GODLY CHARACTER
The goal for all --
Especially leaders
By Bart Nelson
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This is by no means an exhaustive listing of the
verses that talk about us walking in holiness and perfection. There are
Strong's definitions for a few key words, as noted by a number in parenthesis,
listed at the end of this section.
God Commands and Empowers Godly Character
Lev. 11.45 For I am the Lord who brings you up out
of the
Lev. 22.32 You shall not profane My
holy name, but I will be hallowed among the children of
2 Sam. 22.31 As for God, His way is perfect
(#8549); the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in
Him. 32 “For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? 33
God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect (#8549). I
checked out the Hebrew, the word way is the same for God and us.
Ps. 29.2 Give unto the Lord the glory due to His
name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (#6944).
Ps. 101.2 I will behave wisely
in a perfect way (#8549). Oh, when will You come
to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect (#8537) heart. 6 My
eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks
in a perfect way (#8549), he shall serve me. If perfection is impossible,
how could David have any one to serve him. He even
expected it of himself.
Is. 26.7 The way of the just (#6662) is uprightness;
O Most Upright, You weigh the path of the just (#6662). Are these just
imaginary people?
Is. 45.54 He shall say, ‘Surely in the Lord I
have righteousness and strength. To Him men shall come, and all shall be
ashamed who are incensed against Him. 25 In the Lord all the descendants of
Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against you
shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise
against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants
of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, says the LORD.
Eze. 36.22 “Therefore say to the house of
Eze. 44.23 “And they shall teach My
people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern
between the unclean and the clean.
Mt. 5.48 Therefore be
perfect (#5046), just as your Father in heaven is perfect (#5046). The
same word is used for us as it is for God.
Jn. 17.17 Sanctify
(#37) them through your truth: your word is truth. 19 And for their sakes I
sanctify (#37) myself, that they also might be sanctified (#37) through
the truth.
23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect
(#5046) in one, and that the world may know that You
have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
Acts 13:39 And by him all
that believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be
justified by the law of Moses.
Rom. 8.2 For the law of
the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and
death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the
flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin,
condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness (#1345) of the
law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the
Spirit. 30 Moreover whom he did predestine, them he also called: and whom he
called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Rom. 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that
good, and acceptable, and perfect (#5046, will of God. We are
to prove the perfect will of God with our transformed lives.
Rom. 15:16 That I should
be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God,
that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified (#37)
by the Holy Spirit.
1 Cor. 6:11 And such were some of you: but you are washed, but
you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord
Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
2 Cor. 7.1 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting (#2005)
holiness (#42) in the fear of God.
Gal. 3.3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the
Spirit, are you now being made perfect (#2005) by the flesh?
Gal. 5.16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you
shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are
contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But
if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Eph. 4.12 for the equipping of the saints for the
work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come
to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect
(#5046) man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as
Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify
(#37) and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might
present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or
any such thing; but that it should be holy (#40) and without blemish.
Phil 2.12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always
obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out
your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you
both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
14 Do all things without complaining and disputing,
15 that you may 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, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may
rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.
Phil. 3.7 But what things were gain to me, these I
have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the
excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered
the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and
be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but
that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by
faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship
of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may
attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already
attained, or am already perfected ($5048); but I press on, that I may
lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren,
I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those
things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ
Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are perfect (#5046), have this
mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.
16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by
the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
Col. 1.28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching
every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect (#5046)
in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His
working which works in me mightily.
Col. 4.12 Epaphras, who
is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring
fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect (#5046) and
complete in all the will of God.
1 Thes. 5.21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22
Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify
(#37) you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be
preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls
you is faithful, who also will do it.
Heb. 6.1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the
elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection (#5047), not
laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward
God.
Heb. 7:19 For the law made
nothing perfect (#5048), but the bringing in of a better hope did;
by the which we draw nigh unto God.
Heb. 9:13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats,
and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies (#37) to
the purifying of the flesh: 14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who
through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience
from dead works to serve the living God?
Heb. 10.10 By that will we have been sanctified (#37)
through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every
priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices,
which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one
sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that
time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He
has perfected (#5048) forever those who are being sanctified. It
isn't a matter of attaining perfection, Jesus did that already. It is a matter
of maintaining it.
Heb. 11.40 God having provided something better for
us, that they should not be made perfect (#5048) apart from us.
Hebrews 12:10 For they
truly for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our
profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness (#41).
Jam. 1.2 My brethren, count it all joy when you
fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces
patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect (#5046) work, that
you may be perfect (#5046) and complete, lacking nothing.
1 Pet. 1:15 But as he which has called you is holy,
so be holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because
it is written, Be holy; for I am holy. 17 And if you call on the Father,
who without respect of persons judges according to every man's work, pass the
time of your sojourning here in fear:
1 Pet. 5:10 But the God of all grace, who has
called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered
a while, make you perfect (#2675), establish, strengthen, settle you.
2 Pet. 1.3 as His divine power has given to us all
things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who
called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly
great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the
divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through
lust. 5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith
virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control
perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and
to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you
will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus
Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and
has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore,
brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you
do these things you will never stumble (#4417);
1 Jn. 2.1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that
you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God
is perfected (#5048) in him. By this we know that we are in Him.
1 Jn. 4.12 No one has
seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love
has been perfected (#5048) in us. 17 Love has been perfected
(#5048) among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day
of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no
fear in love; but perfect (#5046) love casts out fear, because fear
involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect
(#5048) in love.
Rev. 3.2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things
which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect
(#4137) before God. It's as though
that is not normal!?
God is the Alpha and Omega of our perfection,
holiness, rightness, justness, etc. It is only found in Him. To Him only
belongs the credit, thanks, glory, honor, praise, etc. for any that is found in
our lives. This is both an Old and New Testament principle. Likewise an Old and
New Testament principle is that we are to maintain this state that God has
saved and delivered us to. I don't believe that we are ever told in the word
(but perhaps I am wrong) that it is impossible for us to
maintain this state.
Someone might say they didn't know anyone who had
arrived, and that is true. That doesn't mean that it hasn't happened. Just like
healing or deliverance, there are commands and promises for us to walk in
perfection and holiness. Many would say they haven't met anyone who had been
proven medically to have been healed or delivered. I know that there are
numerous such individuals, yet some have not met any. Their not having met any
doesn't make it a falsehood. Likewise for us, just because we haven't met
anyone who has walked in perfection with our God, doesn't mean it hasn't
happened.
To bring a balance, there are many scriptures that
talk about how we can return to the Lord if we stumble and about how He will
make us totally perfect upon our going to Heaven. I don't deny these
scriptures, in fact I use the ones about forgiveness often and the others give
me great hope. I do not believe they are mutually exclusive. Rather, I believe
they show the heart of our Father who does not want us to be discouraged, knows
well our flesh, that it is but dust and weak, and wants us to get up and keep
on!
I do not see any scriptures that plainly tell us
that we must sin or that we cannot be pure. To the contrary,
I see the word filled with references how we are to be perfect, holy,
sanctified, righteous, etc. with no escape hatches.
Hebrew
Stong's #6662 tsaddiyq { tsad-deek’} from 6663;
righteous 162, just 42, righteous man 1, lawful 1; 206 (in conduct and character)
(as justified and vindicated by God) correct.
Strong's #6918 qadowsh {kaw-doshe’} or qadosh {kaw-doshe’} holy 65, Holy
One 39, saint 12; 116 sacred, saint, set apart
Strong's #6944 qodesh {ko’-desh} from 6942; holy
262, sanctuary 68, (holy, hallowed,...) things 52, most 44, holiness 30,
dedicated 5, hallowed 3, consecrated 1, misc 3; 468
apartness, sacredness, separateness
Strong's #8537 tom {tome}
from 8552; integrity 11, upright 2, uprightly 2, uprightness 2,venture 2, full
1, perfect 1, perfection 1, simplicity 1; 23 completeness, innocence.
Strong's #8549 tamiym {taw-meem’} from 8552;
without blemish 44, perfect 18, upright 8, without spot 6, uprightly 4, whole
4, sincerely 2, complete 1, full 1, misc 3; entire,
sound, healthful, unimpaired, innocent, having integrity, what is complete or
entirely in accord with truth and fact
Greek
Strong's #37 hagiazo {hag-ee-ad’-zo} from 40;
sanctify 26, hallow 2, be holy 1; 29 to render or acknowledge, or to be
venerable or hallow, to separate from profane things and dedicate to God,
consecrate things to God, dedicate people to God, to purify, to cleanse
externally, to purify by expiation: free from the guilt of sin, to purify
internally by renewing of the soul.
Strong's #40 hagios {hag’-ee-os} holy 161, saints
61, Holy One 4, misc 3; 229 most holy thing, a saint
Strong's #41 hagiotes {hag-ee-ot’-ace} from
40; holiness 1; 1, sanctity, in a moral sense: holiness
Strong's #42 hagiosune {hag-ee-o-soo’-nay} from
40; holiness 3; 3, majesty, holiness, moral purity
Strong's #1345 dikaioma {dik-ah’-yo-mah} from 1344; TDNT
righteousness 4, ordinance 3, judgment 2, justification 1; 10 that which has
been deemed right so as to have force of law, what has been established, and
ordained by law, an ordinance, a judicial decision, sentence, of God, either
the favorable judgment by which he acquits man and declares them acceptable to
Him, unfavorable: sentence of condemnation, a righteous act or deed.
Strong's #2005 epiteleo {ep-ee-tel-eh’-o} from
1909 and 5055; perform 3, perfect 2, accomplish 2, finish 1, performance 1,
make 1, do 1; 11 to bring to an end, accomplish, perfect, execute, complete, to
take upon one’s self, to make an end for one’s self, to leave off, to appoint
to, impose upon
Strong's #2511 katharizo {kath-ar-id’-zo} cleanse
16, make clean 5, be clean 3, purge 3, purify 3; 30 in a moral sense to free
from defilement of sin and from faults, to purify from wickedness, to free from
guilt of sin, to purify, to consecrate by cleansing or purifying, to
consecrate, dedicate
Stong's #2675 katartizo {kat-ar-tid’-zo} perfect 2, make perfect 2, mend 2, be perfect
2, fit 1, frame 1, prepare 1, restore 1, perfectly joined together 1; 13, to
render, i.e. to fit, sound, complete, to mend (what has been broken or rent),
to repair, to complete, to fit
out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust, to fit or frame for one’s self,
prepare, ethically: to strengthen, perfect, complete, make one what he ought to
be
Stong's #4137 pleroo { play-ro’-o} from 4134;
fulfill 51, fill 19, be full 7, complete 2, end 2, misc. 9; 90 to make full, to
fill up, i.e. to fill to the full, to cause to abound, to furnish or supply
liberally, to render full, to fill to the top: so that nothing shall be wanting
to full measure, fill to the brim, to consummate: a number, to make complete in
every particular, to render perfect, to carry through to the end, to
accomplish, carry out, (some undertaking), to carry into effect, bring to
realization, realize, of matters of duty: to perform, execute, of sayings,
promises, prophecies, to bring to pass, ratify, accomplish, to fulfill, i.e. to
cause God’s will (as made known in the law) to be obeyed as it should be, and
God’s promises (given through the prophets) to receive fulfillment.
Stong's #4417 ptaio {ptah’-yo} a form of 4098;
offend 3, stumble 1, fall 1; 5 to cause one to stumble or fall, to stumble, to
err, make a mistake, to sin, to fall into misery, become wretched.
Strong's #5046 teleios {tel’-i-os} from 5056;
perfect 17, man 1, of full age 1; 19, brought to its end, finished, wanting
nothing necessary to completeness, consummate human integrity and virtue, full
grown, adult, of full age, mature
Stong's #5047 teleiotes {tel-i-ot’-ace} from
5046; perfectness 1, perfection 1; 2 the state of the
more intelligent, moral and spiritual perfection
Stong's #5048 teleioo {tel-i-o’-o} from 5046; make perfect 12, perfect 4, finish
4, fulfill 2, be perfect 1, consecrate 1; 24 complete, to carry through
completely, to accomplish, bring to an end, add what is yet wanting in order to
render a thing full, to be found perfect, to bring to the end (goal) proposed,
to accomplish, bring to a close or fulfillment by event, of the prophecies of
the scriptures
I.
Then there are these scriptures especially for leaders: 1 Tim 3.1-13 This
is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a
good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate,
sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine,
not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;
one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all
reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he
take care of the church of God?); not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride
he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. Moreover he must have a good
testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare
of the devil. Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, holding the mystery of
the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also first be tested; then let
them serve as deacons, being found blameless. Likewise, their wives must be
reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. Let deacons be the
husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For
those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and
great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. These verses list our
goals as leaders -- We know THAT, but how do we get there from
here. There are no magic formulas, but there are things we can do to help ourselves.
II.
Job.
31.1 “I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then
should I look upon a young woman? Ps. 101.3 I will set nothing wicked before my
eyes; I hate the work of those who fall away; It shall not cling to me. Ps. 119.37 Turn away my eyes from
looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your
way. Pr. 4.23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the
issues of life. Pr. 16.3 Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will
be established. Pr. 23.7 For as he thinks in his
heart, so is he. Mk. 4.24 Then He said to them, “Take heed
what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be
measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. Lk. 8.18 Therefore
take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be
given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from
him.” 2 Cor. 10.3-5 For
though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the
weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the
knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of
Christ. We become what we think about, so watch carefully. Phil 4.8 Finally,
brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things
are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things
are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything
praiseworthy—meditate on these things. One of the main things we should fill
our minds with is Jesus and all He went through for us. Perhaps the movie 'The
Passion' could be a help here. Heb. 12.2 looking unto Jesus, the author and
finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the
cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of
God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against
Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not
yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. We must first of all be
quite careful what we let in our minds via the eyes and ears. What comes in
will reveal itself by coming out. Then we have as list for a guideline for our
thoughts. It all begins here. If we will align out thinking with God's,
the battle will be largely won. Pr. 16.3 tells us this begins with committing
what we do to God. I learned long ago to commit my day and myself to God each
day. Also don't focus on the tempting thought, refocus on something else. It is
impossible to force yourself to not think about a pink elephant. It is possible
to start thinking about something else.
III.
There is the power of death and life in our tongues. Once
we've changed our stinking thinking, we need to follow up with what we say. Pr. 18.21 Death and life are in the
power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Mt. 12.34-37
Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the
abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure
£of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure
brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may
speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be
condemned.” I have heard it said that words are spiritual containers and
that scientifically speaking, the sound waves continue on forever. If those two
concepts are true and I believe they are, what we say about others and
ourselves is extremely powerful. We desperately need to talk correctly.
IV.
Worhip is a Key Ps 115.4-8 Their idols are silver and
gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes
they have, but they do not see; They have ears, but they do not hear; noses
they have, but they do not smell; They have hands, but they do not handle; feet
they have, but they do not walk; nor do they mutter through their throat. Those
who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them. Pr. 16.6 In
mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord
one departs from evil. 2 Cor. 3. 18 But we all, with
unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being
transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of
the Lord. -- We become like what we worship. Proverbs tells us that fearing
the Lord, that is being aware He will do what He says
and reverently worshipping Him we depart from evil!
V.
Partake of Much of the Word About the Issue Josh. 1.8 This Book of the Law shall
not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that
you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will
make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Ps 119.9-11 How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according
to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word
I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.
Is. 55.10-11 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not
return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may
give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so
shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void,
but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for
which I sent it. 2 Tim. 3.16-17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for
every good work. Heb. 4.12 For the word of God is
living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the
division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of
the thoughts and intents of the heart. -- Seek God for scriptures that apply
to the area you're struggling with, then read, memorize, meditate, study, sing
and pray them.
VI.
We Must Pass the Test Gal 5.13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty;
only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve
one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You
shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one
another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! 16 I say then: Walk in the
Spirit (I like the NIV here, 'keep in step with the Spirit, implying moment
by moment keeping pace.), and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the
Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do
not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are
not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident…22 But the fruit
of the Spirit is… Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s
have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the
Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited,
provoking one another, envying one another. Love, service, walk in the
Spirit, crucify the flesh – some more keys for our Godly character. Rom
5.3-4 And not only that, but we also glory in
tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance,
character; and character, hope. James 1.2-8 My
brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing
that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its
perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any
of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and
without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith,
with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed
by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will
receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his
ways. -- Testings produce character. Our
job is to respond correctly -- glorying, joyful, letting patience do its work,
ask God for wisdom with faith and not doubting.
VII.
We Win the Battle by Faith 1 Jn. 5.4-5 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is
the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. Who is he who overcomes the
world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? -- We overcome by
faith. In our spirit man we are saved, sanctified, crucified to the old
and resurrected to the new, victorious, holy, healed and whole, etc. The battle
is in the mind, will and emotions. In the spirit, it is all finished, done,
accomplished. The work begins is in the soul.
VIII.
Keep Praying About
IX.
Get a Partner Eccl.
4.9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their
labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is
alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together,
they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be
overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not
quickly broken. James 5.16 Confess your trespasses to
one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective,
fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. -- Confession to another is
good. Have someone keep you accountable (check up on you in these areas and the
areas you're struggling in) and pray for you.
X.
Ask Holy Spirit to Search and Confess Quickly Ps. 139.23-24 Search me, O God, and
know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked
way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Ps. 51.3-4, 10-12 For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is always
before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your sight—that You may be found just when You speak, and
blameless when You judge. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a
steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your
presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. 1 Jn 1.7-10 But if we walk in the
light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood
of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no
sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins,
He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His
word is not in us. – We all sin, so ask Holy Spirit to search you and don’t
forget to confess to God -- keep fresh and current. The sooner you notice your
thoughts going astray and confess it, the less out of control the sin gets.
Stay as clean as possible. Once we get dirty, we tend to not care if we get
dirtier! Also, ask the Lord for a repentant heart.
XI.
God is Doing His Part 2 Pet 1.3-4 as His divine power has given to us all things
that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us
by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and
precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine
nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Phil. 2.12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you
have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my
absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who
works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. – God’s power works in us and He’s given
us wonderful promises -- in other words, we are not in this alone.
XII.
Don't Forget to Battle the Enemy Eph. 6.10-13 Finally,
my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of
the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this
age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore
take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able
to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 2
Tim 2.22-23 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness,
faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But avoid
foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. James 4.7-10
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from
you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your
hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament
and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to
gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you
up. 1 Peter 5.8-9 Be sober, be vigilant;
because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom
he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same
sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. Note that all
these are actions we're to do!
XIII. Learn to Love What God Loves and Hate What He Hates Ps. 37.28 For the LORD loves justice, and does not forsake His saints; they are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. Ps. 45.7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions. Ps. 139.21-22 Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies. Pr. 6.16-19 These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. Pr. 8.13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. Rom. 12.9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. 2 Cor. 9.7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. Learn to love what God loves and hate what He hates. He loves the righteous, cheerful givers, those that love Him, etc. He hates evil, sin, lying, pride, strife, etc.
XIV.
Abide in the Vine How do we abide?
The Keys God gave me are: all, always, day and night, continue, etc. have been
italicized and underlined. The action is in CAPITALS AND BOLD.
¥ Josh.
1:8 GOD’S WORD is not to depart FROM OUR MOUTHS, we
are to MEDITATE on it day and night.
¥ 1 Thes. 5:17-19 REJOICE
evermore. PRAY without ceasing. In
every thing GIVE THANKS: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus
concerning you. Prayer is, among other things, committing, asking,
intercession, confession, plus many of the other things listed here. Zeph. 3.14 SING, O daughter of
¥ Prov. 23:17 Let not your heart
envy sinners: but be in the FEAR OF THE LORD all the day long.
¥ Ps.
34:1 I will BLESS the LORD at all times: his PRAISE
shall continually be in my mouth. Ps. 86.12 I will PRAISE
You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And
I will GLORIFY Your name forevermore.
¥ Ps.
25:5 Lead me in Your truth, and teach me: for You are
the God of my salvation; on You do I WAIT all the day.
¥ Mark
12:30 And you shall LOVE the Lord your God with
all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all
your strength: this is the first commandment.
¥ Ps.
105:4 SEEK His face continually.
¥ Ps.
62:8 TRUST in him at all times; you people, pour out your
heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah. Prov.
3.5-6 TRUST in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not
on your own understanding; in all your ways ACKNOWLEDGE
Him (intimately), and He shall direct your paths.
¥ Joel. 2.12 “Now,
therefore,” says the Lord, “TURN TO ME with all your heart,
with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.
So as we meditate on the word and not let it depart from our mouths, rejoice, pray, give thanks, fear God, bless God, praise, wait on God, love God, sing, seek his face, and trust; we abide. Depending on your occupation, you may have to actively engage your mind at all times to be faithful to your employer, etc. The idea, then, is to make God a part of your work, asking for help, thanking Him for things, etc. Include Him in the conversations in your mind. When you have a break, discipline yourself to focus on one or more of the activities above.
XV.
Become Righteousness Conscious Rom. 4.7
“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are
covered; 8 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall
not impute sin.”
XVI. 'Feed The Good Dog' A good way to sum all of this up is this idea of feeding the good dog and starving the bad one. I agree, the analogy is weak, but the idea is right. When we're busy doing the do's, we won't have time to do the don'ts.