Keys to a Holy Life #
Romans 12:9
Introduction
In verses 9-21, we are going to look at Holy living! There are some very, very practical things given in the Word of God, that He expects us to adhere to. They are not written simply so we can read them and be aware of them. They are written, that we may PRACTICE them in our life.
Keys to a HOLY Life – These set the tone for the rest of this chapter. Verse 9 is a foundational truth for the rest of the verses that are given.
I. Honest Love – Sincerity #
A. Object of Love #
Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
1. Love for God #
2. Love for His Word – If you love God, you will love His Word! #
3. Love for the Church – Jesus loves the church, and calls it His bride! #
4. Love for the Brethren – we are commanded to love the brethren! - Even in our text. #
B. Objective of Love “without dissimulation” #
dissimulation – the act of dissembling; a hiding under a false appearance; concealment by feigning; false pretension; hypocrisy.
Matt. 26:49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.
1. Honest love, is not just Words, but action! #
II. Hate Evil – “Abhor that which is evil” #
Abhor – to regard with horror or detestation, to feel excessive repugnance toward
A. Abhor #
1. Hate! - very strong, abhor, detest! #
2. Skunks stink - #
B. Evil #
1. Outward #
- Drunkenness, drugs, perversity, murder, witchcraft
2. Inward #
- unthankful, disobedience, impure thoughts, lack of faith…
3. Romans 1 gives us the progression! #
Rom. 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Rom. 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
- Sin stinks, like a skunk, learn to hate it in your life.
III. Hold good! “Cleave to that which is good” #
Psa. 119:165 ¶ Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.
1John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
A. Cleave – Grab hold of, and don’t let go! #
- I hate rollercoasters. The few times I have rode on them, I grab hold of the bar in front of me, and I cleave that bar! - You are not getting my hands off that bar!
B. Cleave to good! #
1. Cleave to God! #
Acts 11:22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
2. Cleave to righteousness! #
Dan. 1:8 ¶ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.