September 1: Destiny of Holiness
What a powerful paradox! Chambers writes, "The preaching of the gospel awakens an intense resentment because it must reveal that I am unholy; but it also awakens an intense craving." I have heard these dueling emotions in all of us as we post or comment each day.
Does the word "holiness" make you uncomfortable? When I hear that word, I struggle with contradictory feelings of piousness v. humility; impossibility v. possibility; citizen of this world v. citizen of heaven, "resentment...(v.)...craving."
In this passage of I Peter, the Word of God points out that holiness requires:
1. Self-discipline (v.13) Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Chrit is revealed.
2. Separation from the world (v.14) As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
3. Total commitment (v. 15-16) But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written "Be holy, because I am holy."
4. Deep reverence for God (v.17) Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.
5. Deep appreciation for the great price Jesus paid (v. 18-19) For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without spot or blemish.
If you would like, you can also read an interesting paraphrase of this passage from "The Message" at http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=I%20Peter%201:13-19;&version=65
Dear Jesus, forgive us for trying to straddle the fence, wanting to feel equally at home with the ways of the world and the ways of a saint. Help us all to reject the resentment and give in to the craving that the Word of God places in us. Help us realize that not only our own personal happiness and contentment depends upon our holiness, but also the happiness of those that we influence in this world.
Does the word "holiness" make you uncomfortable? When I hear that word, I struggle with contradictory feelings of piousness v. humility; impossibility v. possibility; citizen of this world v. citizen of heaven, "resentment...(v.)...craving."
In this passage of I Peter, the Word of God points out that holiness requires:
1. Self-discipline (v.13) Prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Chrit is revealed.
2. Separation from the world (v.14) As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.
3. Total commitment (v. 15-16) But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written "Be holy, because I am holy."
4. Deep reverence for God (v.17) Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.
5. Deep appreciation for the great price Jesus paid (v. 18-19) For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without spot or blemish.
If you would like, you can also read an interesting paraphrase of this passage from "The Message" at http://bible.gospelcom.net/passage/?search=I%20Peter%201:13-19;&version=65
Dear Jesus, forgive us for trying to straddle the fence, wanting to feel equally at home with the ways of the world and the ways of a saint. Help us all to reject the resentment and give in to the craving that the Word of God places in us. Help us realize that not only our own personal happiness and contentment depends upon our holiness, but also the happiness of those that we influence in this world.
posted by Jane at 5:17 AM
4 Comments:
Web is bulletin board for Katrina victims
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great site, keep up the good work, most of these blogs seem to be written by filthy hippies!
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The Columbia Record, which ceased publication in 1988, returns today as a Web site designed to let citizens report directly on community news.
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Katrina Relief
From one shore to another. I urge you to contribute to the Katrina hurricane relief.
Hey, great blog! Keep up the good work. I will check back soon!
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Check it out if you get the time :-)
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