Through the Bible - Proverbs 23-24, 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
Good morning,
In my devotions this morning I read ahead of Moody's "Today in the Word" (which stopped at 1 Thes. 3:13) and read through 4:3 which reads:
1 Thess 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; NKJV
We may ask ourselves "what is God's will for my life" with some degree of uncertainty. However, one thing we can be sure of is that His will is to "abstain", stay away, run away form sexual immorality.
In today's society it is all around us from TV shows and ads, movies, magazines, and the internet and on and on. It may be hard to "stand" against the barrage, but it is what we are called to do. If we have fallen, we are to repent, to turn back to God for reconciliation and forgiveness. If we are being tempted we are to call on God and others to help, strengthen and encourage us in the fight.
Going back to Romans 12 and and the thoughts of not being "conformed" to this world but "transformed" by taking His Word to heart and obeying, for today's verse we'll go to the New Testament reading for today in 2 Corinthians:
2 Cor 7:1 With promises like this to pull us on, dear friends, let's make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let's make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God. THE MESSAGE:
or from the NKJV
2 Cor 7:1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. NKJV
The promises mentioned come from the preceeding passage:
2 Cor 6:16-18
"I'll live in them, move into them;I'll be their God and they'll be my people. So leave the corruption and compromise;leave it for good," says God."Don't link up with those who will pollute you.I want you all for myself. I'll be a Father to you;you'll be sons and daughters to me."The Word of the Master, God.
(from THE MESSAGE: )
The NKJV refers to "perfecting holiness", MacArthur comments " The Greek word for "perfecting" means to finish or to complete. Holiness refers to separation from all that would defile the body and the mind. Complete or perfect holiness was embodied only in Christ, thus believers are to pursue Him."
Do you need strength to stand today against the barrage of garbage that is thrown your way today? Don't "link up" with those who will pollute you and "make a clean break", call on the Lord Jesus Christ for strength and grace to face the day.
In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
2 Cor 6:11-7:1
Be Holy
11 O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13 Now in return for the same(I speak as to children), you also be open.
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said:
"I will dwell in themAnd walk among them.I will be their God,And they shall be My people."
17 Therefore
"Come out from among themAnd be separate, says the Lord.Do not touch what is unclean,And I will receive you." 18 'I will be a Father to you,And you shall be My sons and daughters,Says the Lord Almighty."
The Corinthians' Repentance
7 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. NKJV
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