Thread by @AdeBanqie

RCCG Open Heavens Daily Devotional by Pastor E A Adeboye

Topic - FLEE ALL APPEARANCES OF EVIL

Memory Verse - Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Romans 12:9

Bible text - I Corinthians 6:12-20

In 1 Thessalonians 5:22, the Holy Spirit is very clear in warning all those who profess to belong to the family of God to stay away from everything that appears to be evil.

This instruction is not ambiguous, neither is it complicated nor difficult to understand. However, we need to understand what constitutes the appearance of evil, and what the Christian standard for evaluating godliness is.

A genuine Christian should not have any problem accepting the only standard for living that the Almighty God Himself has set before us, which is the Holy Bible.

In several of its passages, this Book of books clearly states those things that constitute the appearance of evil. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 gives this account of the origin and purpose of the Bible saying:

“ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Unfortunately, some misguided Christians believe that the Bible is no longer suitable for making moral judgments in this modern age.

Those with such views cannot stand the test of time, and their faith will surely suffer shipwreck.

Once the authority of the Bible is established as the infallible, inerrant, inspired word of God that contains everything necessary to direct the life of a child of God unto perfection, the rest is easy.

Those who accept the authority of the Bible will recognize it as the standard to prove all things evaluate godliness and determine the morality of any action.

In addition to obeying the explicit commandments of God, the Holy Spirit also admonishes us to avoid anything that looks like evil and to keep away from questionable activities.

To this effect, Philippians 4:8 says:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

In your daily walk with God, this verse should serve as a benchmark for you to determine what constitutes the appearance of evil. We are to set our minds on things that are honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report.

If you are wise, you will recognize that the Holy spirit knows better than you do, and so when He says flee, you will flee instead of trying to cope with any appearance of evil!

ACTION POINT: Make up your mind to accept the standard of the Bible as your ultimate guide in life.

God bless you as you do so. Amen.