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Walk In Holiness
Christians at Thessalonica were encouraged to "abound more
and more" in holiness. "Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in
the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from
us how you ought to walk and to please God; for you know what commandments we
gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your
sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of
you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not
in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one should
take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is
the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did
not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Therefore he who rejects this
does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit." (I
Thessalonians 4:1-8.) The same encouragement is needed in the
An exhortation to abound in holiness. Paul very affectionately encouraged the Christians at Thessalonica to be HOLY. With much love Paul begged these people as "brethren in Christ." He "exhorted" them to holiness because his love for them was great. Paul encouraged these brethren to abound more and more in holy living. They were already examples of faith in God and service to Him but Paul desired growth in these areas. Even those that are examples for others should themselves continue to grow in all the graces that identify them as followers of the Master. Christians should grow until death in their "walk of holiness." I "urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you abound more and more" in your walk in holiness.
Reasons to abound in holiness. Paul lists several reasons why the Christians at Thessalonica should abound in holiness. Observe the following:
They understood their duty to God. "For you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus." (I Thessalonians 4:2.) If they failed to do their duty they could not plead ignorance. They knew the will of God for their lives. James said faith without works is dead. (James 2:26.) It is also true that knowledge without action is fruitless. The gospel is a way of living, not just a way of believing. The design of the gospel is to control our daily living. Paul taught these brethren how to "walk" so as to please God. Those who are in Christ do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:1.)
The encouragement to abound more and more in the walk of holiness is "by the Lord Jesus" or by His authority. "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." (Matthew 28:18.) When Paul challenged these brethren to more holiness he did so by the authority of Christ.
God's people should walk in holiness so as to please Him. God is holy and He expects His people to be holy. "But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct." (I Peter 1:15.) As we walk in holiness we please God because He is glorious in Holiness. "Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?" (Exodus 15:11.) Our life should never be lived to please men, but should always be lived to please God.
Those that walk in holiness walk by the commandments given by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Christians must learn to observe all the commandments of the Lord. Jesus said believers were to be taught "to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20.) Life can be filled with both peace and joy when lived by the commandments of the Lord.
Sin must be avoided in the walk of Holiness. In the holy walk God's people must avoid sexual immorality. This includes any sexual uncleanness. All that is contrary to the purity of heart, tongue and life expressed in the gospel is in opposition to the "walk in holiness."
Your sanctification to "the will of God" demands holiness. God called you to be holy. "For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness." (I Thessalonians 4:7.) God requires purity of both body and soul. A body set apart for God's service must be kept pure.
The body is the vessel in which our soul lives. What is done in this body either honors or dishonors God. The things done in the body will be matters of eternal judgment. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." (II Corinthians 5:10.)
Those Christians that do not control their lusts and passions are living like the heathen. "That each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God." (I Thessalonians 4:4-5.) Those that do not know the will of God are controlled by all kinds of uncleanness. It should not be so among the children of God. Christians should not live like unconverted Gentiles!
Sin will not go unpunished. You should not "take advantage of and defraud your brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness." (I Thessalonians 4:6-7.) The sin of sexual uncleanness will be punished by God! "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge." (Hebrews 13:4.)
Those that reject Bible teaching on purity of life are not rejecting men but are rejecting God! "Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit." (I Thessalonians 4:8.) The Holy Spirit has been given to help us live above the world. Let us show the fruit of the Spirit to the world. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23.)
Let us obey the gospel NOW! "For he saith, I have heard thee
in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold,
now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (II
Corinthians 6:2) To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans
- - -
- Charles Box
News & Notes
1. Prayer
List: Stabler Hospital: Gene Buck. In Need Of Prayers: Lacey Barr,
Malachi Beauchamp, Nikki Bennett, Emily Cain, Gladys Cassidy, Gail Deberry
(surgery), Ethel Gafford, Bobby Godwin (short stay in hospital), Roy Goodwin,
Ramona Gravely, Ron Green, Evan Hartsell, Jimmy Hobbie, Frank Johnson, Dot
Killingsworth, Mary Lawrence, Evelyn Lewis, Joyce Massey, Janice Mullins, Mary
Powell, Sabrina Reynolds and Corrine Till. Crowne Health Care: Laura Ellis,
Kathy Johnson, Myrtle Perdue, Bertha Phelps, Floyd Smith, and Iva Lou Wright.
2. Baptized
Into Christ: Floyd Smith was baptized into
Christ on Saturday, July 8th. His address is Crowne Health Care,
3.
Please Pray For: (a) Alan Jackson as he serves in
4. Special Need For Prayer: Brenda & Willie Herring are expecting triplets. Brenda is facing several weeks of bed rest. Please pray for her and the babies.
5. Birthdays: Celebrating birthdays this week are: July 16th Charles Box, July 180th Baker Bozeman, July 19th Frankie Friend, and July 21st Kathy Johnson.
6. Thank You: Kindness comes from a place in your heart. Love All, Bill, Frankie, Cody & Brandy Friend
7. Cookies
For
8. Vacation Bible School: Vacation Bible School at the Walnut Street Church of Christ will be July 16th-20th Theme: King of Kings. Sunday David, Most Courageous King Learn about the godly qualities that made David the most courageous king of the Old Testament. Monday Solomon, Wisest King Learn about Solomons sincere desire to be a good king, and how he pleased God by praying for wisdom. Tuesday - Hezekiah, Most Loyal King Learn how Hezekiah pleased God with his humility and loyalty. Wednesday Nebuchadnezzar, Mightiest King Learn how Nebuchadnezzar told all the people, nations, and languages in his mighty empire about the greatness of God. Thursday Jesus Christ Kings of Kings Learn how Jesus Christ, our King of Kings, brought us the Gospel and gave His life for us. There will be class for all ages including adults. Time: 6:30 8:30 p.m.
9. Area Events: (a) July 16-19 Gospel Meeting County Line Church of Christ Jason Hilburn Bible Study 10:00 a.m., Worship 11:00 a.m., Singing 2:30 p.m., Worship 4:00 p.m. and weeknights 7:30. (b) July 16-19 Gospel Meeting Brewton Church of Christ Richard Rogers Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. & 7:30 p.m., and weeknights 7:00 (c) July 16-20 Gospel Meeting Cedar Grove Church of Christ Harvey Starling 7:00 p.m. (d) July 23-27 Gospel Meeting Salem Church of Christ Sam Long Bible Class 10:00 a.m. Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m., Singing 2:30 p.m., and weeknights 7:30(e) September 25-27 Spiritual Enrichment Forum at Embassy Suites Hotel Southern Christian University
10. Dishes In The All-Purpose Room: Many dishes have been left in the all-purpose room. Please claim yours now!
Safe
In His Arms
The Bible says, Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (I Peter 5:7). Indeed, when a child of God can let go of all care and trust in the Lord, his life will be truly blessed. We can be sure that He tends to our physical needs when we are seekers of His kingdom (Matthew 6:33). We can be sure that He guards us in a spiritual sense when we are willing to obey Him and submit to His care (I Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28-30). And we can be certain that He will eternally reward those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
We often fret over the cares of this world. How will my wallet make it through this month? What if my health is failing? But these trials will come, that is to be expected. However, by looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, we should be able to keep from becoming weary and discouraged in our souls (Hebrews 12:2-3). Paul said our light affliction, which lasts for but a moment helps to build for us an exceeding and eternal weight of glory (II Corinthians 4:17). Therefore, let us turn those worries into joy for the hope that is set before us.
Each day the devil connives, schemes, and tries to trap each of us into the dreary depths of sin. The picture he paints is one of beauty and endless pleasure, but the reality that lies beneath is an ugly and gruesome sight. At times the temptation seems unbearable, but be sure that our God is faithful and when we are tempted, He will always leave for us a way of escape (I Corinthians 10:13). In all our spiritual trials, there is one who is constant and unchanging and will always be there to protect us from the death, which Satan brings. That is our almighty God and Father.
I hope that we will all strive to live in such a way that when the eve of our earthly lives is come, we will be able to say, I did my best to obey God, and then I let Him do the rest. He most certainly will keep His promises. Have faith and take comfort in His arms.
- - - - Darrell Powell
It is strange that people say that eternity is more important than time,
but they live only for the present.
Dont just own a Bible; read it!
Walnut Street Church of Christ
P.O. Box 551
Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551
(334-382-3001)