“And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous
Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who
eagerly look forward to his appearing.” 2TIM.4:8 NLT.
The third characteristic of those that are looking forward to His appearing is that they
live a life of purity. “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what
we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as
He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” 1John 3:2-3.
Jesus is coming to rapture a church without spots and blemish. “Husbands, love your wives, just
as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her
with the washing of water by the word, 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.”
Ephesians 5:25-27. This requires that those that look forward to His appearing and who
understands that the rapture will happen suddenly and unannounced should keep themselves
pure in thoughts, words and deed.
“Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the
flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” 2Cor.7:1. The fear of God is key to
walking in purity. The fear of God is measured by your obedience to God’s word. “And He said,
“Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since
you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” Gen.22:12. Holiness is an instruction
from the Lord and not optional. “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.” 1Peter 1:15-16.
Holiness is necessary for fellowship with the Holy God. “Can two walk together, unless they are
agreed?” Amos 3:3. Without such fellowship we miss out on the blessings that come from such
fellowship.
Holiness is protective because sin exposes us to the attack of the enemy who is always looking
for an opportunity to strike against us. Sin gives him such opportunity. “He that diggeth a pit
shall fall into it; and whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.” Eccl.10:8. “Be sober, be
vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may
devour.” 1Peter 5:8.
To stay pure, you need to feed your spirit with spiritual food which is the word of God (1Peter
2:2) and guard your heart with all diligence (Prov.4:23, Mk.7:20-23). You must screen what you
look at with your eyes, hear with your ears and allow in your thought life if you are to walk in
purity (Phil.4:8).
THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK
God is famous for doing what people said cannot be done —2Kings7
Expect the unexpected. Do not put God in a box.