Category Archives: Behavior

Two women walking arm in arm across a crosswalk carrying grocery bags in an urban setting.
Behavior, Bible, Lifestyles, Reputation, Romans, Scripture, Testimony, Witness

BEHAVE YOURSELF

ROMANS 13:13

“Let’s behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy.”

There seems to be a large discrepancy among Christians today in the way they think we should live our lives. If you hold to a high moral code, you are labeled a fundamentalist or legalist. Sadly, the church has allowed way too much liberality inside. Any lifestyle is acceptable as long as you are a Christian and love Jesus. I am sorry, but that is just not true to God’s Word. We are going to see such a verse today.

Paul tells us bluntly to behave ourselves. What he really says is “Let’s behave properly.” I need to break this down a little. “Let’s behave” is the Greek word that means to walk all around. It implies a conduct of life. But it’s the word translated as “properly” that I want to concentrate on. That’s the Greek word eusxēmónōs. It is only used three times in the New Testament (we’ll take a look at the other two shortly).

APPLICATION

The Topical Lexicon says eusxēmónōs “denotes a manner of life and ministry that is fitting, orderly, and becoming to those who belong to Christ. It calls believers to conduct that is externally attractive because it accurately represents the inner transformation produced by the gospel.” Man, that is a powerful statement and one that should be spoken loudly and often in our world today. Our outward conduct should reflect our inner transformation.

In 1 Corinthians 14:40 Paul uses eusxēmónōs when he writes, “But all things must be done properly and in an orderly way.” In this passage he is referring to the issue of speaking in tongues which was being abused in the churches. People claiming to have this gift were disrupting the body of Christ. God is not a God of chaos. He has put everything in order.

Again in 1 Thessalonians 4:12 we see the word used by Paul. He writes, “so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.” You see, our conduct is to be proper no matter who is observing it. You cannot live one way around nonbelievers and another way at church. God sees right through that.

Let me urge you to “behave properly” today. Make sure your lifestyle matches God’s Word. Live your life so that you will draw others to the throne of grace. Never let your conduct confuse people about how to live as a follower of Christ. Point the way. Behave yourself!

Thank You, Lord. I needed that reminder to live like Jesus each and every day.

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Anger, Behavior, Bible, Scripture, Speech, Wrath

THROW OUT THE TRASH

COLOSSIANS 3:8

“But now you also, rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth.”

When I come in from working outside, my wife makes me take my clothes off in the garage and then directly to the washing machine. She can’t stand the smell of my sweat and dirt. I have to lay those things aside to distance myself from them in order to cleanse myself.

That’s the picture Paul is painting in today’s verse. Strong’s Lexicon explains this so well. “The Greek verb apotithémi is used in the New Testament to convey the action of putting off or laying aside something, often in a metaphorical sense. It implies a deliberate action of removing or discarding something that is no longer needed or is considered inappropriate. This term is frequently used in the context of moral and spiritual transformation, where believers are encouraged to “put off” sinful behaviors and attitudes.”

APPLICATION

This verb is only used 9 times in the New Testament. In James 1:21 it says, “Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” To truly receive the Word, you have to get rid of all the stuff in your life that seeks to draw you away.

In Hebrews 12:1 the Holy Spirit tells us, “Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us.” You can’t run and drag this stuff with you. You have to throw it away.

What do you need to rid yourself of today? It may not be “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech,” but it still needs to go. You need to be unhindered, ready to run. Lay all that stuff aside and pursue the race He has for you.

Oh Lord, give me the strength to lay these things aside and never pick them up again.

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