One. Holy conduct and godliness--a conduct that separates us from the pursuits of the world. This is not something I need to try to do--if I am living a life of obedience to His Word, my conduct will set me apart from the world. And, of course, the reason I do so is because I am motivated by the fear of the Lord--by godliness. My heart's desire is to never grieve or hurt or disappoint the loving heart of my Savior who willingly sacrificed so much for me. He is the one I desire to please.
Two. "Diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless,
taking advantage of His patience." Peace comes when I "in everything by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving" make my requests known to
Him. Spotless results from a hatred of the sin in my life--it only
takes one spot. How do I know if I hate the sin in my life? Is
confession my eager response to the Holy Spirit's prodding?
Blamelessness results from an eagerness to meet the needs of the poor,
the orphan, and the widow. What does it mean to take advantage of His
patience? He patiently "delays" His return because He is not willing
that any should perish. Am I a seeker of the lost?
Three. On guard so that "unprincipled men" who "distort" the Scripture do not undermine my commitment to holy conduct and godliness, my commitment to prayer and to living a spotless and blameless life, and my commitment to act on His heart's desire that all come to repentance.
Am I really looking for His return? Or you?
Be Holy.
Be Diligent.
Be on Guard.
He is coming.
Three. On guard so that "unprincipled men" who "distort" the Scripture do not undermine my commitment to holy conduct and godliness, my commitment to prayer and to living a spotless and blameless life, and my commitment to act on His heart's desire that all come to repentance.
Am I really looking for His return? Or you?
Be Holy.
Be Diligent.
Be on Guard.
He is coming.
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