Life lessons: “Walk circumspectly”

Ephesians 5:15-16, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

The folly of this present world is so blatantly apparent and it’s speeding up out of control! So let us see then that we walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Let us do this knowing, that the unrighteous have no inheritance in the Kingdom of CHRIST and GOD (Study Revelation 22:15; 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; Galatians 5:19–21; Ephesians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:9 & Hebrews 12:14).

When disaster strikes, I often hear many people say, “GOD have mercy on us all” but one thing we all ought to understand is that even in HIS Judgment, there is love and mercy.

The reason that many do not perish when disaster strikes is because GOD who is rich in mercy (Study Ephesians 2:1-10) continues to give us time to REPENT (to redeem the time) so that none may perish in sin. HE desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth in CHRIST JESUS (Study 1 Timothy 2:4). The LORD is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (Study 2 Peter 3:9). But will this generation repent? Scripture tells us in Revelation 9:20-21, “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”

The very reason that only one-third is killed is to provide a witness and opportunity for the remaining two-thirds to repent and turn to GOD— for this generation to understand that unless we all repent, we will all likewise perish. Like Jezebel of the church at Thyatira (Study Revelation 2:21)—they fail to see GOD’s gracious mercy in giving them additional time to REPENT.

GOD continues to show mercy and HE is calling us to repentance. Acts 17:30 says, “Truly, these times of ignorance GOD overlooked, but now commands ALL men everywhere to repent, because HE has appointed a day on which HE will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom HE has ordained. HE has given assurance of this to all by raising HIM from the dead.”

Joel 2:12-13, “Now, therefore,” says THE LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to THE LORD your GOD, For HE is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And HE relents from doing harm.”

HE has given us time over and over so that man can REPENT. HE says, “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil.” But many continue to despise the riches of HIS goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of GOD leads us to repentance. Even in HIS Judgment, there is Salvation. We are to always consider that the longsuffering of our LORD is Salvation (Study 2 Peter 3:15).

GOD is calling us to repentance. HE says in Jeremiah 9:6, “Your dwelling place is in the midst of deceit; Through deceit they refuse to know Me,” says THE LORD. HE is telling us to take heed to ourselves— to NOT leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness (to not walk in the counsel of the ungodly nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful).

HE says to us, “Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding. For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from THE LORD. For by Me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.”

But still, after all HE has done, this generation continues to despise HIS goodness and mercy. As it is written, “And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

But the world continues to harden their hearts with the result that stays of judgment which indicate GOD’s mercy and forbearance are met with a continuance or even elevation of their sinful deeds (Study Revelation 16:8-11). But in accordance with their hardness and their impenitent hearts, they are treasuring up for themselves wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of GOD (Study Romans 2:4-5).

JESUS says to the Church at Philadelphia: “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth.” This period is meant not so much to see how those being tested respond, but to demonstrate their unchanging character—they will not REPENT but they will continue their sinful course to hell.

The analogy of the Tribulation with its plagues to the deliverance of Israel from Egypt is found in the similarity of the character of the world to Pharaoh: both refused to repent. In Pharaoh’s case, as the plagues continued to intensify, he continued to harden his heart (Study Exodus 7:13, Exodus 7:23; Exodus 8:15, Exodus 8:19, Exodus 8:32; Exodus 9:34). So will the hearts of men in this generation. And yet, through the mystery of GOD’s sovereignty, the continued opposition of the unrepentant will be used to bring HIM great glory (Study Exodus 11:9; Revelation 19:1).

The proverb writer captured the spirit of the unrepentant (the sons of disobedience) in Proverbs 27:22, “Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, Yet his foolishness will not depart from him.”

It is GOD’s desire and purpose in the midst of judgment to bring men to repentance. Yet often, as we all continue to witness the depravity and folly in men’s hearts, they refuse to respond to correction—they will not return to the way of life. “Yet you say, ‘The way of THE LORD is not fair.’

Friends, GOD’s mercy is meant for our repentance. HE gives us time to REPENT and not for us to continue in sin. If you continue in sin, you will die (PERISH) in your sins. Redeem the time!

Time and time again, HE says, “Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die? Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil. Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. Return to HIM against whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to THE LORD, And HE will have mercy on him; And to our GOD, For HE will abundantly pardon.”

O that man would hear the voice of HIM who speaks from Heaven. O friends, do not reject so great a Salvation. GOD has no desire that any man should perish but that all REPENT and be saved. GOD wants life for all of humanity. HE says in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says THE LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” HE sent HIS only begotten Son JESUS CHRIST so that we may have life, and that we may have it more abundantly (Study John 10:10).

O friends, hell was not meant for you but for the devil and his angels. GOD created man for life— to give us abundant life. HIS wrath is not appointed for you but for the wicked. But if you continue to trod the paths of destruction—if you also become a partaker in the unfruitful works of darkness (being a slave to sin & paying homage to the devil and his angel) your final destination will be hell.

Beloved, through CHRIST JESUS, we have obtained mercy so that in us, CHRIST might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on HIM for everlasting life. So in the light of HIS gracious patience and mercy towards us, let us be imitators of GOD—walking in HIS Counsel which is the light of life. Let us follow in HIS footsteps—walking in love, as CHRIST also has loved us and given HIMSELF for us, an offering and a sacrifice to GOD for a sweet-smelling aroma.

This is our reasonable service. This is what we are here for. We are called to be a light in the world (Study Matthew 5:14) and salt (Study Matthew 5:13). Therefore, let us keep shinning and stay salty so that we may become blameless and harmless, children of GOD without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom we shine as lights in the world (Study Philippians 2:14-15).

Proverbs 4:18 says, “But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.”

For we were once darkness, but now we are light in THE LORD. Thus let us walk as children of light (for the fruit of THE SPIRIT is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to THE LORD.  This means, having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather exposing them. How do we do this?  By walking in the light (the truth) as HE is in the light.  John says in 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Walking in THE SPIRIT and not after the flesh—living in the Divine nature that GOD has given us. 2 Peter 1:4 reminds us that we have been given exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these we may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Galatians 5:16 echoes to us these life changing words of GOD, “I say then: Walk in THE SPIRIT, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” Beloved, this is how we expose the unfruitful works of darkness, by walking after THE SPIRIT OF GOD in all goodness, righteousness and truth. CHRIST says to us in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.”

Romans 13:14 reminds us to put on THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Why? Because all who have put on THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, belong to CHRIST and they have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires (Study Galatians 5:24) and thus they make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Another important thing to note is that those who have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires and have put on THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, they live by THE SPIRIT, and walk in step with THE SPIRIT (Study Galatians 5:25), as they are also led by THE SPIRIT (Study Romans 8:14).

Those who do these things believe in the saving of the soul and thus they do not draw back to perdition (Study Hebrews 10:39). Because we believe in the saving of the soul, we do not set our mind on the flesh—to walk after it because to be carnally minded is death (Study Romans 8:6) and neither will we be partakers with those who do so because the wrath of GOD comes upon those who walk after the flesh (Study Ephesians 5:5-7; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Romans 1:18 & 1 John 1:6).

Those who believe in the saving of the soul were raised with CHRIST and because they were raised with CHRIST, they seek those things which are above, where CHRIST is, sitting at the right hand of GOD. They set their mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Why? Because we died (we crucified the flesh, its lusts and all its passions—Study Galatians 5:24. The world was crucified to us and us to the world—Study Galatians 6:14 & Galatians 2:20), and our life is hidden with CHRIST in GOD (Study Colossians 3:3).

Note: The wrath of GOD is upon all who walk in darkness—those who walk after the flesh and not after THE SPIRIT. So we also, knowing this truth, are not to be partakers with them in the unfruitful works of darkness.

Therefore, since we believe to the saving of the soul, let us be vigilant in putting to death the works of the flesh (Study Romans 8:12-14). Since we believe to the saving of the soul, let us put to death our members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry (Study Colossians 3:5-6). Since we believe to the saving of the soul, let us abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul (Study 1 Peter 2:11).  Since we believe to the saving of the soul, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Study Hebrews 12:1-3). Let us lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save our souls (Study James 1:21). Let us press on to maturity— let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of GOD (Study 2 Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 2:12).

GOD is saying to us, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”

From John 3:5–8, we learn that human nature (the carnal nature), with which all of us are born, will not enter into the Kingdom of GOD unless it is transformed/changed. This change is called being born again. 2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us that we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of THE LORD, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD.

And what this means is that THE SPIRIT OF GOD is transforming us into a new creation; HE takes out of us the heart of stone that rebels against GOD and HIS laws, Judgments and statues, and HE puts into us a new heart which trusts GOD and follows HIS ways—walking in HIS counsel (Please study Ezekiel 36:25-28; Jeremiah 24:7; Ezekiel 11:19 & Ezekiel 18:31). Or to put it another way, THE HOLY SPIRIT leads, guides and teaches us all truth according to GOD’s Word (Study John 14:26; John 15:26 & John 16:13).

It is written in John 3:6, “That which is born of THE SPIRIT is spirit.” That is why we are also reminded in Romans 8:12 that we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

In other words, that which is begotten by THE SPIRIT has the nature of THE SPIRIT (the fruit of THE SPIRIT), just as all who follow CHRIST have the light of life and those who have the light of life cannot walk in darkness (Study John 8:12; John 12:35-36; John 12:46 & John 12:36) but walk in the light as HE is in the light (Study 1 John 1:6-7; Isaiah 2:5 & 1 Timothy 6:16).

Psalm 89:15 says, “Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.”

Those with THE SPIRIT OF GOD are permeated by the character of THE SPIRIT (The fruit of THE SPIRIT which is in all goodness, righteousness and truth), and they are led by THE SPIRIT and because they are led by THE SPIRIT, they walk as HE walked. All this is GOD working mightily in us by HIS SPIRIT for HIS glory, honor and praise. As it is written in Zechariah 4:6, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My SPIRIT,’ Says THE LORD of hosts.

Therefore, the life we have in CHRIST is owing wholly to the work of GOD through HIS SPIRIT, and we have no ground for boasting at all (Study Romans 3:27). We live by walking in THE SPIRIT.

Galatians 5:25 states concisely what our next step should be. “If we live by THE SPIRIT, let us also walk by THE SPIRIT.” Paul is in full agreement with JESUS (Study John 6:63) that it is by the work of THE HOLY SPIRIT that we have been given new life.

Romans 8:9-11, “But you are not in the flesh but in THE SPIRIT, if indeed THE SPIRIT OF GOD dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST, he is not HIS. And if CHRIST is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but THE SPIRIT is life because of righteousness. But if THE SPIRIT OF HIM who raised JESUS from the dead dwells in you, HE who raised CHRIST from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through HIS SPIRIT who dwells in you.”

Just as GOD said, “Let there be light,” and there was light, 2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For it is the GOD who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of JESUS CHRIST.”

Now Paul, in Galatians 5:25, draws an inference from how our new life in CHRIST began: if it began by THE SPIRIT, then all our subsequent life ought to be carried out by THE SPIRIT (Live and walk in THE SPIRIT—Study Galatians 3:1–5). If it was by the free and sovereign power of THE SPIRIT OF GOD that our new spiritual life came into being, then the way that new life should be lived is by that same free and sovereign power of GOD.

“Walk by THE SPIRIT” means we live each day by THE SPIRIT; we live life in all its details (in thought, word and deed) from waking up in the morning until going to sleep at night by the enabling power of THE SPIRIT OF GOD (walking in the truth).

But what does that mean, practically speaking? How do we “walk by (in) THE SPIRIT”? By being hearers and doers of THE WORD OF GOD—Doing GOD’s will. For we live by “every word” that proceeds from the mouth of GOD—we live by HIS Counsel and walk in HIS Counsel.

When we “walk by THE SPIRIT,” we are not debtors to the flesh—to obey its desires, lusts and passions. The flesh produces fleshly (carnal) desires, and THE SPIRIT produces righteous or godly desires, and they are opposed to each other (Study Galatians 5:17).

Walking in THE SPIRIT is what we do when we live in obedience to GOD’s will—being hearers and doers of the word. This means that “walking by THE SPIRIT” is not something we do in order to get THE SPIRIT’s help, but rat her, just as the phrase implies, it is something we do by the working of THE SPIRIT OF GOD. This is how we walk circumspectly, redeeming the time!

Ultimately, all the good inclinations or preferences or desires (as in all goodness, righteousness and truth) are by the working of THE SPIRIT OF GOD. Apart from THE SPIRIT OF GOD working in us all goodness, righteousness and truth, we are carnal and by nature heirs of GOD’s wrath. Paul says in Romans 7:18, “I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing.” Apart from the gracious work of THE SPIRIT OF GOD in us, none of our inclinations or desires or choices are holy or good, “Because the carnal mind is enmity against GOD; for it is not subject to the law of GOD, nor indeed can be” (Study Romans 8:7).

Note: The truth has one way and it is narrow but the lie has many ways and they are broad. There are many roads that lead to destruction but only one way that leads to life. There are billion ways to lose your soul but only way to gain it—deny yourself, pick up your cross daily and follow CHRIST.

Therefore, we “walk circumspectly in this present age” by walking in THE SPIRIT—delighting to do our Heavenly Father’s will (walking in HIS counsel and cleaving to HIM with all of heart, mind, soul and strength).

This is what GOD said he would do in Ezekiel 36:26, 27: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” Thus walking in THE SPIRIT is the fulfillment of this marvelous promise.

Beloved, we must acknowledge this life changing truth that we are helpless to do good apart from GOD working in us by HIS SPIRIT. As Paul says in Romans 7:18, “I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing.”

What did JESUS mean when HE said in John 15:5, “Without me you can do nothing”?

Of course the only thing we can do without JESUS is sin! And drown ourselves in more destruction. Truly apart from CHRIST, there is NO life, there is NO peace, there is NO joy, there is NO hope and apart from HIM, there is NO justice and there is no future for all of creation.

So, the first step in walking by THE SPIRIT is: admit this fact and let it have its devastating effect on your pride. We cannot do anything pleasing to GOD without the HIS SPIRIT working in us to produce that which is pleasing to GOD—that is the righteousness of GOD in CHRIST.

Ecclesiastes 9:3 reminds us that truly the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. Who can argue with this Biblical truth in view of today’s insane moral decay that is running rampant in all four corners of the earth? If you have not woken up to this reality, then I pray you soon awake from your slumber! Folly has truly set up its fortress in the hearts of men and thus lawlessness is abounding.

Sin has been running rampant since the fall in the garden and it continues to infect the human race: the same destiny awaits them all. Furthermore, their hearts are full of evil–madness festers in their hearts all their days. And then they die. But “also the heart of the sons of men” makes this fact a reason for “madly” persisting in “evil while they live, and after that, they go to the grave. Sin is “madness”— the very curse of death. A very great evil, a very sore one, the worst of evils that has plunged many men into darkness. Madness is in their heart; upon this account they go on madly and desperately in evil courses, without any fear of an after-reckoning.

For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead and many who tread the path of sin know not that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell. Her feet go down to death, Her steps lay hold of hell. None who go to her return, Nor do they regain the paths of life—

Yet they say to GOD, ‘Depart from us, For we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways.’ Indeed their prosperity is not in their hand; The counsel of the wicked is far from me. “How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? How often does their destruction come upon them, The sorrows GOD distributes in HIS anger? They are like straw before the wind, and like chaff that a storm carries away.

Beloved, let us take heed to ourselves. Sin lays snares and nets to bind free men in eternal chains of destruction. But he who pleases GOD shall escape from her, but the sinner shall be trapped by her and never regain the paths of life.

Truly it is not death (putting off this earthly tent) that man should fear but rather what awaits him after death. For it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment (Study Hebrews 9:27). For HE will judge the living and the dead at HIS appearing and HIS Kingdom (Study 2 Timothy 4:1 & 1 Peter 4:1-8).

JESUS says to us in Matthew 10:28, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear HIM who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”

It is said of the righteous, when you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet (Study Proverbs 3:24) and when they awake, they will see THE LORD’s face in righteousness and be satisfied when they awake in HIS likeness (Study Psalm 17:15 & 1 John 3:2). For surely there is a hereafter, and their hope will not be cut off (Study Proverbs 23:18).

But of the wicked, there is no hope. The wicked will lie down in everlasting torment and when he awakes, he will awake in hell. He shall die in his iniquity. JESUS makes this point in John 8:21, “I am going away, and you will seek Me, and will die in your sin. Where I go you cannot come.”

Though they spend their days in wealth, in a moment they go down to the grave. The east wind carries him away, and he is gone; It sweeps him out of his place. Though he is often rebuked, he hardens his neck and he will be suddenly destroyed, and that without remedy. Destruction comes upon him so suddenly. Terrors frighten him on every side, and drive him to his feet. His strength is starved, and destruction is ready at his side. It devours him without remedy. He is uprooted from the shelter of his tent, and they parade him before the king of terrors. They dwell in his tent who are none of his; Brimstone is scattered on his dwelling. How they are destroyed in a moment! They are utterly swept away by sudden terrors! The memory of them perishes from the earth, and they have no name among the renowned.

HE says to the wicked, “Hell from beneath is excited about you, To meet you at your coming; It stirs up the dead for you, All the chief ones of the earth; It has raised up from their thrones All the kings of the nations.”

For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out (Study Proverbs 24:20). Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompense (Study Job 15:31). A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin (Study Proverbs 21:4). Surely there is no future for the wicked.

O my beloved brethren, take heed to yourselves! He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. The face of THE LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. For their hearts are fully set in them to do evil and madness is in their heart while they live.

Even now as I speak, the eviction process has been served and many will be evicted. Do not be deceived, the eviction notice has been issued to the wicked and they know they have but a short time. It is the wicked that are removed, not the righteous. When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation (Study Proverbs 10:25). For the upright will dwell in the land, And the blameless will remain in it; But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, And the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.

Every sin is great madness—a curse that devours; for who but a madman would stretch out his hand against GOD, and strengthen himself against the Almighty? Who but a madman would sin against THE LORD and seek to change HIS laws and time?  Who would dare provoke THE LORD’s wrath? Who but a madman would rush into sin in the manner he does, and expose himself to dangers and death, even eternal death? Who but a madman would strive with his maker?

Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; For shall the thing made say of him who made it, “He did not make me”? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”?

Who but a madman would dare call evil good, and good evil? Who but a madman would put darkness for light, and light for darkness? Who but a madman would put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter?

Such is the wicked man who hates his own soul. For a soul that sins shall die and he who sins against GOD wrongs his own soul and all those who hate THE LORD love death. O the folly in the heart of a man who makes sin his companion! Woe to him who sins against GOD! Woe to him who hates THE LORD!

They are mad upon their lusts, and mad against the saints, and oppose all that is good; this insanity—this madness festers deep within their hearts, and shows itself in their lives, and continues with them as long as they live, and after that they go to the dead; after all the madness of their lives, they die in their sin and go into the state of the dead where there is no return. O the misery that awaits the wicked! For death is their Shepherd. This is the portion of a wicked man with GOD, and the heritage of oppressors, received from the Almighty.

Thus HE says to us in Psalms 95:8–11, “Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, As in the day of trial in the wilderness, When your fathers tested Me; They tried Me, though they saw My work. For forty years I was grieved with that generation, And said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their hearts, And they do not know My ways.’ So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ”

There is truly a great peril for this madness—sin. It is through the deceitfulness of sin (the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, the pride of life and deceitfulness of riches) that many are led away from the truth. Proverbs 7:26 reminds that sin has cast down many wounded, and all who were slain by her were strong men.

Man has so hardened his heart in rebellion against GOD. This generation has rebelled against GOD, tried HIM though they see HIS marvelous work (HIS goodness and kindness), they continue to go astray in their hearts.

Beloved, now we can clearly see that when our light stops shining, the darkness takes over but where there is light, darkness cannot comprehend it.

But as always, there are those who say, “Even though I continue in sin, GOD has paid the price for my sins. It doesn’t matter how I live, I am forgiven. HIS grace covers me.” And the bleating continues to get louder. This mentality is the chief reason of the ever growing apostasy in the Church. Please brethren, if you have the knowledge of GOD, awake to righteousness and sin not. This is a necessary practical word in every season for the whole body of CHRIST. As the coming of THE LORD draws nearer, we need this word all the more.

Many of the references in Scripture to the coming of THE LORD include admonitions to holiness and sanctification— to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present age.

We hear words for the believer such as “without spot” and “blameless.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “Now may the GOD of peace HIMSELF sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.”

We hear admonitions such as, “but as HE who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear” (Study 1 Peter 1:15-17).

Romans 8:13, “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by THE SPIRIT you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

1 Corinthians 1:8, “who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.”

1 Corinthians 1:30, “But of HIM you are in CHRIST JESUS, who became for us wisdom from GOD—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—

Here are a few others: 1 Thessalonians 3:13, “so that HE may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our GOD and FATHER at the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST with all HIS saints.”

Ephesians 5:27, “that HE might present her to HIMSELF a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”

1 Peter 3:14, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” And so many more.

Beloved, it’s not about having increased righteousness, for all the righteousness a true believer has is in CHRIST but it is rather about becoming the righteousness of GOD in CHRIST (Study 2 Corinthians 5:21). This is what walking circumspectly is about.

We can never add to the righteousness of GOD either now, in this present life or throughout eternity but we are to “become the righteousness of GOD in CHRIST”—to grow and mature in the righteousness of GOD. Paul refers to this in 2 Corinthians 7:1 as “perfecting holiness in the fear of GOD.”

And if we truly have the fear of GOD in our lives and walk in the fear of GOD, then let us see to it that we cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of GOD.

Our faith in CHRIST alone supplies all the righteousness of GOD we will ever need but that is not where it all ends because faith without works is dead. But what works is James 2:14-26 referring to that must accompany our faith? I believe Scripture is talking about the “good works” that we were created for in CHRIST JESUS— the works that GOD prepared beforehand that “we should walk in them” (Study Ephesians 2:10).

So, my dear brethren, the “living faith” that is in CHRIST JESUS requires that we walk in the good works (the righteousness of GOD) that GOD prepared beforehand in CHRIST. Like I said before, beloved, the evidence that we have been saved by grace through faith, and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of GOD, is that we daily walk in the righteousness of GOD (the good works in CHRIST). We become hearers and doers of HIS Word. That’s the evidence that we are saved by grace.

This is why we deny ourselves, daily pick up our cross and follow CHRIST and this is what “full surrender” means. The evidence that we carry our cross daily is in our walk—the way we live in this world.

A believer can never add one iota to the righteousness of CHRIST because without CHRIST there is none righteous (Isa 64:6 says all our righteousness is as filthy rags”). But GOD who is rich in grace and mercy made HIM who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of GOD in HIM. This is all to the praise of the glory of GOD’s grace, by which HE made us accepted in the Beloved (Study Ephesians 1:6) and we are complete in HIM, who is the head of all principality and power (Study Colossians 2:10).

However, beloved, we are to keep maturing in the righteousness of GOD (Walking as HE walked—Study Matthew 11:29;1 John 2:6; John 13:15; John 15:4; John 15:10; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 3:24 & 1 John 4:17)—following in HIS footsteps (following the leading of THE HOLY SPIRIT as we are being led by THE SPIRIT) till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of GOD, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of CHRIST; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into HIM who is the head—CHRIST— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.

There is a need for us to press on to maturity— to grow in the knowledge of HIS Will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding (Study 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Peter 1:3-11) and to present our bodies as a living sacrifice (Study Rom. 12:1-2).

Paul writes in Philippians 1:9-11, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of CHRIST, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by JESUS CHRIST, to the glory and praise of GOD.”

As believers, we continue to grow “as trees of righteousness” and bring forth much fruit in every season. Isaiah 61:3 says, “To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of THE LORD, that HE may be glorified.”

And we must understand that there is also a pruning and a purging which we must yield to in order to produce more fruit (Study John 15:2). Although we cannot add to the righteousness of GOD, we can grow and increase in the fruits of righteousness as GOD through HIS HOLY SPIRIT continues to work mightily in us (Study Phil. 1:11).

Note: The putting to death the deeds of the body is crucial in order for us to live (grow) and bring forth much fruit to the glory of GOD. Hence the pruning. For the word of GOD is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

These fiery trials we encounter in this life are necessary to purge us from false motives and selfish ambitions. The Word of THE LORD examines, refines and sanctifies us through these trials.  As a New Testament example, Peter initially was not willing to face the persecution of being identified with CHRIST (Study Luke 22). Therefore, he was sifted by Satan as the Word of THE LORD searched him out (Study Luke 22:34). As it turned out, even in his denial of CHRIST, because he was sorrowful and repentant, he was pruned and purged, and the motives of his heart more refined.

The lack of preparation through prayer in the garden caused Peter to fall in the time of trial. It was JESUS’ praying that caused Peter’s faith not to totally fail (Study Luke 22:32).

Till next time, I love you all so much. I pray that your faith will not fail but be strengthened in THE LORD and in the Power of HIS Might. My heart’s desire in prayer that we grow in our relationship with GOD—walking in truth and abiding in HIS love. Let us keep shinning and let us stay salty. I pray may THE LORD make us increase and abound in love to one another and to all, so that HE may establish our hearts blameless in holiness before our GOD and Father at the coming of our LORD JESUS CHRIST with all HIS saints.

May the grace of THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, and the love of GOD, and the communion of THE HOLY SPIRIT be with you all and may THE LORD direct your hearts into the love of GOD and into the patience of CHRIST.

Amen. Even so, come, LORD JESUS.