"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 (Leviticus 11:44)." 1 Peter 1:15-16
As our heavenly Father is holy, and His Son Jesus is holy, we as Christians are called upon to also be holy. There are things in this world that we are to abstain from as we act in a Christ-like manner. We should act like we are the sons of God and not the products of Satan.
"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for grace ... as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in you ignorance..." 1 Peter 1:13-14
We are to protect our mind, reject the sinful pleasures of the world. We are to exercise spiritual steadfastness, self-control, clarity of mind, and moral correctness. Be free from the intoxication of sin. We are to be obedient children of God and not give in to the evils of this world. There was a time when we didn't know any better, but now that we know better, we should do better.
Glorify God by being like Him and imitate His ways and speech.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Temperance
"But the fruit of The Spirit is ... temperance ..." Galatians 5:22-23
Temperance is self-control. It is the discipline given by The Holy Spirit that allows Christians to resist the power of the flesh. It is the ability to harness and control one's passions and lusts.
Generally, it can mean the restraining of all of one's appetites, including for food, drink, and other enjoyments in life, so as not to be excessive in their consumption.
Over indulgence in anything shows a lack of self-control. Too much of anything can be bad for us. Exercising moderation in our consumption, and not being given to excess in our appetites and passions, is much better for us.
Just because a little of something is good for us, does not mean that a lot more of it is even better. It is possible to have too much of a good thing, especially if we obsess to the point of omitting and excluding other things that we need.
We often do not do a very good job of placing limits upon ourselves, or adhering to the limits that we set for ourselves. We need the help of The Holy Spirit to exercise self-control in all areas of our lives.
We need to pray that the fruit of The Spirit will manifest itself and grow within us so that we can display "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance" and thereby be more Christ-like.
Temperance is self-control. It is the discipline given by The Holy Spirit that allows Christians to resist the power of the flesh. It is the ability to harness and control one's passions and lusts.
Generally, it can mean the restraining of all of one's appetites, including for food, drink, and other enjoyments in life, so as not to be excessive in their consumption.
Over indulgence in anything shows a lack of self-control. Too much of anything can be bad for us. Exercising moderation in our consumption, and not being given to excess in our appetites and passions, is much better for us.
Just because a little of something is good for us, does not mean that a lot more of it is even better. It is possible to have too much of a good thing, especially if we obsess to the point of omitting and excluding other things that we need.
We often do not do a very good job of placing limits upon ourselves, or adhering to the limits that we set for ourselves. We need the help of The Holy Spirit to exercise self-control in all areas of our lives.
We need to pray that the fruit of The Spirit will manifest itself and grow within us so that we can display "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance" and thereby be more Christ-like.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Meekness
"But the fruit of The Spirit is ...Meekness ..." Galatians 5:22-23
Meekness if often mistaken for weakness. Meekness is having the power and choosing not to use it. Just because you can, does not mean that you should.
"Meekness is a humble and gentle attitude that is patiently submissive in every offence, while having no desire for revenge or retribution." (MacArthur)
It is gentleness. "It is having the ability to govern our passions and resentments, so as not to be easily provoked." (Nelson)
Meekness is "the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge." (Dake)
It is hard to be meek when our natural inclination is to get even or to pay someone back for the wrong done to us. Meekness requires much prayer on our part.
Meekness if often mistaken for weakness. Meekness is having the power and choosing not to use it. Just because you can, does not mean that you should.
"Meekness is a humble and gentle attitude that is patiently submissive in every offence, while having no desire for revenge or retribution." (MacArthur)
It is gentleness. "It is having the ability to govern our passions and resentments, so as not to be easily provoked." (Nelson)
Meekness is "the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge." (Dake)
It is hard to be meek when our natural inclination is to get even or to pay someone back for the wrong done to us. Meekness requires much prayer on our part.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Faith
"But the fruit of The Spirit is ... faith ..." Galatians 5:22-23
The word "faith" means "... wholehearted confidence, assurance, trust, and reliance in God and all that He says." (Dake)
Faith is belief in, and trust in, and loyalty to God. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
We know that "... without faith is is impossible to please Him ..." Hebrews 11:6
We cannot have faith in God without the indwelling of The Holy Spirit. We cannot live and walk in a Christ-like manner without faith in God.
The word "faith" means "... wholehearted confidence, assurance, trust, and reliance in God and all that He says." (Dake)
Faith is belief in, and trust in, and loyalty to God. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
We know that "... without faith is is impossible to please Him ..." Hebrews 11:6
We cannot have faith in God without the indwelling of The Holy Spirit. We cannot live and walk in a Christ-like manner without faith in God.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Goodness
"But the fruit of The Spirit is ... goodness ..." Galatians 5:22-23
Goodness is basically kindness shown to others. It is the moral and spiritual excellence manifested in active kindness. It is also generosity. Our 'goodness' shows in our readiness to do good to all as we have an opportunity to do so.
Goodness is not something that we do for the benefit of self, but for the benefit of others. It is a state of being good, kind, virtuous, benevolent, generous, and Christ-like in our life and conduct.
Even at our best we really are not that good, especially when compared to the goodness of Christ. However, 'goodness' is a goal that every Christian should strive for. Being good in more that just not being bad and doing nothing, it is an active effort to be Christ-like in what we say and do to help someone else.
Goodness is basically kindness shown to others. It is the moral and spiritual excellence manifested in active kindness. It is also generosity. Our 'goodness' shows in our readiness to do good to all as we have an opportunity to do so.
Goodness is not something that we do for the benefit of self, but for the benefit of others. It is a state of being good, kind, virtuous, benevolent, generous, and Christ-like in our life and conduct.
Even at our best we really are not that good, especially when compared to the goodness of Christ. However, 'goodness' is a goal that every Christian should strive for. Being good in more that just not being bad and doing nothing, it is an active effort to be Christ-like in what we say and do to help someone else.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Gentleness
"But the fruit of The Spirit is ... gentleness ..." Galatians 5:22-23
Gentleness is kindness, a tender concern for others. It is showing a disposition to be gentle, soft-spoken, kind, even-tempered, cultured and refined in character and conduct.
It is being affable and courteous, especially towards our inferiors and those who have wronged us.
Gentleness is amiable, docile, soothing, and free from harshness, sternness, or violence. It is having the attitude that Christ displayed towards little children. This is truly having Christ-like behavior.
Gentleness is kindness, a tender concern for others. It is showing a disposition to be gentle, soft-spoken, kind, even-tempered, cultured and refined in character and conduct.
It is being affable and courteous, especially towards our inferiors and those who have wronged us.
Gentleness is amiable, docile, soothing, and free from harshness, sternness, or violence. It is having the attitude that Christ displayed towards little children. This is truly having Christ-like behavior.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Patience
"But the fruit of The Spirit is ... long-suffering ..." Galatians 5:22-23
The fourth 'fruit' of The Spirit is "long-suffering" or patience. When God is within us we recognize that things don't happen we want them to, but according to His plan and timetable.
"Long-suffering" is also patience with others, the opposite of having a short temper. It is a disposition that quietly bears injury or wrong done to them. It is the ability to tolerate irritating and painful situations.
Patience also implies the God given ability to defer anger and the desire for retribution against those who cause us annoyances, afflictions, and persecution.
If The Spirit of God is within us, we will display more of the attributes and characteristics of Jesus, The Christ. These are the things that we have to pray for God's help in developing and maturing.
The fourth 'fruit' of The Spirit is "long-suffering" or patience. When God is within us we recognize that things don't happen we want them to, but according to His plan and timetable.
"Long-suffering" is also patience with others, the opposite of having a short temper. It is a disposition that quietly bears injury or wrong done to them. It is the ability to tolerate irritating and painful situations.
Patience also implies the God given ability to defer anger and the desire for retribution against those who cause us annoyances, afflictions, and persecution.
If The Spirit of God is within us, we will display more of the attributes and characteristics of Jesus, The Christ. These are the things that we have to pray for God's help in developing and maturing.
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