If you're just joining us, please read last week's blog on "#aCall2Purity: "In Word"" This study again is comng from 1 Timothy 4:12 where Paul is laying down the expectations of a leader with Timothy.
The next part of this verse tells him to be an example "in conversation." I wondered exactly what Paul meant because, to me, "word" and "conversation" were the same, or at least interchangable. However, Strongs defition gives another insight.
The KJV translates Strong's G391 in the following manner: conversation (follow link for more research) from G390; behavior:—conversation.
Say...WHAT? So in conversation really is "in behavior."
Again, we can conclude from this text that there IS an expectation of what our lives should look like. Another definition says "manner of life, behavior, and conduct."
First of all, I believe that the Bible is 100% true. So in saying this, I believe that the Most High knew exactly what He meant by inspiring these words to be sent to Timothy. Since the beginning of time, the Most High set apart a class of people (the Hebrews/children of Israel) to show this world His glory. This leads me to a scripture we looked at last week, 1 Peter 1:15 which tells us that He who called us is holy so therefore we are to be holy in conversation, which now we understand means to be holy in behavior. The next verse, says "Because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy." (I encourage you also to do a study of the word of "holy" in the scriptures so that we can even more have really no excuse in understanding what He meant concerning this principle of holiness.)
Now, let's look at 1 Peter 3:16
Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation G391 in Christ.
Here again in Titus 2:7-8 (it would be good to just study Titus 2) -
...7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you."
So we see here the same thing being said. Though people may talk, you should have a good conscious knowing that you are walking in integrity. It should matter if what they say is actually true because the scripture is saying right here that they should not have anything rightfully evil to say of you. It should matter that your TALK matches YOUR WALK!
More importantly, does this mess up the doctrine that we can live any kind of way and our Father will "understand"? Because we all "sin." No! We are the righteousness of Yahweh IN Yeshua!!
Therefore He expects us to look LIKE Him. He expects for us to be a reflection of HIM. How? Through the fullness of the Holy Spirit that Yeshua left behind. This brings to mind a scripture in Hebrews 10:26-29. I won't go into the study of it but I encourage you to read and ask for wisdom and revelation as you do:
"26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
This passage is saying clearly that there is judgment for those that has despised the spirit of grace (using it as a permission to sin) and why? Because they took their salvation lightly. Our faith and salvation is not a game to be played with yet we have become very much dismisive of it. Don't be confused or misled, the scriptures say a man will reap what he sow because our Father will not be mocked!
But here is the thing: It is not about your perfection, but His perfection inside of you. The more we acknowdlege who He is and who we are to Yeshua, the more we look like Him, talk like Him, act like Him, and DO like HIM. He said that we should be walking in miracles, signs, and wonders - even greater than He did because we have the Holy Spirit, the comforter, that He left behind. (John 16:7). Our Father, after seeing us fail time and time again, already knows that in our own effort - we cannot possibly live like we should.
But now, we are without excuse because He sent us a Helper - the very precious promise of the Holy Spirit. I tell you, if you've not encountered the HOLY SPIRIT, you are missing out! HE is LIFE! I hope to be led to blog about Him because the awesomeness of His presence in your life is truly like no other. It is through Him and His power that we operate in the manifestation of the fullness of Yeshua's life; that's the "abiding in Him." It is truly through faith - believing that He has made you righteous and then acting out of that belief. Then you stop identifying yourself with your sin nature and you began to identify yourself after your righteousness.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
I encourage you to read the blog "The Consuming Fire" as it closely relates to today's blog! Until next time...
I agape you! #zoedeespeaks #zoedee #fanningtheflame