Thursday, September 22, 2016

ABSTAINING FROM EVIL - By Donald A. Webb



   ABSTAINING FROM EVIL 
By Donald  A. Webb


Scripture Reading: I Thessalonians 5: 22

As we consider our text, we note that verses 21, 22, and 23  should be understood together. We might paraphrase thus:  "Prove, by testing with the Word, all things. The good, hold  fast; from every form and kind of pernicious evil, hold back;  and may the God of peace, Himself, sanctify you wholly." The  word for abstinence literally means to hold one self back. Just  as we are to hold fast that which is good, we are to hold back  from every appearance of evil. Appearance here is that which  is exposed to view and means every sort and form of evil. The  word evil means pernicious activity, or malignant ungodly  activity.

 In all, God has provided us with a perfect formula for  personal sanctification. Romans 12 expresses the same  thought. First, we are to be transformed by the renewing of  our minds (taking in the Word of God), enabling us to prove  what is good (verses 1-2). Next, by obedience, we are to abhor  that which is evil and cleave to that which is good (verse 9).  God has enabled us to obey through the Holy Spirit Who  indwells all who have trusted Jesus Christ as their Lord and  Saviour. The actual step of obedience, however, is a decision    must be made by the believer. Another very similar  passage is in Ephesians 5. There, Paul says we are to be  "proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no  fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but, rather,  reprove them" (verses 10-11). Can there be any question about  God's will for our walk or His gracious provision? Hold fast  that which is good, and hold back from every form of evil; and  (in your obedience) the God of peace will sanctify you wholly,  "Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it."




 How God Saves Men
 Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.

Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.

Read Acts 16L31 Romans 1:16, and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4





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