Jesus told us, “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16) Jesus is the light of the world. He says we are as well. Therefore, we are to CAST OUT DARKNESS and help others walk in the light.
So, how do we cast out darkness? “…BE AN EXAMPLE to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12)
BE AN EXAMPLE IN:
- WORD: “Whoever guards (shâmar: having charge of) his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.” (Prov. 21:23) “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD…” (Psa. 19:14)
- CONDUCT: Our actions should be a reflection of our words. Our conduct, meaning our behavior, our lifestyle, should be an example to others. “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, THESE DO, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Phil. 4:9)
- LOVE: “A NEW COMMAND I give you: Love one another. As I have LOVED YOU, so you must love one another. By this EVERYONE WILL KNOW that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) Remember the first and greatest commandment!
- SPIRIT: We must be under the control of God’s Holy Spirit at all times. “…do not be drunk with wine, but BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord…” (Eph. 5:18-19)
- FAITH: “…without faith it is IMPOSSIBLE to PLEASE GOD, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is A REWARDER of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6) WHY is it impossible to please God? Because “…God SO LOVED the world that HE GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him MIGHT BE SAVED.” (John 3:16-17) God sent His Son as the ONLY WAY to receive salvation. If we reject that, we cannot please God!!!
- PURITY: “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse (purify) ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corin. 7:1)
-Bill Stockham