Category Archives: Holy

Layered gelatin dessert with strawberries, lime slices, whipped cream, cherry, and mint on a plate
Bible, Conformity, Holiness, Holy, Holy Spirit, Romans, Scripture

DO NOT BE CONFORMED

ROMANS 12:2

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

When I was growing up, my mama used to make Jello with fruit or nuts and cheese in it (I know that sounds gross, but as a kid I loved that). She had this plastic bowl that had a replaceable bottom section that contained different shapes and designs. She would mix up the Jello concoction and pour it in that bowl to set. After it had jelled, she would dump it out on a plate upside down so that bottom shape would show. I thought that was the neatest thing.

Why am I talking about Jello molds? Because our word today we are going to look at in Romans 12:2 can be illustrated by my story. Paul says, “do not be conformed.” The Greek word is suschématizó. That’s a long word, I know. Let’s break it down. It comes from sun (joined close together, inseparable) and schema (exterior shape or form). Put those two together and you get a word that means to “conform to the same pattern.” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance).

APPLICATION

Paul is warning us to not take on the shape of the world around us. We are to not allow the world to shape our thoughts and actions, like that Jello mold did to the Jello that was poured into it. Suschématizó is only used one other time in 1 Peter 1:14. “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,” Peter goes on to tell us what, or should I say Who, should shape us. “15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written: ‘YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.’” In other word, let holiness shape you!

Let me ask you a question. What is shaping your actions and behavior? What is influencing your decisions and lifestyle? There are so many worldly pressures on us today. We feel the pressure to live like the world. We are told to pursue riches and pleasure. No! That is not our pursuit as a follower of Christ. We have to allow the Spirit to lead and guide us in our daily life. That should be the mold we pour ourselves into.

Take today and examine the things that are influencing you. Allow God’s Word to shape you into the image of Christ. Our prayer should be that all the world sees in us is Jesus. His glory should be on full display for all to see. The things of this world will not last. Only the things of God will continue. My mom’s old Jello molds are a thing of the past. Those Jello molds she made are long gone. But the Jesus mold will last forever. Pour yourself into it.

Shape me and mold me, Lord, to look more and more like Jesus.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Open Bible, wooden chalice, and cross on stone altar outdoors at sunrise
Bible, Holy, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Service, Worship

SPIRITUAL SERVICE OF WORSHIP

ROMANS 12:1

“Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

We will be celebrating Memorial Day on May 25th here in the U.S. It’s a day set aside as a federal holiday to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country. There will be wreaths laid at gravesites, memorial services held, and there will be barbecues and parties. Why did those individuals we are honoring lay down their lives for our country? Because they loved the U.S.A. and the freedom it stands for. They gave the ultimate sacrifice.

As Paul begins this section of his letter to the Romans, he leaves the doctrinal teachings and dives into the practical application. These two sections are joined by the infamous “therefore.” Because Paul had said all those things in chapters 1 through 11, he can now tell us how to use that knowledge in our walk with Christ. He begins by telling us to present our “bodies as a living and holy sacrifice.” The old dead sacrificial system was gone for a Christian. They are now a living sacrifice for Christ, holy and set apart.

APPLICATION

I want to focus on the last phrase of this verse, though. Paul writes “which is your spiritual service of worship. Let’s break that down a bit. The Greek word translated as “spiritual” is logikós – “(‘divinely reasonable’) is constantly necessary in making acceptable offerings to the Lord. These produce a ‘seamless’ life in which every decision (action) can have profound, eternal meaning, even in earthly ‘setbacks’ or suffering.”(HELPS Word-studies) That’s a mouthful, I know. The point is this word describes a divine action on our part. All our actions should be framed that way.

The phrase “service of worship” is actually just one Greek word. The Topical Lexicon defines that word, latreia, and says it, “draws a direct connection between the outward acts of worship prescribed by God and the inward posture of the heart.” Oh, that’s good. Paul is saying any action we take, even a sacrificial one should be motivated by our heart.

Back to my opening example. Some of those who lost their lives in defense of our country died from accidents or friendly fire. Others willingly chose to throw themselves in harm’s way to protect others. Their action was motivated by their heart. They loved their brothers or sisters enough to sacrifice themselves to save them. Isn’t that what Jesus did for us? We should be willing to do the same, if called upon to do so. Are you? What have you got to lose? When you leave this life, you enter heaven. Who doesn’t want that?

Father, I believe I am willing to lay down my life if called upon. Give me the courage to follow through.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Police officers handcuff and escort several individuals along a sidewalk with police vehicles nearby
Bible, Forgiveness, Holy, Jesus, Redemption, Romans, Scripture, Spared

WILL NOT SPARE YOU

ROMANS 11:21

“for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either.”

Have you ever been spared a punishment for something you deserved? We probably all have at some point in our lives. But there are also occasions when we are not spared and have to suffer what comes. If you are hanging out with the wrong crowd and do something that is unlawful, you can expect to not be spared by law enforcement. My wife and I see that all the time on our favorite Police reality show. All the talking in the world won’t get you off. You are now facing the consequences.

Paul warns the Gentiles in today’s verse that they can expect to be treated the same way God treats the unbelieving Jews if they turn from Him. He is not going to spare them either. God is just and holy and cannot simply ignore rebellion. Paul has been telling us that the Jews who rejected Jesus would be dealt with by God. But now he tells the Gentiles the same. The old saying “What is good for the goose is good for the gander” definitely applies here.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes explains this verse well. “If God did not refrain from rejecting the Jews who became unbelievers, assuredly he will not refrain from rejecting you in the same circumstances. It may be supposed that he will be quite as ready to reject the ingrafted branches, as to cast off those which belonged to the parent stock. The situation of the Gentiles is not such as to give them any security over the condition of the rejected Jew.”

In 2 Peter 2:4-5 we see this word for “spare” used twice in a most definitive way. “4 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, held for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;” Whoa! And you think you should be spared for disobedience? I think not.

We saw the same word used earlier in Romans 8:32 when Paul wrote that God “did not spare His Own Son.” Sin determines God’s response. Because Jesus Who was sinless became as sin for us by taking on all our sins, God could not spare His life. He gave His life as a ransom for us. We were spared judgment because God did not spare Him. Double Whoa! Aren’t you grateful? I sure am. Therefore, live your lives as being worthy of that.

Father God, thank You for sparing me from Your judgment through the blood of Jesus.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Confession, Dwelling, Holiness, Holy, Indwelling, Scripture, Sin

DO YOU HEAR AN ECHO?

ROMANS 7:20

“But if I do the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me.”

Have you ever gone to a cave or a cavern and yelled in it to hear your echo? Pretty cool, isn’t it? Your voice bounces off the walls of the cave or cavern and comes back to you. Depending on the depth of that cave or cavern, it may take a few seconds for the echoed sound to reach you. I can still remember doing that as a child.

Are we hearing an echo in today’s verse? Didn’t Paul just say this back in verse 17 which reads, “But now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin that dwells in me.” Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible says this about verse 20. “The same conclusion is formed here, as in Romans 7:17, not with any view to excuse himself from blame in sinning, but to trace the lusts of his heart, and the sins of his life, to the source and fountain of them, the corruption of his nature; and to ascribe them to the proper cause of them, which was not the law of God, nor the new man, but sin that dwelt in him.”

APPLICATION

I could just point you back to my devotional blog on verse 17, but I won’t do that. This subject bears more explanation. Let’s look at what Paul is saying here. First of all, he says, “But if I do the very thing I do not want…” Don’t skip past the little word “if.” This little Greek word is ei and means an assumption which is viewed as factual. It should not be translated as “since” because it is an assumption. Paul did not say “since I do” but “if I do.” Doing the undesirable thing is not automatically assumed.

Then look at “no longer.” The Topical Lexicon says this refers to the “Transformation of identity (Romans 7:17, 7:20). Sin is ‘no longer’ the true self; regeneration creates a new person.” The Greek word is ouketi. This word is used in Matthew 19:6 when Jesus was talking about marriage of a man and a woman. “‘So they are no longer two, but one flesh.’” Something changed in the relationship from two individuals to one couple. Our identity changed at salvation. We are “no longer” the same.

And then we have that all too familiar conjunction “but.” The Greek word alla often changes the conversation from a human perception to God’s perspective. It’s the same conjunction used when Jesus said in the wilderness to Satan, “‘It is written: “MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT COMES OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.”’” Paul knew that although his life had been transformed, he was still prone to sin because of the sin nature within him. Sin wasn’t a guarantee, but it was probable.

Conclusion: Don’t beat yourself up over sin that you commit. I am not giving you a license to sin by saying that. I mean we are all still living in our fleshly bodies and are susceptible to sin. Sin should never be premeditated by followers of Christ, but when you do sin, be quick to confess that and seek to return to holy living. Amen? Amen!

O Lord, I am so tired of this sinful flesh. Help me shun the things to the evil one and cling to Your sweet Spirit.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Good, Holy, Holy Spirit, Righteous, Scripture

HOLY, RIGHTEOUS AND GOOD

ROMANS 7:12

“So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.”

Few things in this world could be called holy, righteous and good. The Bible is all these things. It is the holy word of God Who is Himself holy. It is righteous as is God, and it is good as is God. But you will never see this unless you spend time in it. Only by immersing yourself in it will you discover all that it entails.

Paul, being a Jew, did not want to give the impression that the Law was bad. Just the opposite. The Law served God’s purpose of pointing men to the need for a Savior. Paul has been telling us in the past few verses that it pointed out their sins which should lead them to repentance. Initially, that was accomplished through the sacrificial system. But now, once those sins are revealed, they should run to the Savior, Jesus.

APPLICATION

It is holy. The Greek word is hagios, which means set apart or different than the world. There has never been another book like God’s Word. It is the best-selling book of all time, far surpassing any other. The words it holds, straight from the mouth of God to the writers through His Holy Spirit, are life-altering. They have the answer to any question you could ever have.

It is righteous. That word is dikaios, which means that which conforms to God’s own being. The words are just. They are right. What it says about sin is right. What is says about holy living is right. What is says about marriage between one man and one woman is right and just. Because it is righteous and just it can judge your heart and your motives.

And finally, it is good. That’s the Greek word agathos and “describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith.” (HELPS Word-studies) God is good, therefore His words are too. They are beneficial for us because they originate from God Himself.

Which book of the Bible is your favorite? How about memorizing some passages from it? Which is your least favorite? Mine used to be Leviticus. All those rules and descriptions bored me until…I realized practically every word of the book is God talking. If God is talking, it must be important. Right? That made me see it differently. Spend some time today in His Word. It is holy, righteous and good.

Father God, I praise You for giving us Your holy, righteous and good Word.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Blameless, Holy, Reconciled, Scripture

HOLY AND BLAMELESS

COLOSSIANS 1:22

“yet He has now reconciled you in His body of flesh through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—” 

The last two words I would use to describe myself is “holy” and “blameless.” I know we are commanded to be holy as He is holy (Lev. 11:44; 19:2; 20:7; 1 Pet. 1:15-16), but that is hard, isn’t it? And blameless? Are you kidding me? I have done so many things against the Lord I can hardly be called blameless. Yet, here we have today’s verse.

Take a good look at the verse. Notice that it does not say you or I have done anything to make ourselves holy or blameless. No amount of effort on our part will do that. It is because “He has now reconciled you” that you are called holy and blameless. That word “reconciled” is the same word we looked at two days ago in Colossians 1:20. Only God can declare us holy and blameless. The second we declare ourselves with those terms, we have ceased to be that very thing.

APPLICATION

You need to understand what these two words mean. “Holy” is the Greek word hagios which means to be set apart for a purpose. God sets you apart for His work. It’s used 235 times in the New Testament, so you need to do your own word study on hagios. That would be a great study. You could take one day for each time you find that word and dig out that verse. I give you that challenge.

And “blameless” is the Greek word amomos which means without blemish or faultless. Which one of you could describe yourself that way? Not me! But God declares me to be just that. Remember, His Son shed His blood to make us this way. His blood covers us and purifies us. We see this in 1 Peter 1:18-19. “18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”

So, if God declares us holy and blameless, shouldn’t we do our best to live that way? We can if we choose to. We can live holy lives. We can live blameless lives. I am not saying we can be sinless, but we can stay covered by His blood. We can choose to live to honor Him and only allow those “accidental” sins to happen. We do not choose to sin. If we do that, we can honor His description of us.

O Lord, I praise You for making me holy and blameless. Strengthen me today to live like that.

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Bible, Blameless, Bride, Church, Holy, Scripture

HIS BRIDE

EPHESIANS 5:27

“that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.”

I’ll never forget the scene of my lovely bride walking down the aisle of the church on December 7, 1985. What a sight for a young man to behold. As the music played and the people stood, all eyes were on her as she slowly walked the aisle with her dad. That was almost 39 years ago. Wow! But she still has my eye. She still is my beautiful bride and the one I am pledged to.

In this verse, Paul jumps headlong into a description of Christ’s bride, the church. He has been comparing our earthly marriages to this for the past few verses, but now all attention is on this holy union. The original Greek emphasizes this presentation a little more. It literally says, “that He Himself might present to Himself.” It is Christ Who will cleanse the church in preparation for her presentation.

APPLICATION

In Revelation 19:7-9, we read, “7 ‘Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.’ 8 It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. 9 Then he said to me, ‘Write, “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”’ And he said to me, ‘These are true words of God.’” One day, His bride (the church) will be united with her bridegroom (Jesus). All eyes in heaven will be on her at this marriage supper in heaven.

Right now, we can’t say the church is without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. We are a flawed church full of flawed people. The Father knows that, so He is perfecting us so that we will be presentable to His Son. That perfecting can be painful at times as He drives the sin and corruption out. We are being purified for that holy day in heaven.

Let me ask you this – are you ready, as part of the church, to be presented to the bridegroom? Have you purified yourself? Are you free of spot or wrinkle? Work on your marriage gown. Make yourself presentable for the Holy One in heaven. We will never reach perfection here on earth, but we should strive to make ourselves ready for the marriage feast. I’m getting dressed. How about you?

Father, I cannot wait to behold that wonderful, glorious day that is described in Your Word.

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Bible, Greed, Holiness, Holy, Immorality, Impurity, Scripture

DON’T MENTION IT

EPHESIANS 5:3

“But sexual immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints;”

There are some things you just don’t want to talk about. For instance, I don’t want to talk about a gruesome, elaborate surgery. Just the thought makes me squeamish. I don’t want to hear about possible side effects of medications. If I hear them, I am bound to get them. And some sports fans don’t want to hear their biggest rival’s name mentioned.

Paul is dealing with something much more serious – spiritually serious. He warns the Ephesians (and us) to not even mention sexual immorality, impurity or greed. Why? Because these are not “proper among saints.” Paul knew if you talked about such things your mind would be focused on them. If I say, don’t think about ice cream, what did you just think about? Ice cream! What’s on our tongues originates in our minds.

APPLICATION

I don’t think I have to go into a deep discussion here about these three things Paul mentions. These new believers were well acquainted with these sinful behaviors, having come out of the pagan worship scene of Ephesus. Sexual immorality and impurity were part of the normal behaviors for many in Ephesus. Greed was commonplace. So, Paul tells them to get those thoughts out of their minds.

He uses a strong negative here in the verse which really means “don’t even mention.” Let it be the furthest thing on their minds. They have a new life now in Christ. Paul tells them so in the last phrase. They are holy people now, bathed in the blood of Christ. The word translated as “proper” can mean “fitting or suitable.” This is usually referring to godly behavior. They have been changed and should live like it.

When we come to Christ and surrender our lives to Him, we have chosen a new life. We cannot continue to frequent the same bars we once frequented. We cannot continue to live in a fleshly relationship with someone outside of marriage. We cannot… You get the message. Our inward change is reflected in an outward change. I am not saying we become perfect but are commanded to live lives that reflect God’s holiness that is within us. Let His light shine through you.

Lord, I know I will never achieve perfection this side of glory, but I want to strive for that every day.

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Abiding, Bible, Forgiveness, Holy, Imitation, Righteousness, Scripture

IMITATE

EPHESIANS 5:1

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children;” 

Isn’t it cute when you see a small child imitating their parent? When we lived in South Carolina, my son when he was three or four years old would follow behind me as I mowed the lawn with his little bubble mower. Do you remember those? They would blow out tiny little bubbles as you pushed it. He loved that thing and would pretend to be cutting the grass with me. (Don’t worry, we had him following a safe distance.) And now, guess what he does for a living. Yep, he has his own lawncare and landscaping business.

Paul begins chapter five (there really weren’t any chapters in the original) with a continuation of the idea he was writing in the previous verses. The word “therefore” ties these two chapters together. Then he says, “be imitators of God.” Okay, Paul, let’s keep that bar high. Imitate God? It’s not possible, right? God does not expect us to be just like Him, only to strive to be like Him. We will not reach perfection until we receive our glorified bodies in heaven. Until then we imitate Him.

APPLICATION

The word used by Paul here for “imitators” is mimētḗs. It is used five other times in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2:14 and Hebrews 6:12) and each time in a positive manner. It means to act like or mimic someone. In fact, we get our English word “mimic” from the root of the word. It refers to emulating someone worthy of it. And certainly, God is worthy. Amen? So, mimic Him. But what does that mean?

In Gill’s Exposition we read, “Be ye therefore followers of God,…. Not in his works of infinite wisdom and almighty power, which is impossible; but in acts of righteousness and holiness, and particularly in acts of mercy, goodness, and beneficence; as in forgiving injuries and offences, and in freely distributing to the necessities of the saints; as the connection of the words with the preceding chapter, and the instance and example in the following verse show: and this should be done by the saints,.”

Can you be righteous and holy? Yes! Can you show mercy and goodness and be benevolent? Yes! Can you forgive someone? Yes! Can you provide for the needy? Yes! So, we can all mimic or imitate God, if we want to. Do you want to?

Father, help me follow Your example each and every day.

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Bible, Blood, Chosen, God's Will, Holiness, Holy, Offering, Scripture

HOLY TO THE LORD

ZECHARIAH 14:20

“On that day there will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, ‘HOLY TO THE LORD.’ And the cooking pots in the LORD’S house will be like the bowls before the altar.”

It seems everyone is trying “normalize” everything. Things we thought were abnormal a generation ago are now mainstream. Same sex marriage has been made equal with normal heterosexual marriage. Pregnancy before marriage is now accepted. Nobody bats an eye. We have “dumbed” down society to a level that is hardly recognizable.

That is not what is happening in today’s verse. In verse 20 of Zechariah 14, Zechariah is bringing these everyday items up to a level of holiness. Holiness isn’t brought down to their level. They are lifted up. That is exactly what the Lord does for us, isn’t it? He lifts us up out of the mirey clay, cleanses us and places us in the heavenlies.

APPLICATION

We need to do the same. We need to reach down and pull up the things that are unholy, change them through Jesus and declare them holy. 2 Timothy 2:21 says, “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” Whew! Wow! “Useful to the Master.”

Let me ask you something. Are you useful for the master? Just like the bells on the horses and the cooking pots will be made holy, you may also be made holy through the blood of the Lamb. He wants to use you for His special tasks. He has plans for you. And He needs you to be a holy vessel, worthy of Him.

The great thing about us being holy is it is not up to us. We don’t have to do a bunch of works to earn it. We don’t have to keep 613 laws, drawn up by fallible men. We only have to rely on His holiness. We simply submit and let His holiness pour over us. Are you ready for some holiness on you?

Father, You are holy so I want to be holy. Use me as Your vessel.

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