Comfort of the Scriptures
“Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thess. 5:22).
If the believer is to please and honor his Lord, there are not only certain things which he must pursue and follow by the grace of God, but there are also certain things which he must refuse and deny. We are called to “ever follow that which is good,” and to “follow after the things that make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” We need to “seek peace, and pursue it.” But the grace of God is also constantly “teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” And rather than be ensnared by “the love of money,” we instead ought to “flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” We who know the Lord are responsible to refuse and deny sin in our lives and associations. “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.” For needed power to do this, “put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.” “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.”
If we would live for Christ’s glory,
And walk with Him in the way,
We must deny all sin’s wooings,
Taking grace from Him each day.