Sermon Series: Code Red: “Don’t Let The World Steal Your Peace!”

Sermon Part 5: “Come On And Join The Peaceful March To Excellence in Christ Jesus!”

We are new creations in Christ. (II Cor.5:17) Yet, so many of us live far below our inheritance by thinking of ourselves as only “human,” prone to sinning, and “voluntarily” returning to the bondage of sin. Trading the power of the Holy Ghost for the decaying fruit of the flesh, which brings forth many afflictions and sorrows in a world filled with tribulation. 

The Spirit of the Lord is calling every born-again Christian to awaken from their slumber and arise from the dead. To “Stay Alert,” and walk “Circumspectly” by daily aligning our lives with God’s Will, savoring the excellence of Jesus Christ and walking boldly and purposely with all believers.

Happy Sunday Saints, Grace and Peace be multiplied to you through our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ!

 

The Book of Ephesians, authored by the Apostle Paul, is a roadmap for holy living. It provides a “position-to-practice” blue print, establishing a believer’s identity in Christ; chosen, blessed, adopted, redeemed and sealed in Christ (Chapters 1-3), before detailing how to “walk” in the reality that Christ Jesus is our life. (Chapters 4-6) 

 

Throughout much of Ephesians, Paul specifically uses the word “walking” (Greek: peripateo) as a metaphor to describe the Christian lifestyle, daily behavior, and conduct; contrasting the old-life of sin inherited from Adam, with the new-life we have in Jesus Christ. His use of the word “walking” represents intentional, Spirit-empowered actions that reflect one's spiritual identity in Christ, focusing on unity, love, and wisdom so that the believer continually grows into the fullness and experience of the excellence of Jesus Christ.

 

The Eight-Walks mentioned in Ephesians are:

• Past Walk (Eph. 2:2): Walking according to the course of this world.
• New Walk (Eph. 2:10): Walking in good works created by God from the foundations of the world.
• Worthy Walk (Eph. 4:1): Walking in a manner worthy of the vocation of the Lord’s Calling.
• Different Walk (Eph. 4:17) [Twice]: Not walking as the Gentiles (unbelievers) do.
• Love Walk (Eph. 5:2): Walking in love, imitating Christ’s Love.
• Light Walk (Eph. 5:8): Walking as children of Light.
• Wise Walk (Eph. 5:15): Walking circumspectly (wisely) rather than foolishly.

 

Today, we are focusing on the last mentioned “walk,” walking “Circumspectly.” Saints ask yourselves, at this present Time, are you walking circumspectly before God? While every born-again Christian has received “spiritual circumcision” of the heart by the Holy Ghost, fewer of us have determined to walk “circumspectly” before God. (Rom.2:29) Paul charges believers at Ephesians 5:14-21 to walk circumspectly before God and how to do so:

14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

 

To Walk Circumspectly means to live with scrupulous attention, accuracy, precision, and intentionally aligning one’s behavior and practices with God’s Will rather than drifting into foolishness. It involves being vigilant about spiritual dangers, making wise use of time, and diligence in watching one's steps to avoid the practice of sin in this evil and deceptive world. Furthermore, the believer who walks circumspectly daily, with vigilance watches over their thinking, behavior, and performance to ensure that it comports with the Word of God in all living. The Apostle Peter delivered a similar word of warning at I Peter 5:8-9 saying, watch out for your great enemy the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for a person to devour. Who we are to “resist steadfast in the faith, (Word of God) knowing that the same afflictions are suffered by our brothers and sisters in Christ.”

 

Walking circumspectly is only “doable” because all believers possess the Holy Ghost, given by Jesus Christ as a grace-gift, to empower, teach, and enable us to discern “Truth” from “falsehood.” Saints, oh how important it is to be able to discern Pure-Religion in the times in which we live. When many religious organizations/institutions claim Christianity and individuals wear crosses around their necks, tote Bibles and claim to know and love Jesus Christ. But, they also exact fear, hatred, and intimidation upon others they consider inferior to themselves. 

 

James 1:27, tells us however that, “Pure and undefiled Religion” is compassionate support for the poor, vulnerable, and downtrodden as Commanded by Jesus and commended by the Apostle John, (Matt. 25:34-36 & I John 3:17) and keeping one’s self unstained by the world; exhibiting moral purity over mere ritualistic practices. 

 

Saints, born-again Christians should be the “wisest” people on earth as we possess the Holy Ghost given by Jesus Christ to empower, teach, and enable us to discern “Truth” from “falsehood.” And, we must work collectively to make each other wiser across Christian denominations and non-denominational lines. Not wise according to man’s wisdom, but God’s Wisdom. Praise God, the Apostle John wrote that we have an unction (Anointing) from the Holy One, and we know all things. (I John 2:20). Given the unprecedented moral decay and evil of our time, walking with divine caution (circumspection) is required to avoid deception, to maintain focus on eternity, and to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ.

 

Living a Christ-like life is like walking a high-wire. It requires constant, minute-by-minute, adjustments of faith to maintain balance; with great joy and cheer looking forward to the destination of eternal life with Jesus Christ.

Rather than looking down at the distractions and chaos that is in the world, like a high-wire acrobat, the Christian walks the narrow beam of Righteousness under the protection of Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Ghost; the ultimate safety net that catches us when we stumble and rebalances us on the Wire. The Christian life is not about teetering on our own strength, but trusting in, if you will, “The Wire of God's Word,” for it holds us securely as we walk with God. For we walk not by sight, (nor by fear), but according to faith in God’s Commands and precious Promises.

 

In Ephesians 5:15 and 17, Paul states: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,” and “to be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Saints, it would not be possible to walk circumspectly (with scrupulous attention, accuracy, precision, and intentionally aligning our behavior with God’s Will) without having the “Light of Christ” (The Word of God, Logos) shining brightly before us. We walk accurately and precisely not by our own sight, but because God’s Word is a lamp unto our feet, illuminating the exact steps of His Will. (Ps.119:105) 

 

We walk circumspectly only when we let the Light of Christ chase away the darkness, allowing us to see and avoid the snares of the day. One foot in front of the next as a bare-foot priest, with diligent attention; walking as children of Light (in obedience to God’s Word) in a dark world. (Eph. 5:8) Praise God, when we were born-again, God in Christ Jesus delivered us from the kingdom of darkness and translated us into the marvelous light of the Kingdom of God, and now we are Light in the Lord, and are Commanded to walk as children of the Light.

 

As the Will of God is revealed and we follow after it, we become wise-children of the Kingdom of God taking preordained paths for us to live in the excellence of Christ’s Life. Christ Life is the good life, the abundant life He came to earth to grace us with. (John 10:10) A grace-filled life in harmony and experience with God; so secure in the Peace of Christ that no fear, nor circumstance, can disturb our mental disposition. 

 

Here me now Saints, walking circumspectly with God starts with one crucial step that we all must learn to take: We must adopt and embrace the “filial fear of the Lord.” My, my, my it’s truly amazing, as human beings, including many born-again Christians so many live in fear and torment about all sorts of things: the devil, death, loneliness, heights, enclosed spaces, flying, driving, needles, insects, public speaking, what others may say or do to them, and so forth. People are also worried about money, health, relationships, and the future. Fears and worries work to disturb and steal our Peace of mind by acting as thieves that rob soundness of thoughts, joy, and life satisfaction.

 

Even now, many Church-folks are sitting in pews and in digital sanctuaries harboring fears and terrors about something, some person, or a perceived pending event. Yet, God’s Word, more than any other Command in the Holy Bible instructs us to “fear not, or “be not afraid.” For example, God says He has not given to us “the spirit of fear.” (II Tim.1:7), and “If God before us who can be against us.” (Rom. 8:31) Umm, and Isaiah 41:10 states:

 

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

 

The “Filial fear of the Lord,” that we must possess toward God, is the foundation of “True Wisdom;” meaning a loving, profound honor, and awe of God’s Holiness, Majesty, and Authority which provides “divine insight” to guide daily life. (Prov. 9:10-12) The fear of the Lord establishes right-reverence for God, rather than worldly intellect, and serves as the foundation for right decisions and a purposeful existence. Moreover, the fear of the Lord carries a profound divine Promise, as it leads to Wisdom which multiplies days and years of one’s life.

 

Many believers lack true filial fear, mistaking reverence for casual familiarity, and therefore miss the foundational Wisdom that comes from truly knowing God. Without a true, personal revelation of who God is, they fail to recognize God’s Absolute Holiness and Sovereign Majesty, and reverence for Him, is replaced by irreverence. Hebrews 11:6 says: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” In order to “believe God is,” we must know who God is! Dear Saint of God, think and tell me who is God? 

 

The Answer is: God is “The Self-Existent-One!” Say that with me Saints: “God is the Self Existent-One!”

God is The Self-Existent One means He is underived, uncreated, and absolutely independent, existing eternally (apart from All) without needing anything outside Himself for life, sustenance, or definition. He is the necessary, non-contingent foundation of all reality. Umm, as the uncaused “source” of all life, God exists by His own Power, as He introduced and identified Himself to Moses on the Mountain of God at the Burning Bush as: "I AM WHO I AM" in Exodus 3:14. 

 

With these Words, God burned and circumcised within the heart and mind of Moses, His Absolute Holiness and Sovereignty over all creation; and emphasized faithfulness, immediate presence, setting Him apart from the powerless dumb-idols of Egypt.  

Moses, recognizing the Holiness of God, bowed in humble fear and reverence to receive his calling to Egypt. Submitting to divine Authority over human fear, Moses obeyed God’s Commands, eventually receiving the Law on Mount Sinai.

 

Saints, I beg you never to forget, God is a “Holy” God completely set apart, transcendent, and distinct from all created existence. This separation highlights His utter “otherness” compared to the world and His name is never to be used in vain nor blasphemed! For example, do not use God’s name in Profanity and casual speech (ex.“Oh My God!” without genuine prayer and thought); to make False oaths and vows, nor blame God for negative events in life.  

 

Key aspects of God’s Self-Existence include:

 

• Independence: God does not rely on creation for energy, companionship, or validation; He is totally self-sufficient.
• Uncreated/Eternal: God has no beginning or end; He exists outside the limitations of “Time.”
• Source of All Life: Everything else in the universe exists because God created it, whereas God exists by His own essential nature.
• Unchanging Nature: Since He is not dependent on external factors, God is immutable (unchangeable) and infallible. 

 

Let us also adopt and embrace from the theological Revelation given to Paul by Jesus Christ, that “All things were created by him and for him;” emphasizing Jesus Christ as both the agent and ultimate Purpose of creation in Heaven and earth and beneath the earth: all material and immaterial things, visible and invisible, thrones, powers, and rulers were created through Jesus and exist for Jesus. (Col.1:16-17) 

 

Praise God, Jesus has the “preeminence” in all things, is the sustainer of all things, and everything originates from Him and finds its end or purpose in Him! Thus, God the Creator, is distinguished from all creatures; emphasizing that Humanity depends on God for existence, while God is completely autonomous. Yea, without God there is nothing! King David wrote, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness there of, the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Ps.24:1)

 

Yea, Psalm 95:2-6 says:

For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.

4 In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.

5 The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.

6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.

 

When we know who God is, The Self Existent One, the ultimate purpose and whole duty of Humanity is that we fear God and keep and obey His Commandments. (Eccl.12:13) Let me emphasize, by the phrase “fear of God” we do not mean terror and torment, but rather we are to have a profound, respectful awe of God’s Absolute Holiness, Sovereignty, and Authority. 

 

The fear of God, is a vertical/upward look, placing God exceedingly far above all worldly knowledge, understanding, and pursuits. Our whole-hearted “Obedience” is the tangible result of fearing God; showing love and trust rather than mere compliance with His Word. And, The Self Existent One has Commanded that we “Worship” Him alone in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)

Yes, all of creation, things seen and unseen “worship” before the Lord. Psalm 148 declares that all of creation, from angels and stars to animals and humanity, are Commanded to worship and praise the Lord. Even Satan, the spiritual enemy of God acknowledges God’s Sovereignty though he lacks submission, (Matt. 4:7) devils and demons believe that God is “One” and tremble (James 2:19), and Satan knows who Jesus is, the Holy One of God, even if he hates Him and knows of his impending eternal destruction in the Lake of Fire. (Mark1:24 & Rev.20:10) 

Now, in many Christian Circles today, we have polluted the word “worship” by making it synonymous with praise and singing unto God. However, the primary Hebrew word for “worship” is “shachah,” which means to bow down, prostrate oneself, or show reverence and submission. It signifies humbling oneself before God, often implying a physical act of bowing to express adoration, obedience, and complete surrender to God. (Thus, praise is a part of Worship.) But, more than just the physical action of bowing down, True worshipers are those who surrender their lives to God, align their will with God’s Authority, and “obey” His Word knowing that He is The Self- Existent One. 

True worshipers, like Job, esteem God’s Word more essential than their necessary food. (Job 23:12) They, like Jesus Christ, understand that worship of God is living by “every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (Matt.4:4 & Deut.8:3) We can say then that walking “circumspectly” is acting as a wise-worshiper who fears the Holy God, The Self-Existent One, and conducts themselves according to God’s Word. 

Jesus Christ said to the disciples, “And, why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say.” (Luke 6:46) Yea, obedience to God’s Word is the highest form of worship! Remember this Saints: “While adoration sings our love for God, obedience acts on that praise.”

Further, True worshipers recognize that the Holy God, through the Holy Bible, has called and predestined them in Jesus Christ to be His treasured possession; a holy and royal priesthood. This identity as God’s chosen people is centered on spiritual transformation from darkness to “Light” and for the purpose of proclaiming His excellence in the earth. (I Peter 2:9) Further, the Apostle Peter commended at I Peter 1:15-16: Just as He who called you is holy, you too be holy in all your conduct for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 

 

This highlights a total life consecration; covering all of our thoughts, speech, and actions. To be “holy as God is holy” means to be of “One-Mind” with God. Thus, God has given to us the Holy Bible (Old Testament and New Testament) so our thought-life and lifestyles would be in sync with His divine Purpose and Will for Mankind, and to enable us to have wise-dominion over the affairs of life. (Got it Saints? The Holy God, has given to His Holy People, the Holy Word of God and the Holy Ghost, to live in the beauty of Holiness; the Absolute Morality of God!)

 

True worshipers fear God by obeying His Word, which contains His Covenant-Promises, Laws for Humanity, and Righteous Judgments in present reality where the world learns Righteousness; and a future eternal event where every deed and secret thing will be judged. We are to understand while God judges throughout history, there is a designated final judgment day Coming! (Make your study of the following references: Ps. 9:7-8, 96:13, Eccl. 12:14, Is. 26:9, Acts. 17:31, II Cor. 5:10)

At II Timothy 3:16-17, Paul wrote:

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

 

Moreover, as an act of Love and Grace, through the finished work of Jesus on the cross, God (The Self Existent One), has made His holy-habitation within our born-again hearts and established His Laws within the spirit, soul, and mind of soul of every born-again Christian. (I John 4:15 & Heb.10:16) Oh Saints, consider as best we can, the magnitude of the mystery and miracle that The Self-Existent One lives within in our hearts. Whereby, the Holy Ghost inspires and enables all believers to obey God’s Word from a heart-filled desire, rather than from a legalistic and external obligation. 

 

Praise God, our born-again hearts have been made full of filial fear of God; to love, trust, honor and say, “Yes” to His divine Word, Will, and Way in all things. So that we might have “Peace of Mind,” as we walk in the divine Wisdom of God and live long-prospered and satisfied lives in the excellence of Christ. (Prov. 3:19, 8:22-31, & Jer. 10:22)

 

Scripture highlights that God's Wisdom is essential for navigating life on earth, directing us to seek it above earthly wealth or human understanding. Key verses like James 1:5-6 assure us that God gives Wisdom generously when asked in faith and without wavering, and Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages relying on God, rather than our own understanding, to direct our path to success. 

 

With diligence, we must renew our thought-life as well as encourage fellow believers to do the same to understand that God is the Author of “Wisdom.” That True Wisdom originates with God alone, not from human intellect or worldly understanding. (Prov.2:6) That God's Ways are higher than human ways, often rendering human wisdom as foolishness. (Is.55:8 & I Cor. 3:19) And, that God seeks through His Word and revealed knowledge of the Holy Ghost to transmit His thoughts of Peace, and not evil to give to us an expected end of health and prosperity. (Jer. 29:11 & III John 2)

 

Most born-again Christians do not realize that for every type of challenge, trouble, adversity, and crises we experience in life, the Holy Scriptures contain the answer/solution with supernatural good, revealed and manifested by and through the Holy Ghost. When ministering to those seeking prayer for healing, prosperity, deliverance, and restoration, the most effective approach is to “anchor” them in the Word of God and rely on the Holy Ghost to release divine Wisdom and Heavenly Resources. This brings wholeness to the spirit, soul, and body. Rather than relying solely on extemporaneous prayers. 

 

Praise God, as we petition God in “faith” (The Word of God) God Promises to liberally provide Wisdom for every challenge to guide believers in decision-making and navigating tough- times. Oh what Peace of mind we would have if we all trusted God for His Wisdom in every arena of life. James 1:5-6 states:

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

Given all I have said thus far, every born-again Christian should be over-joyed to have the privilege to walk circumspectly before the Lord knowing that God our Father (The Self Existent One), Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost and Kingdom of God abide within their hearts; and the Holy Bible serves as a lamp unto their feet. Praise God, in walking circumspectly in this world, we should have no fear of present or future dangers, troubles, temptation of Satan, nor strongholds of sin. Rather, we all should collectively, and individually, be emboldened to take each step in life as wise People of God, in faith and Power of the Holy Ghost, to conquer all corruption that is in the world. 

 

Having full assurance that for every fork in the road we reach on deciding and choosing Truth or falsehood, we can open the Holy Bible and search the Scripture on the matter, ask God for Wisdom and the Holy Ghost will abundantly supply it to us! So that we may follow after our wise-heart. Each step we take being full of the Light of Christ, so brilliant that it magnifies Christ in our lives, (Php.1:20-21) and turns our journey into a guidepost for others; family, friends, strangers and even enemies! 

 

For we walk in the Light of Christ illuminating the Righteous path for others to follow. “Redeeming the Time,” as Paul noted (Eph.5:16) by: (1) Viewing “Time” as a gift from God, (2) Making the best use of every moment by strategically investing it for eternal purposes, (3) Eliminating carnal distractions presented by media, people, and the lust for things of the world, (4) Organizing days with the conduct of godly Wisdom received from the Word of God and prayer, and (5) Seizing opportunities to serve God and others.

 

In walking circumspectly, Paul encourages all believers, not to engage in drunkenness with wine, “but to be filled with the Spirit.”  For when you know that God our Father, The Self-Existent One is in your heart, desires become single in wanting to worship, minister, fellowship, and grow in love and grace towards Him in the fullness of the Spirit. Drunkenness with wine, or for that matter any other sinful thing, leads to a disturbed “Peace” and loss of self-control/self-discipline. Yes, sin is nothing more than a waste of Time and those who are filled with the Holy Ghost want no part of it!

 

Being filled with the Holy Ghost brings divine control, joy, and Peace to the entirety of our beings. Paul’s imperative, "Be filled" with the Spirit is proffered in the present tense. Meaning being filled with the Holy Ghost is a continuous, ongoing process, not a one-time event. Daily, we must allow the Holy Ghost to permeate and control every part of our lives through praying in the Holy Ghost, (Jude 20) studying and applying the Word of God (John 6:63), speaking to ourselves the Promises of God (Rom.10:17 & Heb.10:23), and singing spiritual songs and hymns making melody in our hearts to the Lord. (Acts16:25). 

 

Saints who seek to enter the Presence of God, sing spiritual songs and hymns to the Lord that emphasize deep reverence and awe as The Self-Existent One (The Great I Am); that focus on the Character of God (holy, faithful, true, and eternal); that highlight God’s Power and Sovereignty; that include Biblical descriptions of God, such as “Lord of Glory,” “King of Majesty” or “Alpha and Omega;” as well as those that express both closeness to God and reverence for His Greatness. Saints is this your current daily habit, to sing unto God as The Self-Existent One, if not, start today, and encourage other believers to do the same and you will never be the same! 

 

Next, in Ephesians 5:20, Paul charges all believers to maintain a continuous attitude of gratitude, giving thanks to God the Father for all things, regardless of circumstances, good or bad, in the name of Jesus Christ. Each day we awake, we should rejoice saying, “This is the day that the Lord has made we will rejoice and be glad in it.” And, then obey what the praise says (“Rejoice & Be Glad!”), and share this exhortation with others throughout the day!

Praise God, “Thankfulness” is contagious, fostering positive energy that spreads between people, increases joy, and builds deeper connections. Expressing gratitude regularly, can improve moods and create a ripple effect, encouraging others to also focus on the good in their lives. We are to think on the goodness of Jesus all day long, and be grateful and thankful for all He has done for us and all people. For truly when we think about the goodness of Jesus and all He has done, our souls cry out “thank God for saving us!”

 

Lastly, in being filled with the Holy Ghost, Paul instructs in Ephesians 5:21, that all believers “submit themselves one to another in the fear of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul calls for mutual, voluntary humility among all born-again Christians, prioritizing others' needs over self. This selflessness is motivated by respect for God and Jesus, setting a foundation for servant-hearted relationships in marriages, homes, Churches and everywhere we travel. Praise God, it establishes an atmosphere of servanthood across denominations and nondenominational Churches, where believers regardless of rank willingly serve one another. The motivation for submission is one’s devotion to Jesus, not necessarily because the other person deserves it, as the Law of The Self-Existent One is that we unconditionally love one another as Jesus loves us.

 

So let’s close-out this Sermon and Series this way Saints. Paul wrote at Ephesians 5:14-15, “…awake from sleep and arise from the dead. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise. We are not to live as the foolish people of the world do; in complete ignorance of God, The Self-Existent One, and His Wisdom for living a peaceful existence on earth. We must shake ourselves and every other born-again Christian to awaken, put off all dead works of the flesh, and walk “Circumspectly” before God.  In Ephesians Chapters 4 and 5, Paul identifies numerous works of the flesh, in which the ungodly of this world walk in, as alienated from the Life of The Self Existent One, due to the blindness of their hearts, ever reaping corruption in their mortal bodies, and eternal judgment and damnation. As the end of the world approaches and the hearts of Mankind wax colder, we see the Times becoming exceedingly more evil and perilous beyond human understanding. 

 

Gentiles throughout the world, who in the vanity of their minds believe lies authored by Satan, rather than the Absolute Truth authored by God The Self Existent One. Forever, the sinner-man thinks he can chart his own course in life and find true and lasting peace and satisfaction through worldly wisdom, which is foolishness to God. (I Cor. 3:19) Man believes the lie that utopia and good-fortune can be found in his own lust and indulgence in lasciviousness (unbridled lust and pursuit of money, sexual pleasure, including fornication, adultery, homosexuality and whore-mongering), lying, corrupt and filthy conversation, bitterness, clamour, evil communication, un-cleanliness, foolish talking, jesting, idolatry, and covetousness. Or simply choosing to live in self-deception, crafting a self-derived moral code in the absence of God; whereby they even deny His existence. 

 

Which in times past, we also walked in like manner in accordance with our old-sinful nature, before Jesus Christ washed us in His blood from our sins and made us the Righteousness of God in Him. Praise God, in Christ, we now must understand that we are the children of God and have been given an inheritance within the Kingdom of Christ and God. (Eph. 5:5) To walk in the fleshy dictates of our old-nature brings the wrath of God upon the “children of disobedience,” and we must be alert and know this and destroy the works of the flesh! (Col. 3:6) 

 

God’s wrath is not a human tantrum, but His Righteousness, Holy, and necessary justice against sin. The “Sons of Disobedience” are those who habitually reject God’s Authority and live in rebellion against Him. Willingly they ignore the Command of the Holy Scriptures and Voice of the Holy Ghost warning them to mortify (kill) the works of the flesh (all practiced sin) including such things as hatred, fornication, homosexuality, uncleanness, covetousness, and idolatry. 

 

Saints, let’s not deceive ourselves, God does judge sin committed on earth, both through temporal consequences during life and ultimate judgement in eternity. The practice of sin can bring immediate or temporal judgment, such as reaping what is sown, or disasters and difficulties. (Gal. 6:7) Further, God provides divine discipline (chastening) for those He loves to guide them back to Righteousness, which can be a form of judgment on believer’s sin-actions. (Heb.12:6) 

 

Also, we must be aware that God judges the nations for their wickedness and disregard for Him, thus we must always pray that our nations’ leaders conduct themselves in accordance with God’s Civil and Moral laws. (Ps. 9:8, Ezek.14:13, Joel 3:12-14, Jer.18:7-8, & I Tim.2:1-2) Furthermore, we must maintain all sobriety knowing that we will all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ not for condemnation to hell, but for our works to be tested for rewards. (II Cor. 5:10) Whereas unbelievers, those who reject Christ will stand before the Great White Throne and face judgment for their sins and eternal damnation in the lake of fire. (Rev.20:11-15)

 

Seeing these aforementioned judgments are a present-day and future eternal-reality, we are charged and warned by Paul to mortify (put to death) all sinful deeds and live a new life in Christ. Separating ourselves from former sinful ways, to practice True Holiness before God and all men. Armed with the Word of God and the Power of the Holy Ghost, as Paul charges, let us examine ourselves and put-off and do away with all carnality in our thought-life and practice. And instead, put on the new man which after God is created in Righteousness and True Holiness. (Eph.4:22-24) 

 

Praise God, as we search God’s Word and pray in the Holy Ghost daily, let us become zealous of adopting and practicing the Mind of The Self Existent One revealed to us. Also, let us put away all fear and shame of confessing our faults, one to another, and praying for one another according to the Word of God, that we might be healed; submitting ourselves in service one to another. (James 5:16) 

 

We are all born of God, and are full of His Light and Love and Spirit. Therefore, in a Spirit of love and forgiveness, let us reprove (admonish) the unfruitful works of darkness in our personal and corporate walks with God. (Eph. 5:8-11) Giving the devil no place! (Eph. 4:27) Give the devil no place means “refusing” to allow Satan any opportunity, foothold, or room to operate in the believer’s life, thoughts, or relationships. It is a command to “actively” guard against harboring bitterness, un-forgiveness, anger, or engaging in sin, which are potential openings for spiritual destruction.