Message from Scripture: 5/20/2020

Good afternoon! Today’s message from Scripture comes from 1 Thess. 5:21-22; “Test all things. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.”

The word “kind” here is elsewhere translated as “form.” While it can be used to speak of a visible form, or outward show, here it seems to carry the idea of the “manner, kind, or species” of something. There are certain things we are to “abstain from,” to hold oneself back from, to be distant or absent from. We need to hold ourselves back from evil in whatever form it may appear. So, no matter the kind of lie one may tell, or the kind of anger one may feel or express, or the kind of immorality one might practice, or any other kind of unrighteousness, it should be all be avoided.

We understand this principle, to stay away from every kind of sinful thought or practice, but just how is it done? Sin appeals to one’s desires, which being aroused, can be hard to deny. Paul says to avoid sin, we must test all things and determine which category they fall in. We must ask the question, is it good, and therefore approved, or is it evil, and should be avoided?

Rather than just being carried along by the forces of life, we must test all things by God’s righteous standard, His word, the Bible, to determine right from wrong, what is good from what is sinful. If we can discern between good and evil, we must then hold fast to what is good, to seize and possess it as integral to our lives, traits we cultivate and show active in our lifestyle. In contrast, we must deny sin any active role in our minds, our hearts, our lifestyle.

The Psalmist said, “Your word I have stored up in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (119:11). How critical it is for us to spend time daily in Scripture that God might have His positive influence in our lives! Have you stored up God’s word today? Do so and you will have a great day. God bless.

Robert