LET US LIVE A CONSECRATED LIFE IN THE FEAR OF GOD
Sakkie Parsons
Translated from Afrikaans: “Laat ons die heiligmaking in die vrees van God volbring”
Someone wrote me the following: "Hi there my brother in Christ. The verse was in your message: '10 Virgins' It would be nice if you could tell me more because I'm just wondering what that includes, for example smoking, sex, etc. Waiting to hear from you.”
The text verse in the question is:
2COR 7:1 Therefore, since we have these [great and wonderful] promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, completing holiness [living a consecrated life—a life set apart for God’s purpose] in the fear of God.
Before I talk about the part the person wanted to know about, I want to say something about the person's two examples mentioned, namely sex and smoking:
Sex is that one act of love/relaxation/enjoyment, which was entirely designed and given to man by our Lord – which of course also includes reproduction, when it pleases our Lord. That is why it is so deliciously wonderful to really enjoy and appreciate it as it should be enjoyed and appreciated. However, there are two main requirements that must be fulfilled, and because those two requirements are being disregarded more and more in the time we live, it is being degraded more and more. So much so that people – and your writing is an example of that – many times consider what our Lord invented and gave to man as something ugly or sinful.
The two main requirements for sex as our Lord planned it and gave it to man are:
(1) It must take place between a man and a woman and
(2) it must take place within the marriage.
Your other example is smoking.
I see smoke like this -. I smoked for 15 years. It's dirty. It stinks. This makes you act recklessly in the presence, or the immediate vicinity of other people.
You are damaging your own body and the people who are with you daily – and in most cases, they are the very people you are supposed to love.
In other words, from where I'm looking, smoking is just plain disgusting. Worst of all, in my opinion, however, is that every time you light a cigarette, you litter and damage the temple of our Lord.
1COR 3:16-17
16Do you not know and understand that you [the church] are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells [permanently] in you [collectively and individually]? 17If anyone destroys the temple of God [corrupting it with false doctrine], God will destroy the destroyer; for the temple of God is holy (sacred), and that is what you are. (Collectively and individually).
Regarding the part you are asking about:
2COR 7:1 Therefore, since we have these [great and wonderful] promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, completing holiness [living a consecrated life—a life set apart for God’s purpose] in the fear of God.
Fortunately, in my opinion, we have a good example in the Word of what, among other things, "accomplishing sanctification in the fear of God" entails:
PHIL 4:8 Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
The word "whatever" occurs six times in this one verse alone. To me it says: Enjoy life, live to the fullest. How could it be otherwise? Jesus Himself said:
JOHN 10:10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].
Enjoy life, not as the people in the world enjoy it but fully in our Lord as our Lord's children should do it:
ROM 12:1-2 Dedicated Service
1Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
I also answered the question: "How can I live holy life" which is connected to this and which I will gladly send to you upon your inquiry.
Greetings,
Sakkie