desire for spiritual things, God's Word, and prayer (Luke 8:14; Matthew 5:6)?
Does this activity past the test of 1 John 2:15-17?
If the Lord were here in person, could I invite Him to participate with me and involve Him in my activity?
Finally, if there is any doubt about acceptability, do not do it!
Holiness on the inside includes your:
Attitudes (Galatians 5:19-23; Ephesians 4:23-32).
Thoughts (Psalm 19:14; Matthew 15:19-20; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8)
Tongue (Proverbs 6:16, 19; James 1:26; 3:1-12).
Eyes (Job 31:1; Psalm 101:3; 119:37; Isaiah 33:15-16; Matthew 6:22-23).
Stewardship of the body (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:12, 19, 20).
What would you do if He came to your house?
When you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door with arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines, and put the Bible where they had been? Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymnbooks out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about? And I wonder-if the Savior spent a day or two with you, would you go right on doing the things you always do? Would you go right on saying the things you always say?
Separation From The World
Key Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. HAVING THEREFORE these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
Holiness is a very important issue with God. As Christians, we need to do the things that please God and stay away from or hate the things that displease God. Paul worded it this way in Romans 12:1-2 "I BESEECH you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
As born again believers, we are not to conform to the ways of the world, but rather we are to be transformed (changed) by the renewing of our mind. The Bible says for as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). In other words, from "the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh…" (Matthew 12:34). Holiness is an inside job that reveals itself on the outside.
Loving the Lord means loving and obeying His Word (John 14:15, 23; 1 John 2:3-6). Proverbs 29:18(a) states "Where there is no vision, the people perish". The word vision comes from the Hebrew word hazon which means revelation. The Full Life Study Bible gives us a good explanation of this verse on page 960, "When there is no clear revelation and bold declaration of God's will and standards, God's people lose their Biblical convictions, cast off their moral restraints, and as a result perish. The revealed will of God and His righteous demands as expressed in Scripture must be repeatedly kept before the congregation, or many will begin to conform to the world and disobey God's law".
"Examining your beliefs and values is really looking at who you are and what you stand for. It is looking at your identity. Your principles define who you are. Live as you believe and you are being faithful to yourself and the world." (Author unknown)
Basic Bible principles which describe the essence of holiness:
"Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world" (1 John 2:15-16).
"Be not conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2).
"Abstain from all appearance of evil" (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
"Be temperate in all things" (1 Corinthians 9:25).
"Be ye separate" (2 Corinthians 6:16-18).
"Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit which are God's" (1 Corinthians 6:20).
"Abstain from fleshly lusts" (1 Peter 2:11).
"Defile not God's temple" (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
Notice in the eight basic Bible principles mentioned, gender is not an issue. This re-affirms the fact that these basic Bible principles are for all people (male or female) wanting to please the Lord. The purpose of any specific standard of holiness is to help us fulfill these basic Bible principles.
Two-fold nature of holiness (Psalm 24:3-4): 1. Outward-clean hands
Inward-pure heart
Outward - clean hands
Modest Apparel:
The Bible very clearly teaches that there should be a distinction between men and women (Deuteronomy 22:5). Men are to act and look like men and women are to act and look like women. Short shorts, tight pants, see through and skin tight clothing, low neck line, no back and mini skirts are all descriptions of apparel that cannot be considered modest nor can a woman who uses them be called a woman professing godliness (that she considers God and His Word important in her life).
1 Timothy 2:9-10 gives us the godly conduct and dress of a woman desiring to please God.
Modest means "to be orderly, well arranged, becoming, decent, proper, not excessive.
Apparel comes from the Greek word "katastole" which means "long robe, lowered, let down".
Shamefacedness comes from the Greek word "aidos" which means "modesty or reverence". This word speaks of respect, self-restraint or bashfulness toward men; not being bold or forward.
Sobriety speaks of moderation or chastity, good sense and balance.
Make-up and Jewelry:
Makeup and jewelry reflect a false set of values. They over emphasize the temporal, the unimportant, the physical and even the ungodly. Since we are trying to live godly lives, the emphasis should be on what God likes. His values should become our values (1 Peter 3:3-4).
When you read through the Word of God, makeup and exterior ornamentation is consistently spoken of in a negative way and is normally linked with immorality, sensual seduction, brazen shamelessness, unholiness, and disobedience. In the Bible, makeup and jewelry are overwhelmingly associated with the wrong company:
Ancient Egypt first introduced painting of the eyelids to enhance s*xual appeal about 3000B.C. This practice, referred to by Solomon describes an evil, whorish, adulterous woman (Proverbs 6:25).
Read how Jeremiah described Judah’s back slidden state in Jeremiah 4:30.
Ezekiel 23:40 gives us a description of lewd harlots who used make-up to entice men to sin.
2 Kings 9:30 describes the wicked queen Jezebel painting her face.
Can you think of any godly women mentioned in the Bible who wore make-up? That should tell you something.
“From ancient days, people from every race and nation have adorned themselves with rings on the big toe, the thumb, and every finger - lip rings, neck rings (necklaces), nose rings, anklets, bracelets, and earrings.” ("Separated-Because of Him!" Lesson 7, A Search For Truth Publication) People thought that the wearing of jewelry would protect them from evil spirits and considered rings to be a “magic circle.” It seems that the ancient people wore rings for magical reasons, such as to cure disease, to give strength, luck, general protection to the possessor, or to defend from evil spirits. According to the ancient Oriental view, metals and precious stones belonged to certain gods. Any trinket that diverts attention from the wearer to itself served as a protection against the “evil eye.”
In Genesis 35, God instructs Jacob to return to Bethel and build an altar. Look at what Jacob tells all the members of his household to do in Genesis 35:2-4. An initial step in turning to God through consecration and prayer was to remove their jewelry.
In Exodus 12:35-36, Israel took many golden and silver ornaments from the Egyptians before their departure. Jewelry had long been associated with heathen adornment and idolatry. However, it was God’s purpose for His people to use it in the construction of the Tabernacle, not for ornamentation.
Later in the book of Exodus, when Israel sinned by worshipping a calf made from their golden earrings, God threatened to kill them all. He was angry. In Exodus 33:5-6, God commanded that they remove their ornaments as a sign of utter remorse for their sin.
In all we do we need to ask ourselves the following questions:
(1) Does it serve a useful purpose?
(2) Does it agree with Paul’s teaching on modesty, shamefacedness, and sobriety?
(3) What is my motive?
(4) Would Jesus be pleased?
(5) Would it draw unnecessary attention to me?
(6) Would this be attractive to the opposite s*x in a sensual way?
Uncut Hair
1 Corinthians 11:1-16 deals with authority and lets us know that women should not cut their hair.
Since we are under the authority of God's Word, it is our desire to obey the teachings put forth in these scriptures for the following reasons:
It demonstrates the wife's biblical submission to her husband (verse 3).
It demonstrates the church's submission to Christ's teaching.
Uncut hair is a sign to the angels of the Christian woman's obedience to God (verse 10). Angels are concerned with proper order and are shocked at conduct not according to God's will.
A woman dishonours her head (husband/father) when she prays with her head uncovered.
Nature itself teaches this principle (verse 14).
Uncut hair is a woman's glory (verse 15).
This is one of God's method's for keeping a clear distinction between male and female.
“Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering” (verse 14-15). The words “have long hair” in verse fifteen is translated from the Greek word “komao,” which means “to let the hair grow.” The word “hair” in verse fifteen in the phrase “her hair is given her for a covering” is translated from the Greek “kome,” which refers to uncut hair. That's why verse six declares it to be a shame if a woman’s hair is shorn (Greek keiro which means to cut) or shaven. Her long, uncut hair is a glory to her because it symbolizes her submission to her husband or father. A lady cannot let her hair grow and cut it at the same time. On the other hand, it is a shame for a man not to cut his hair. For a man to cut his hair reflects his submission to Christ; uncut hair on a man symbolizes rebellion against his head, Christ.
The "covering" mentioned in this passage is the woman’s uncut hair. Verse fifteen is the only place the word “covering,” a noun, appears in the passage. Previously, the words “uncovered” and “covered” appear. These two words are adjectives (descriptive words); they do not specifically declare what is the covering. But verse fifteen specifically says, “Her hair is given her for a covering.” The word “for” is translated from the Greek “anti,” which means “against” or “instead of.” Here the Bible itself declares that a woman’s long, uncut hair is given to her "instead of" (for) a covering (veil). Therefore, if a woman cuts or shaves the hair on her head, in the eyes of God it is a shameful dishonour to her husband or father (head). If a man allows his hair to grow long, it is a shameful dishonour of Christ.
Inward - pure heart
Bill Gothard, who is with the Institute of Basic Youth Conflicts has translated the following holiness characteristics into simple definitions that are easy to understand and apply.
GOD WANTS THIS:
DEFINITION:
THE FLESH WANTS THIS:
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:
I NEED HELP:
Availability
Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving.
Self-Centeredness
Philippians
2:20-21
Contentment
Realizing God has provided everything I need for my present happiness.
Covetousness
I Timothy 6:8
Decisiveness
The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God.
Double-Mindedness
James 1:5
Deference
Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve.
Rudeness
Romans 14:21
Dependability
Fulfilling what I consented to do - even if it means unexpected sacrifice.
Inconsistency
Psalm 15:4
Discernment
Seeing through a surface problem to the real cause(s) of the problem.
Judgement
I Samuel 16:7
Discretion
The ability to avoid words, actions and attitudes which could result in undesirable consequences.
Simple-Mindedness
Proverbs 22:3
Fairness
Looking at a decision from the viewpoint of each person involved.
Partiality
Luke 6:31
Faith
Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it.
Presumption
Hebrews 11:1
Flexibility
Not setting my affections on ideas or plans which may be changed by others.
Resistance
Colossians 3:2
Generosity
Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purpose.
Stinginess
II Corinthians 9:6
Gratefulness
Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life.
Unthankfulness
I Corinthians 4:7
Hospitality
Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life.
Loneliness
Hebrews 13:2
Humility
Recognizing that God and others are actually responsible for the achievements in my life.
Pride
James 4:6
Joyfulness
The exultation of my inward being that results from genuine harmony with God and with others.
Self-pity
Proverbs 15:13
Orderliness
Preparing myself and my surroundings so that I will achieve the greatest efficiency.
Disorganization
I Corinthians 14:40
Reverence
Awareness of how God is working through people and events to produce Christ’s character in my life.
Disrespect
Proverbs
23:17-18
Self-Control
Instant obedience to the initial prompting of God’s Spirit.
Self-Indulgence
Galatians 5:24-25
Sincerity
Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives.
Hypocrisy
I Peter 1:22
Thriftiness
Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary.
Extravagance
Luke 16:11
Truthfulness
Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.
Deception
Ephesians 4:25
Virtue
The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word.
Impurity
II Peter 1:5
Wisdom
Seeing and responding to life situations from God’s frame of reference.
Natural Inclinations
Proverbs 9:10
Remember, to be holy is to imitate the characteristics and attitudes of Christ in every area of life. When Christ's personality replaces our personality and His mind replaces our mind, then we become real Christians (Christ-like).
In everything you do, say, think, and enjoy, ask yourselves the following questions:
Will it bring glory to God (I Corinthians 10:31)?
Can it be done "in the name of the Lord Jesus" asking His blessing on the activity (John 14:13; Colossians 3:17)?
Will this activity focus my priorities on things that are profitable and help me spend more time with Christ (Mark 4:19; Luke 10:41-42)?
Will this activity help me be a better Christian example, or will it take away from my witnessing power (I Corinthians 10:23; 1 John 2:6)?
Will my action(s) weaken the sincere convictions of others or perhaps offend them (1 Corinthians 8:11-13)?
Will it weaken my desire for spiritual things, God's Word, and prayer (Luke 8:14; Matthew 5:6)?
Does this activity past the test of 1 John 2:15-17?
If the Lord were here in person, could I invite Him to participate with me and involve Him in my activity?
Finally, if there is any doubt about acceptability, do not do it!
Holiness on the inside includes your:
Attitudes (Galatians 5:19-23; Ephesians 4:23-32).
Thoughts (Psalm 19:14; Matthew 15:19-20; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8)
Tongue (Proverbs 6:16, 19; James 1:26; 3:1-12).
Eyes (Job 31:1; Psalm 101:3; 119:37; Isaiah 33:15-16; Matthew 6:22-23).
Stewardship of the body (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:12, 19, 20).
What would you do if He came to your house?
When you saw Him coming, would you meet Him at the door with arms outstretched in welcome to your Heavenly Visitor?
Or would you have to change your clothes before you let Him in? Or hide some magazines, and put the Bible where they had been? Would you hide your worldly music and put some hymnbooks out?
Could you let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about? And I wonder-if the Savior spent a day or two with you, would you go right on doing the things you always do? Would you go right on saying the things you always say?
