And every man that hath this hope in him
purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
1 John 3:3
I was just thinking about the issue of purity in the life of a blood- bought believer.
Having received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, as a new creation in Him, I am to begin to order my life in accordance with His Word. As He is pure, I am to purify my thoughts, actions and words to line up with that which would magnify Him to those who are watching.
In Ephesians, Paul gives the reminder that the former sin patterns of my life ought to never be named among a follower of Jesus. On the contrary, I am to to put them to death, in that I cease to continue their practice on the one hand; on the other hand, I am to replace them with thoughts and actions of righteousness. As I walk in the Spirit, I will no longer fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
Living pure life involves my thinking patterns. The Scripture teaches that as a man thinks, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). It reminds me that it is out of my heart that all the issues of life flow forth (Proverbs 4:23). It assures us that it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). When my mind is stayed on Christ, i will know His perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Only then will the world see an accurate reflection of Him and hear an accurate report of His glorious gospel. If my gospel is hidden behind the sinful old nature habit patterns of the past, it is hidden to them that are lost.
God has entrusted me with the message of reconciliation, and if I am to shine forth as a clear light in the darkness and perversity of this present world system, I must bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, then think and meditate upon His Word.
May God help me today to think the pure thoughts of His Word and live accordingly.
(C) 1986, 2014 N.A. Collins
Limited copy permission for one personal file copy
1 John 3:3
I was just thinking about the issue of purity in the life of a blood- bought believer.
Having received Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, as a new creation in Him, I am to begin to order my life in accordance with His Word. As He is pure, I am to purify my thoughts, actions and words to line up with that which would magnify Him to those who are watching.
In Ephesians, Paul gives the reminder that the former sin patterns of my life ought to never be named among a follower of Jesus. On the contrary, I am to to put them to death, in that I cease to continue their practice on the one hand; on the other hand, I am to replace them with thoughts and actions of righteousness. As I walk in the Spirit, I will no longer fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
Living pure life involves my thinking patterns. The Scripture teaches that as a man thinks, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). It reminds me that it is out of my heart that all the issues of life flow forth (Proverbs 4:23). It assures us that it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). When my mind is stayed on Christ, i will know His perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3). Only then will the world see an accurate reflection of Him and hear an accurate report of His glorious gospel. If my gospel is hidden behind the sinful old nature habit patterns of the past, it is hidden to them that are lost.
God has entrusted me with the message of reconciliation, and if I am to shine forth as a clear light in the darkness and perversity of this present world system, I must bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, then think and meditate upon His Word.
May God help me today to think the pure thoughts of His Word and live accordingly.
(C) 1986, 2014 N.A. Collins
Limited copy permission for one personal file copy
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