ODB: send the light
February 12, 2010 READ: Philippians 2:12-18 Become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world. —Philippians 2:15 American businessman Mark Bent has spent $250,000 to develop and manufacture an affordable solar-powered flashlight. Thousands have been distributed free [...]
ODJ: have you had enough?
God has called us to live holy lives, not impure lives (1 Thessalonians 4:7).
READ: Proverbs 6:12-19
A 2008 Barna Group survey asked adults what immoral behaviors they had engaged in during the past week. Of those surveyed: 28 percent had used profanity, 20 percent had gambled, 19 percent had viewed pornography, 12 percent had gossiped, 12 percent had gotten drunk, 11 percent had lied, 9 percent had sex outside of marriage.
The survey also revealed devastating results for adults under 25: 64 percent had used profanity, 38 percent had sex outside of marriage, 37 percent had lied, 33 percent had viewed pornography. Among believers, using profanity (16 percent) and pornography (12 percent) were the most common sins.
Living in a morally decadent world, the apostle Peter cautions us not to live like it. Outlook determines outcome. So Peter tells us to have the right attitude so we can live righteous lives (1 Peter 4:1).
• Be ready to suffer (v.1). Peter reminds us, “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but He died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but He was raised to life in the Spirit” (1 Peter 3:18). Our identification with Christ’s suffering means victory over sin, for we died to sin and “now we also may live new lives” (Romans 6:2-4).
• Be ready to do the will of God (v.2). We’re not to live selfishly for the world’s pleasures (v.2). Instead, we should be eager to do God’s will. He desires that we be holy, avoiding all sexual sin (1 Thess. 4:3).
• Be ready to face God (v.5). Be warned. There is a holy God to whom everyone must give a personal account (Romans 14:12). God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
To live holy lives, we begin by telling God, “I’ve had enough. I’m finished with sin.” —K.T. Sim
What immoral behaviors did you engage in during this past week? What is one persistent sin that you’ll say “I have had enough” to? Ask Jesus to free you from that sin.
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