HEAVEN STANDARD AND PRINCIPLES FOR TRUE CHRISTIANITY (SECTION 5)

TITLE: GOD'S PERFECT WILL (SECTION 5)

1. Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise: Ephesians 5:15, Proverbs 22:29, Proverbs 27:23-27, 1Samuel 27:1-12

2. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do: Ephesians 5:17

3. Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts: Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19, Matthew 26:30

4. Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father: Matthew 5:16, Luke 11:35, Isaiah 60:1

5. Pay all your debts, except the debt of love for others. You can never finish paying that! If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill all the requirements of God's law: Romans 13:8

6. We should be decent and true in everything we do, so that everyone can approve of our behavior. Don't participate in wild parties and getting drunk, or in adultery and immoral living, or in fighting and jealousy. But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires: Romans 13:13-14, Ephesians 5:8

7. Don't live in darkness. Get rid of your evil deeds. Shed them like dirty clothes. Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light: Romans 13:12, Ephesians 6:11&13-18

8. Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds: Colossians 3:9, Psalms 101:7, Proverbs 13:5, Proverbs 14:5, Provers 17:4, Proverbs 26:28

9. Deacons must be people who are respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers and must not be greedy for money. They must be committed to the revealed truths of the Christian faith and must live with a clear conscience. Before they are appointed as deacons, they should be given other responsibilities in the church as a test of their character and ability. If they do well, then they may serve as deacons. In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not speak evil of others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.

A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus: 1Timothy 3:8-13

10. Don't harden your hearts against Him as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested God's patience in the wilderness: Hebrews 3:7-11, Ephesians 4:30, Proverbs 28:14, Proverbs 29:1

11. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, forsake hypocrisy: James 4:8, Hebrews 10:22

12. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you: James 4:7, 1Peter 5:9

13. Honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work. And remember to live peaceably with each other: 1Thessalonians 5:12-13, James 5:10, Matthew 10:41, Proverbs 28:14

14. Warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone: 1Thessalonians 5:14

15. Just say a simple, 'Yes, I will,' or 'No, I won't.' Your word is enough. To strengthen your promise with a vow shows that something is wrong: Matthew 5:37, James 5:12

16. All of you should be of one mind, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds: 1Peter 3:8, 1Corinthians 1:10, 1Corinthians 7:10-15, 2Corinthians 13:11

17. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you: 1Peter 5:7

18. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life: John 6:27, Psalms 23

19. Never be lazy in your work: Romans 12:11, Hebrews 4:11, 2Timothy 2:15, 2Peter 3:14, Proverbs 10:4, Proverbs 12:24, Proverbs 12:27, Proverbs 13:4, Proverbs 19:24, Proverbs 20:4, Proverbs 20:13, Proverbs 22:13, Proverbs 26:13-16, Proverbs 27:23-27

20. Serve the Lord enthusiastically: Romans 12:11, Matthew 6:19-21, Colossians 3:23-25, Hebrews 12:28, Romans 12:2, Exodus 23:25

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