Be Holy

Work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 1

You must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.” 2 You are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. 3

So if your eye – even your good eye – causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your hand – even your stronger hand – causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 4

God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honour – not in lustful passion like the pagans who do not know God and his ways. 5

If through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. 6

You know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete. 7 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. 8

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful. 9

 

1 Heb 12.14 2 1Pt 1.15-16 3 Mt 5.48 4 5.29-30 5 1Th 4.3-5 6 Rom 8.13 7 Jam 1.3-4 8 Phil 2.13 9 1Th 5.23-24