Be Holy

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. (1Pe 1:15-16 KJV)

Here is an unpopular topic, and one highly hated by the Devil. More people have given me trouble over holiness than any other topic. It gets down to where we are living at. It requires us to change the way we think and live. The flesh does not like change.

To be a Christian means to be Christ-like. To be Christ-like means that we need to change from being sinful and worldly to being godly.

The words sanctify, sanctified, sanctification, holy, and holiness are synominous, meaning they all basically mean the same thing. We find these words combined listed in scriptures no less than 791 times. You can count on it that God wants us to know out and apply the principles of holiness and sanctification to our lives. Some would like to leave the teachings of holiness in the Old Testament, but it is cleary commanded in the New Testament. 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. (1Pe 1:15-16 KJV)

It is no secret that the world around us is rapidly changing. People change , society and everything changes. The natural man might think that the world is becoming a better and better place. With the increase of knowledge and technology, this would be what one might expect. The truth is, the fallen nature of man will not allow mankind or his dwelling place to become better. Man needs God to change his nature from sinful to holy or righteous for the world to become a better place. With that being said, why would a believer want to follow and pattern their lives after things that are socially acceptable according to the world ? The Apostle Paul writing to the church told us: 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. (Rom 12:1-2 KJV).

Can you agree with me that we should be willing to allow the word of God change us? What if it is something we don’t like? My purpose in writing this book is to encourage you-because you love God- to forget the standards of the world that are socially acceptable and look to the word of God for your standard of living. Jesus said If ye love me, keep my commandments. (Joh 14:15 KJV). Living a holy life must not be motivated by fear or legalism, but simply because you love Jesus. Without love then holiness becomes legalistic drudgery. We must all ask ourselves do we love Jesus? Is is just a warm fuzzy feeling or do we love him enough to change? If you do not love Jesus enough to change, then you should not waste your time reading this book.

What is the purpose of Holiness or Sanctification?

Because God demands it – it is not an option. Lev 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy. 1Th 4:3-4 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: (4) That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 1Pe 1:15-16 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; (16) Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. Holiness isn't just some nice ideal, a suggestion, or a goal to shoot for. It's the main thing that God wants of us. He demands it.

It is a barrier that protects. God wants us to separated from the world. 2Co 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

How To Interpret The Bible

(2Pe 1:20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

Many people think the Bible is hard to understand but it is not, and it is written so that the common man can understand it.
Let’s remember these eleven things when interpeting the scriptures.

1. Prayerfully - it takes the Holy Spirit to give us the proper understanding.
2. Study with Proper Motives. – Proverbs 4:23
Be honest. – Luke 8:15
Love the truth. – John 8:31-32; 2 Thessalonians 2:10
Be humble. Be willing to learn, to admit you have been wrong, and to change. – Matthew 5:3
Be spiritually minded. – Romans 8:5-8
Be willing to obey. – John 7:17
Be willing to put away sin. – Ephesians 4:17-19
Be willing to be different and in the minority. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 2:9-13
3. Realize the Bible contains the mind and will of God. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 2:9-13
4. Make your primary study the Bible itself, not books about the Bible. – Psalm 119:97. Always interpret books with the Bible and not vise versa.
5. The Bible is self interpreting - it will reveal its meaning by some other Bible text. Remember the Bible does not contradict itself - If there seems to be a contradiction then you are missing some information.
6. We must take the Bible literally if at all possible - some want to spiritualize. God says what He means and means what he says. Always interpret obscure and ambiguous passages in the light of plain, obvious, and clear passages everything - Gods word is already spiritual. If there is a symbolic meaning then the Bible will give the meaning elsewhere.
7. Remember the context. Read verses in the context of the whole passage, the chapter and even the book. Finally, keep in mind the larger context of the New Testament or Old Testament. We must study the entire Bible to get a proper understanding.
8. Definitions - look up words in the dictionary. Sometimes we need to look up the Greek or Hebrew.
9. Always interpret a passage in its “historical/cultural” setting. What did it mean to the people to whom it was written?
10. Always interpret the scripture dispensationally - we are in the dispensation of Grace.
11. Remember no doctrine (teaching) should be built on one isolated text.

Which Bible Version Are You?

Today there are many different versions of the Bible versions. Some translations are very poor and leave out many verses. Some even make drastic changes that should never have been made. This is something that can be very confusing to a new believer, and is often a controversial subject among churches. I use the old King James Version and find it to be very trustworthy.

It is a sad thing, but most people will never read any version of the Bible. I dare to say there are many homes in this country that have Bibles that have never been read. It stands more as a sort of good luck charm than anything. Just as many people will not attend the local church, or even listen to the gospel on the radio or television. Those are people who simply do not know the real value of the Bible or the preaching of the gospel. Whatever their reasons, they seem to be unreachable.

The Apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians made the statement, “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men”. This means that everyone that is a believer in Christ becomes a walking Bible that is known and read by all people!

Whether we like it or not, we are under close observation by the unbelievers. They may never read the Bible, go to church, or listen to preaching on the radio or television, and they may never listen to what we have to say, but they do read the way we live our lives. They watch the details- like what you say when you smash your thumb! Basically, they want to know if this Christian stuff is for real.

What we really need to concern ourselves with is what are they reading in our life? Just as there are many Bible versions, there are many living versions. What is our life telling them? Are we giving the right message by living a consistent Christian life? Yes, we all may fail at times, but are we giving the message that it doesn’t matter, or do we strive for perfection? Does our life say its ok to live in sin? Do they see that it really is a joy to be a Christian?

If we are to ever reach to those who are not interested, we will have live a Godly life in front of them. Even though we may fail at times, we should be concerned that they see a reality of God and His goodness in our life. What message are people getting when they read our life?

LIVING A VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE

The idea of living in victory may seem a little strange and far-fetched to some people, but it certainly is biblical. I John 5:4 says “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. ”

I think, first, we need to understand what victory is. Victory is not shouting, singing and dancing, jumping up and down-being Pentecostal. Though these are good in their place, they are not victory. Victory is living a life that is pleasing to God; it is defeating the enemies- sin, doubt, discouragement, and old habits. It is overcoming the obstacles that lie before us.

One must first decide that they want victory in their lives. You have to get tired of living in defeat. You have to get tired of sin before you will ever decide to overcome it. If we are not totally tired of our situation, we will never find enough energy or reason to change it. Therefore, it is first a decision of one’s will – to overcome that obstacle.

Then we must realize that the discourager will be at work. Satan and his workers are always out to discourage anyone that would overcome any of his works. We must be persistent in our efforts. Never, never give up! Also realize, if we are striving for godliness in our life, then God is for us and He will supply us with the strength and the power that it takes to overcome.

Faith is the key to power to overcome obstacles. It is also essential to please God. Hebrews tells us “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”.
Our faith must be in Christ. Just to have faith, or to have faith in our faith will not help.
Simply knowing his presence in our life gives us the strength we need. Many times we fail, just because we forget that He is with us. Jesus said, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” If we remember in the times of temptation, or anger, that Jesus is right there with us, it would certainly change our actions.

The next time you are faced with an obstacle – turn to Christ and remember His presence, and you can overcome- by the strength that He supplies.

Have You Counted The Cost?

Before we make any major purchases in life, we always want to know how much does it cost. How much is the initial cost and how much will it cost for maintenance? And what will the insurance costs be? Oh, if we would but use the same type of thinking in the spiritual realm, we would have a much deeper relationship with God!
We realize there is a cost of sin, but how often do we really stop to count that cost? The tempter often makes sin look very appealing. He lies about the price of it and entices us to partake. In the account of the first sin with Adam and Eve, the Bible says: “And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.” (Genesis 3:6). Yes it was very pleasant and the tempter lied about the price. He said “And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die” Gen 3:4
Now we can easily see the horror of that sin and how far we have come down the road of sin and wickedness. Think of all the evil that has come to pass since Adam and Eve. I think if they had realized the cost of their sin, it would not have been nearly as appealing.
We can apply that same thing to our own personal life. When we face temptations, stop and count the cost. How will this affect my life, and how will it affect my loved ones? Often the cost goes much deeper than we realize. If we will just remember our Savior, Jesus Christ, and how he suffered and died for those sins, it will help us to gain an advantage on the tempter.

GRACE

Grace. Now that’s a word that is highly used in the Christian realm. Many preachers have preached about it and it has been the theme of hundreds of songs. What does grace mean to you? I find that many people believe that grace means God is good and will simply overlook their sin. They are right that God is good, but for God to overlook sin is not a Biblical viewpoint. One of God’s greatest attributes is his holiness. He is the most holy, righteous judge of the universe. Psalms 7:11 says “God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day.”
If an earthly judge said I am good, and therefore allowed criminals to go free, we would call him corrupt. I assure you that God is good and righteous and he will judge sin because He is holy and righteous. What is grace then? I like the old acronym: God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. It simply means that God who is the holy and just judge of the universe can let us go free when we have broken His laws because Jesus has paid the penalty for our sin. To receive this grace, we must put our faith in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
Grace also means the Biblical time period in which we live. God never changes in His character, but down through the ages, God has changed the way He has dealt with man many times. These time periods are known to theologians as dispensations. We are now in the Dispensation of Grace. Prior to the death of Christ, it was known as the dispensation of the Law or the Ten Commandments. Paul said in Romans 6:14 “for ye are not under the law, but under grace.”
The Dispensation of Grace is perhaps the greatest time period to live in. We have much more in this time period than in any other. We have the sacrifice of our Savior, whose blood washes sins away. We have the Holy Spirit who comes into us and regenerates our heart giving us a new Godly nature. Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. The Old Testament saints did not have that blessing. We also have the written word of God. Most homes in this country have a Bible somewhere.
Now here is a word for those who believe that grace gives them liberty to live loosely, and even in sin. Because we are not under the Old Testament Law does not mean that we are without law. We live under the New Testament Law which commands us to live a holy life. (1Peter 1:15) But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Also, since we have so much more under grace, remember this truth that Jesus taught in Luke 12:48- “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:”

YOU CAN’T BE WORTHY, SO BE FAITHFUL

Most Christians struggle with feelings of unworthiness. Let’s face it-we all have a sinful past. For some it is worse than others. A while back, I was speaking with a man about God’s blessings and his reply was that he just didn’t think he deserved for God to bless him. I am glad that God doesn’t give us what we deserve, because the fact is none of us really measure up to God’s standards, and what we deserve is judgment.
Actually, there is nothing that we can do in ourselves to change this. We cannot go back and change our past, and undo what we have already done. But, oh thanks be unto God, He gives us grace through Jesus Christ. We deserve judgment but He gives us forgiveness when we turn to Christ.
The Apostle Paul understood he was not worthy in himself. He said “But by the grace of God I am what I am”. Some of the great men of God in the Bible made some serious mistakes, but God forgave them and gave them grace. Moses murdered a man. David committed adultery. Peter denied the Lord. Paul persecuted the church. The point is, each of these men found grace and forgiveness when they repented of their sins and turned to God.
God does not look at our worthiness - He looks at our faith. I don’t recall reading anywhere in the Gospels where Jesus asked if they deserved His healing, or blessing. The thing that really stands out to me is that He asked them, “Do you believe”.
Real faith will cause us to change. A person cannot really believe in the Christ and not be submissive to Him. Those that mentally acknowledge Christ, but never come to the place where they truly surrender their lives to Him are counted as unbelievers.
We can never be worthy in ourselves; God is the one that takes care of that by cleansing us from our sins. But we can be faithful! This is really what God is concerned about – our faithfulness. Jesus speaking to the church of Smyrna in Revelation said “be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” The Apostle Paul said in I Timothy that the Lord counted him faithful and put him in the ministry.
We should not be concerned about feelings of whether we deserve God’s blessings or not. God blesses us according to His goodness, not ours. We do need to concern ourselves about our faithfulness though. Romans 1:17 says “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”