Rom.12:1-2: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the
mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good,
and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
cont'd from part 1:
(i)
Music
·
Women sang and there was enmity between king
Saul and David (1 Sam. 18:7); David played the harp and evil spirit left Saul
(1 Sam. 16); Paul and Silas sang praises and jail broke (Acts16:25); Jehoshaphat
ordered singing and without weapons Judah won battle over a coalition army
(2chron. 20) – this is the power of
music!
·
Are You Listening to the Right Music? The Christian youth
should train his/her senses to discern good from bad music.
·
Christian Music should speak of
God's holy character; communicate who God is and what He is like. The music
itself is not being exalted. The music is being used to lift up God.
·
Unfortunately, much of today’s
music aims at lifting up the music itself rather than God. People therefore
"love” or are “excited” about the music rather than being focused on an all-powerful
and Holy God!
·
The Worlds' music style is aimed at fulfilling the things of the
flesh and worshipping the things of the world and the flesh. The Worlds' music
style is willing to put the listener FIRST, instead of God being first in
focus.
·
You’ll observe that most of today’s' contemporary Christian
music have become popular in the secular realm because our society is running
from God and yet, society is saying "hey I like this Christian
music." Something is wrong with this statement. What's wrong is, people
hear a CLEAR biblical message about WHO God is and WHAT Great wonders He has
done, distracting from a CLEAR message. That's why unbelievers can enjoy it.
When I preach from the pulpit about Sin, God's wrath, Future Judgment, Hell and
God's love in the context... unbelievers are not happy about this. They are not
hearing what God requires of them!
·
Young people: Getting wrapped up in this world’s
music is just playing into the hands of those media moguls who want to make
millions off you. They’re counting on the fact that you’re not discerning; that you’ll just accept what they
tell you to like! Don’t let them do that. Don’t let them run your life. Train
your senses. Be aware of your musical choices.
·
Much
of the music that Satan pawns off appeals to teens, but the adults, repulsed by
it, write it off thinking that there is no way anyone could like that music.
But it conveys an attitude or an idea that a younger mind can
relate to. Sometimes even young people don’t enjoy it. They’ll force themselves
to like a certain brand of music because it is identified with their “friends,”
their peer group, their sport, or perhaps even a commercial for a favorite
product.
·
Have you observed that the filthy songs play in
your memory, just when you want to meditate on Godly things?
·
To choose music ask: What are
the lyrics, the spirit or attitude of the music, and the context
in which the music is being listened to or performed; Pertaining to the music
itself, what is the spirit and attitude of the
music? Be discerning.
Do not let the airwaves dictate what goes into your mind. Ask yourself whether
they ensure sound biblical holiness. Whatever music you are listening to, is it
helping you walk the Christian faith?
(ii)
Idolatry
·
Occultism (sakawa, cult groups, secret
societies, etc)
·
Pleasures (partying, banqueting- 1Pe:4:3)-
it won’t make you rich, no time with God.
·
Lifestyles (homos- Lev. 20:13, Rom.1:26-27, 32;
Tattoo -Lev. 19:28; effeminate - 1Co:6:9)
·
Self (new age); Religious deception of oneness
How to renew our minds
and live right to glorify God
i.
Word of God
The only way to replace the
error of the world’s way of thinking is to replace it with God’s truth. The
only infallible source of God’s truth is found in his revealed word- the Bible. There is no magical formula
for renewing our minds. We must fill our minds with God’s word. (Read 2Tim.
3:16-17, John
17:17). It is important to
understand that when a thought enters our mind, we examine it based upon God's
Word and determine if we should continue down that path or reject the thought
and replace it with another thought (Acts.17:10-11-bereans, Jesus in the
wilderness- Matthew
4; Gen. 3:1-7- Eve) .
Get a bible, have a study
plan e.g. book study, verse study, character study, topical study and apply it
to your life not correct it!
ii. The Holy Spirit
Live
in dependence upon the Holy Spirit, chiefly through seeking His strength
through prayer (Matthew 26:41). If
we rely upon our own strength, we will fail (Proverbs 28:26; Jeremiah 17:9; Matthew 26:33).
Like Peter on water, Elijah, Moses, David, Prodigal son, Goliath, Paul. The Holy Spirit is the workforce of
God; the Comforter; the guardian; the Counselor (see John 14:26; 16:7-14)
iii. True Fellowship
Heb. 10:24-25. Not churchianity." Fellowship with other Christians the way
God wanted it to be. Fellow Christians who will encourage us in the changes we
desire (best if, of the same gender), who will pray for and with us, who will
ask us in love how we are doing, and who will hold us accountable in avoiding
the old ways, are valuable friends indeed.
iv. Friendship
1corin. 15:33; 2corin. 6:14-18. Beware of
how you choose your friends. Friends who will make you live the righteous life
not notorious as the world lives. Negative peers should be avoided.
v.
Take
stock of your life
2corin.
13:5
vi. Sincere commitment
Have
you been trying to impress God with your religious activities? Have you been
putting the cares of finances, of job, of family, ahead of your relationship with
Jesus?
As believers we don’t need a decision, but a
commitment -- a commitment to depend on the power of God, a commitment to
knowing him better and better, so that you might be conformed to his likeness.
We don’t need to respond to alter calls over and over again; we don’t need
“pray- for- me” but a commitment.
Conclusion
Jesus is coming soon. We don’t know the date and time of
His coming, but the signs are happening, as in Matt. 24. You can survive the
times if you can control what goes into your mind. If you take in what is
right, it is likely you can exhibit what is right. If you allow the world,
controlled by Satan, to be your teacher and friend, you are doomed. Don’t
conform to the standards of the world, which is enmity to Christ.
Are you a Christian, then live right to please God. Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment