FISHERS OF MEN
Christian Morality: The Christian life is a different life. It is a life lived in this present world, but it is a life to be lived apart from the evil of the world. John prayed, "I do not pray that you should take them out of the world, but that you should keep them from the evil one." John 17:15. Christian Morality concerns the way we live as a born again follower of Jesus Christ in this life. The Apostle John in I John 2:15 told Christians, "Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. v 16 For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world." God's word gives us certain guides to use in practicing our Christian morality. The primary thing that is to guide our morality is an awareness of the continual presence of God in our lives. The writer of the Hebrew letter declares, "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" Hebrews 4:13. Yes God knows all that we do or think. We cannot escape his presence. Our lives should be guided by this fact. Another guiding factor is that we have been separated from sin. Speaking of our Christian living Paul says, "We who died to sin, how shall we any longer live therein?" Romans 6:2. In baptism we have our sins taken away, and we are raised to walk in newness of life. This new life is to be a life of holiness and obedience to God's commands. I John 5:1-4, "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves Him who is begotten of Him. 2. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep his commandments. 3. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith." 1 John 5:1-4. In 1 Corinthians 6_19-20 "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20. For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your Spirit, which are God's". Paul gives us another guide for our morality. The fact our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit is good cause for holiness and purity. Our body actually belongs to God, because it has been purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ. we are, therefore, commanded to glorify God in our body. All that we do must be to His glory. A strong desire to be like Christ must also have a strong influence on our morality as Christians. Paul in Galatians 2:20 said,”It is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me." This needs to be the aim of every Christian. Every word, action, thought should be patterned after the life of Christ. Through His own life he gave us a perfect pattern of morality to live by. A final reason for Christian Morality is a desire for holiness, to enable us to lead others to Christ. How many have you led to Christ? Jesus taught this truth on the Sermon On the Mount. Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven." By living a clean, moral life, we can lead others to Christ Think On These Things! Robert Swain
2316 East Hundred Road
Chester, Virginia 23836
(804) 530-1764
Building located 1.6 miles west of Hopewell, VA on route 10 (2316 East Hundred Road)