Friday, April 4, 2008

LIVING TO PLEASE GOD

Instructions for holiness

The apostle Paul started the church of Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. But then had to leave because the Jews were opposing him. On hearing from Timothy about the conditions of Thessalonica, Paul wrote a letter of encouragement to the Thessalonians and teaches them about Christianity. One of his letters talks about living to please God. We should affirm our way of living in holiness by carrying out the same advice that Paul gave the church. Here are some of the things Paul advised:
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3) Then in verse 7 Paul reminds us that God has called us to live a pure life. Therefore, the person who rejects this instruction will be rejecting God whose Holy Spirit is in us.

How possible is it to live in God’s holiness? It isn’t easy, but it is possible. In a world where everything seems sexually oriented in our schools, television, the media, the most damaging scenario seems to be within the family. The testimonies of persons being abused by one or both parents, or by siblings; is growing and is damaging the lives of families. Even though this disease of sexual immorality keeps peeking, there is HOPE. Yes, as fellow believers God has given us a Spirit of power, love and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). God calls us to stop it! He has given us the helmet of hope not to brew over “stinking thinking” or negative thoughts. Let us replace ungodly thinking with holy thinking: “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think of such things.” (Philippians 4:8) He has given us his word to equip ourselves so that when those feelings, desires and ungodly thoughts cross our mind we can rebuke them in Jesus’ name. We can use bible versus to override the “stinking thinking”.
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13). Then Paul said, “God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit” (1 Thessalonians 4:7-8) Here Paul connects the giving of the holy Spirit with our living a holy life. We have been given the Holy Spirit to help us live the holy life and not to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16)

The Holy Spirit strengthens us to holiness, enabling us to see our need of holiness. When the Holy Spirit shows us our sinfulness, he does not do this to lead us to despair but to lead us to holiness. The habits of our old nature and the attacks of Satan are too strong for us to persevere unless the Holy Spirit is at work in us to create a desire for holiness. Not only by showing us our sins, but also by showing us God’s standard of a life that is pleasing to Him. Let us uphold in our mind and heart these instructions for it is God’s word speaking to you.
Holiness is also necessary for effective service to God. Paul wrote to Timothy,

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