Theme: AWAKE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS AND SIN NOT
Text: “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” – 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Comment: The reward of everlasting life is too high a price for anyone to forgo for the mundane pleasures of sin. When we consider the blessedness of God’s righteousness, we would realize that it is even easier and more exciting to follow God’s commandments than to return to the works or darkness. St. John says that God’s laws are not grievous – 1 John 5:3.
Because of its satisfying and sanctifying effect, the word of God is likened to water. It is true, no one can attain perfection in a world of sin, but this by no means rules out the fact that one can aspire for it with God’s help. Abel, Noah, Abraham, Deborah, Phebe, Ruth, etc were able to make their names into an enviable hall of fame in the midst of a world of evil like ours. “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; …And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) (2 Peter 2:5-8) These clouds of witnesses in the sacred volume (Scriptures) should challenge us to steadfastness in God’s service. Let us therefore delight ourselves in the midst of an untoward generation by the grace and power of God. – Acts 2:40.