1] Belonging to, derived from, or associated with a divine power; sacred.
2] Regarded with or worthy of worship or veneration; revered.
3] Living according to a strict or highly moral religious or spiritual system; saintly.
4] Specified or set apart for a religious purpose.
5] Solemnly undertaken; sacrosanct.
6] Regarded as deserving special respect or reverence.

Now from some Bible Dictionaries:

HOLY
Moral and ethical wholeness or perfection; freedom from moral evil. Holiness is one of the essential elements of God's nature required of His people. Holiness may also be rendered "sanctification" or "godliness." The word holy denotes that which is "sanctified" or "set apart" for divine service.
(from Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

HOLINESS
"Separation," or "setting apart," holy, from Saxon, "halig," "whole," "sound"). Holiness is a general term used to indicate sanctity or separation from all that is sinful, impure, or morally imperfect; i.e., it is moral wholeness.
(From The New Unger's Bible Dictionary)

HOLINESS
Holiness of Place, Time and Object: From the holiness of God is derived that ceremonial holiness of things which is characteristic of the Old Testament religion. Whatever is connected with the worship of the holy Yahweh [God] is itself holy. Nothing is holy in itself, but anything becomes holy by its consecration to Him. A place where He manifests His presence is holy ground (Ex 3:5). The tabernacle or temple in which His glory is revealed is a holy building (Ex 28:29; 2 Chron 35:5); and all its sacrifices (Ex 29:33), ceremonial materials (30:25; 5:17) and utensils (1 Kings 8:4) are also holy. The Sabbath is holy because it is the Sabbath of the Lord (Ex 20:8-11). "Holiness, in short, expresses a relation, which consists negatively in separation from common use, and positively in dedication to the service of Yahweh [God]."
(from International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia)

I immediately see five components from all these definitions:

1) Holiness is associated DIRECTLY with God, Almighty.

a) associated with a divine power
b) is one of the essential elements of God's nature
c) conclusion of all definitions:  God is Holy

2) Anything connected to God is also holy:

a) specified or set apart for a religious purpose.
b) whatever is connected with the worship of the holy God is itself holy
c) nothing is holy in itself, but anything becomes holy by its consecration to Him.

3) The firstfruits spiritual obligation to holiness:

a) regarded with or worthy of worship
b) living according to a strict or highly moral religious or spiritual system
c) specified or set apart for a religious purpose
d) solemnly undertaken
e) Holiness is one of the essential elements of God's nature required of His people

4) Separation of anything holy from anything impure or sinful:

a) freedom from moral evil
b) Holiness is a general term used to indicate sanctity or separation from all that is sinful, impure, or morally imperfect
c) Holiness, in short, expresses a relation, which consists negatively in separation from common use, and positively in dedication to the service of God.

5) The Sabbath IS Holy [God is commanding that we keep it that way]:

a) The Sabbath is holy because it is the Sabbath of the Lord (Ex 20:8-11).

Key Verses
Ex 31:14-15
Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.  Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

Note:  God makes it clear the Sabbath is holy to us.  We cannot defileth it.  One defiles it when they engage in something impure, something from common use or which does not express relationship to the Father.

Isa 58:13
If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:

Note: Engaging in our own pleasure, speaking our own words and doing our own [common] ways is opposite to holiness and being in relationship to the Father.

1 Peter 1:16
Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Lev 19:2
Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.

Note:  We are to be holy because God is holy.

It is clear at this point that the Sabbath is:

1) holy time.
2) set aside for worship, rest and spiritual refreshing.
3) not a time for doing our own pleasure or the normal common things we do the other six days of the week.
4) we must connect ourselves to those things that God has made holy by His connection to them:  prayer, Bible Study, services, fellowship, meditation and service to the brethren.

Application
Let us apply what we have learned so far by asking ourselves a set of questions regarding a number of activities that have been witnessed over the years.  You must supply the answers based on the unction of the Holy Spirit in you and what you understand from the Word of God and this study in holiness.

Which of the follow activities do you feel appropriate to the Sabbath and connected to holiness.

1) Attending a high school basketball game?
2) Helping a friend or relative move?
3) Go to a movie theater to see a movie?
4) Watching television and especially action-adventure shows depicting good overcoming evil where evil and violence take place?
5) Harvesting the garden?
6) Mowing the lawn?
7) Working on the car, tractor or some other machine?
8) Doing the laundry?
9) Going to a company party or barbeque?
10) Going hunting or fishing?
11) Engaging in a hobby?
12) Going to a bar to watch competitive sports on TV?
13) Washing the car or RV?
14) Going to a college or technical school class?

Are any of these connected directly to God?  Do any come under the heading of worship or even rest?  Are any of these common or doing one's own pleasure?

Lesson 2: Instructions – Keep the Sabbath Holy

1) Study and become a spiritual expert in the subject of holiness.
2) Ask God to guide you in the understanding and invoking of this Godly principle.
3) Meditate on the holiness of God.
4) Focus the application of holiness to the Sabbath.
5) Determine if any of your current Sabbath activities are inappropriate in your estimation using spiritual logic and what you know from the Word of God.
6) Seek those things on the Sabbath which you know show connection to God and are therefore, holy.
7) Keep the Sabbath Holy.

This type of admonition from God is a common one.  He shows us what to avoid and then tells us exactly how to accomplish the task.  Both parts of the admonition are dealing with content of the heart and mind.  The way to get rid of the negative content was to displace it with positive content.  In this case, replace envy of the prosperity of the evildoers with an envy of being in complete subjection to Almighty God.  Notice the meaning brought fourth in commentaries on the first part of the admonition:

Envy Not Sinners:
Compare in Ps 37:1; 73:3; the feeling which looks half-longingly at the prosperity of evil doers.

Ps 37:1
37:1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.

Ps 73:3
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
(from Barnes Notes)

Let not thine heart envy sinners-in prosperity, so as to be tempted to imitate their example (Ps 37:1; 73:3).
(from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary)

Prov 23:17-18

Do not as they do; walk not in the way with them; use not the methods they take to enrich themselves, though they thrive by them.

(from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition)

There will be an end of the prosperity of the wicked, therefore do not envy them (Ps 73:17); there will be an end of thy afflictions, therefore be not weary of them, an end of thy services, thy work and warfare will be accomplished, perfect love will shortly cast out fear, and thy expectation of the reward not only will be not cut off, or disappointed, but it will be infinitely outdone. The consideration of the end will help to reconcile us to all the difficulties and discouragements of the way.

(from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition)

Even before God discusses our displacement of this negative type of envy, He enumerates its elements.  We are not to envy the evildoer.  We are not to walk in their ways.  We are not to envy or to emulate the methods they use to enrich themselves.  Indeed we are not to look upon evil.  He assures us by telling us that their prosperity is short-lived and vain.

Be in fear of the Lord [continually]
We displace the envy of the sinner by envying our being in fear of the Lord continually.  Notice the meaning from the commentaries:

"Envy not sinners, but envy, emulate, the fear of the Lord."
(from Barnes' Notes)

But (be thou) (or, let thine heart be: from the first clause) in the fear of the Lord all the day long-the antidote to envy of the prosperity of sinners. "All the day long;" not by impulsive fits and starts; not following piety only so long as it is attended with worldly success, nor deserting it when thou seest difficulties in the way, and when prosperity seems to attend the wicked.
(from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary)

Envy not sinners, envy much rather the fear of God, i.e., let thyself be moved with eager desire after it when its appearance is presented to thee.  This proverb itself declares the fear of God to be of all things the most worthy of being coveted.
(from Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament: New Updated Edition)

An excellent direction to maintain high thoughts of God in our minds at all times: Be thou in the fear of the Lord every day and all the daylong. We must be in the fear of the Lord as in our employment, exercising ourselves in holy adorings of God, in subjection to his precepts, submission to his providences, and a constant care to please him; we must be in it as in our element, taking a pleasure in contemplating God's glory and complying with his will. We must be devoted to his fear (Ps 119:38); and governed by it as our commanding principle in all we say and do. All the days of our life we must constantly keep up an awe of God upon our spirits, must pay deference to his authority, and have a dread of his wrath. We must be always so in his fear as never to be out of it.
(from Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible: New Modern Edition)

God is making it clear that constant and fervent focus on Him displaces all the negative elements we encounter in our lives.  Everything we do should be a glory to God.  Envying evildoers is clearly not bringing glory to God.  It is quite understandable that a firstfruit would eye such prosperity with some envy as they look upon their own lives fraught with its trials and tribulations.  However, we are just sojourners in this temporary world.  We must keep our eye on God and the Kingdom when we will know and enjoy prosperity far above anything that looks good in this world.

Lesson 5: Instructions – Envy not sinners.  Be in fear of the Lord.
 
 1) Envy not sinners.
 2) Envy not their prosperity or the methods and ways they use to obtains such prosperity.
 3) Envy having a fervent fear of God
 4) Meditate and covet His ways and methods.
 5) Understand that the prosperity of the evildoer is vain and will disappear.
 6) Understand that your reward is vastly greater than you could possibly know.
 7) Keep your eye on the Kingdom of God and not this world.

As I read from the Barnes Notes Commentary, “The general drift of the writer's counsels throughout the last six chapters, and particularly in Eccl 7:1-22, points to wisdom united with the fear of God as the ‘good for man in this life.’ It is illustrated by frequent reference to, and contrast with, that evil which consists of folly allied with wickedness.” 

The Wycliffe Bible Commentary says:

“There are certain ways of living which are "better" than others. And so he gives his advice about how to find these.”

In these scriptures Solomon is defining the world of the Christian by showing its extremes and then warning us not to go toward either.  One extreme is over righteousness or what we call self-righteousness; the kind the Pharisees showed in Jesus’ day.  The other extreme, of course, is sin or wickedness.  As at least one commentary points out, Solomon is actually speaking to the wicked as he is speaking of that extreme.  Notice first what the commentaries say to the first phrase about righteousness:

--Be not righteous over much, for this will not guarantee happiness.
--Be not righteous over much-forbidding a self-made righteousness of outward performances, in which man knows not his sinfulness, and which would wrest salvation from God, instead of receiving it as the gift of His grace.
--The Pharisees in Christ's days brought on themselves the destruction of their nation and the temple by their self-seeking righteousness and pretentious wisdom.
-- There cannot be over much of the righteousness which is by faith. But there is over much of the righteousness that consists in punctiliousness as to external ordinances, when these are substituted for "the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, faith, and the love of God" (Matt 23:23; Luke 11:42); and when they blind a man to his utter guiltiness.

The last comment shows that we cannot have too much true righteousness.  Clearly Solomon is speaking of self-righteousness.

Now regarding being overly wise:

--Show not thyself wise beyond measure: why wilt thou ruin thyself?
--Neither make thyself over wise presumptuously self-sufficient, as if acquainted with the whole of the divine counsels.
--Make not thyself over-wise. Be not opinionative, and conceited of thy own abilities. Set not up for a dictator, nor pretend to give law to, and give judgment upon, all about thee. Set not up for a critic, to find fault with every thing that is said and done, nor busy thyself in other men's matters, as if thou knewest every thing and couldst do any thing.

Again, one cannot be over-wise in real wisdom.  This phrase is speaking of another form of self-righteousness and self-sufficiency. It is talking of the attitude of being “holier than thou”, self-promotion and/or lording it over the congregation.

Regarding the phrase: “why shouldest thou destroy thyself”, the meaning is “make thyself desolate, so that thou shalt be obliged to stand alone.”  When one begins being self-righteous, self-sufficient, opinionated and conceited, friends and members naturally pull away.  The person becomes isolated and this can lead to bitterness.  Anyone falling into these traps is most assuredly in a backsliding mode.  One must repent of backsliding.

True wisdom and fear of God is what keeps us centered and far from the two extremes and all their snares, traps and pitfalls.  It is what keeps us to our duty and moving forward in the Salvation Process.  Notice the next three verses in this passage:

It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. --Eccl 7:18-20 

Lesson 6: Instructions - Be not over righteous or wise.  Be not over much wicked.
1) Seek Godly wisdom.
2) Fully understand the meaning of “fear and trembling.”
3) Develop and maintain your fear of God
4) Understand how churches work [Menu Item 10] and know that everyone in the Body of Christ is at different levels of spiritual maturity. 
5) Be knowledgeable of  both extremes [self-righteousness and wickedness] and avoid both by staying fully immersed in the Word of God.

Though spoken by God to Israel, this admonition is a primary one for our walk in righteousness within the confines of the Salvation Process.

Cast away from you all your transgressions: 

With a holy violence, dash away every transgression and incentive to it. – Adam Clark Commentary.

We are to be working a process whereby we overcome and conquer all sins in our lives.  This means dashing even the incentives to such transgression.  This speaks to our stopping the process of sin at its earliest states.  Notice now the same phrase from the JFB commentary:

Cast away from you all your transgressions-for the cause of your evil rests with yourselves; your sole way of escape is to be reconciled to God (Eph 4:22-23). 

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. -- Eph 4:22-23  (from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary)

Matthew Henry’s Commentary puts it this way: “we must abandon and forsake them with a resolution never to return to them again, give sin a bill of divorce, break all the leagues we have made with it, throw it overboard, as the mariners did Jonah (for it has raised the storm), cast it out of the soul, and crucify it as a malefactor.”

Make you a new heart and a new spirit:

Clearly this is speaking of repentance and the work of Christ in us by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Notice the meanings from the commentaries.

[Make you a new heart] Call upon God for it, and he will give it:
(from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

"Make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit:" a man cannot, indeed, create either of these by his own power; God alone can give them (Ezek 11:19). But a man both can and should come to God to receive them: in other words, he can turn to God, and let both heart and spirit be renewed by the Spirit of God. And this God is willing to do; for He has no pleasure hameet (OT:4191) bªmowt (OT:4194), in the death of the dying one.
(from Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament: New Updated Edition)

This shows, not what man can do, but what he ought to do: what God requires of us. God alone can make us a new heart (Ezek 11:19; 36:26-27). The command to do what men cannot themselves do is designed to drive them (instead of laying the blame, as the Jews did, elsewhere, rather than on themselves) to feel their own helplessness, and to seek God's Holy Spirit (Ps 51:10,12).
(from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary)

Lesson 7: Instructions – Overcome sin.  Repent
 
 1) Overcome sin.  Stop the sin process as it begins.
 2) Repent.  Be a repentant person.
 3) Invoke the power of the Holy Spirit both in stopping sin and repenting.
 4) Never blame anyone for your sins.  Accept responsibility.
 5) Seek God's Holy Spirit by asking for it.

How better to begin but with our initial doctrinal statement on repentance:

“Repentance is the act of acknowledging one's sins and resolving to fully obey God. To repent means to change one's overall attitude from wanting to go his own way to wanting to go God's way. It begins when God opens one's mind to see himself in comparison with God and His law. True repentance is the first step toward reconciliation with God, and thereby toward ultimate salvation.”

Repentance is covered in the previous study of Ezek 18:31.  However, there is something being said in Luke 3:8 and Matthew 3:8 I wish to point out.

In these chapters of Matthew and Luke, we read of John the Baptist going about calling individuals to initial repentance but there is something in the wording that speaks to our continuing repentance throughout our lifetime in the Salvation Process.  Notice this commentary:

[Bring forth therefore fruits ...] That is, the proper evidence that you are sincere. Do not bring your cunning and dissimulation to this work; do not carry your hypocrisy into your professed repentance, but evince your sincerity by forsaking sin, and thus give evidence that this coming to Jordan to be baptized is not an act of dissimulation [to disguise one’s intensions or true feelings] . No discourse could have been more appropriate or more cutting.

[Fruits] Conduct.

[Meet for repentance] Fit for repentance; appropriate to it the proper expression of repentance.

(from Barnes' Notes)

The key word in this verse is “fruits” or conduct, meaning true action.  Repentance is not to be motivated by guilt or fear.  Repentance is not about proclaiming before God good intensions or a promise of better behavior.  It is about taking definite action to overcome sin.  Overcoming sin is a process of action steps and God wants us to be working that process continually.  With each action step in the process, we take a step away from sin and get one step closer to God and His righteousness.

Lesson 8: Instructions – Bring forth fruits fit for repentance
 
 1) Frequently refer to our doctrine on Repentance.
 2) Produce a plan [a process] of action steps to overcome sin.

 3) Review the Bible Study, "Stopping Sin Using the Wisdom of Solomon."
 4) Examine yourself frequently to insure your repentance is real.
 5) Each time you sin, invoke the action steps of your overcoming sin process.
 6) Pray continually for the strength of God to overcome sin in your life.
 7) Endure to the end as a repentant person.

[But he answered and said ...] In reply to this artful temptation Christ answered by a quotation from the Old Testament. The passage is found in Deut 8:3. In that place the discourse is respecting manna. Moses says that the Lord humbled the people, and fed them with manna, an unusual kind of food, that they might learn that man did not live by bread only, but that there were other things to support life, and that everything which God had commanded was proper for this. The term "word," used in this place, means very often, in Hebrew, thing, and clearly in this place has that meaning. Neither Moses nor our Saviour had any reference to spiritual food, or to the doctrines necessary to support the faith of believers; but they simply meant that God could support life by other things than bread; that man was to live, not by that only, but by every other thing which proceeded out of his mouth; that is, which he chose to command people to eat. The substance of his answer, then, is: "It is not so imperiously necessary that I should have bread as to make a miracle proper to procure it. Life depends on the will of God. He can support it in other ways as well as by bread. He has created other things to be eaten, and man may live by everything that his Maker has commanded." (Barnes Notes)  [emphasis mine]

The meaning is that our life is dependent upon and is sustained by more than just physical food.  It is sustained by things greater than spiritual food or the doctrines of the Bible.  Every situation, every day, and every trial is determined by the will of God.  We are to go through those things conforming to the will of God.  Notice another excerpt from the same commentary:

"We are to meet the temptations of Satan, as the Saviour did, with the plain and positive declarations of Scripture. We are to inquire whether the thing is commanded, and whether, therefore, it is right to do it, and not trust to our own feelings, or even our wishes, in the matter."

Satan suggests that Jesus turn the stones to bread.  He suggested it in such a way that it almost sounded logical; a glory to God.  Jesus knew better.  He knew that it was the will of God that He endure this 40-day fast.  Jesus tells Satan that we live by more than bread alone but by every word [thing] that proceeded out of the mouth of God.  When God utters something, either by the Word of God or through the unction of the Holy Spirit, He is expressing more than words but concepts, meaning and most importantly, His will for the given situation.  See this confirmed in another commentary:

[But by every word] upon, epi (NT:1909) panti (NT:3956) reemati (NT:4487), in Greek, answers to daabaar (OT:1697) in Hebrew, which means not only a word spoken, but also thing, purpose, appointment, etc.

Therefore, we need to know more than the words or scriptures of the Bible, but the meaning, principles and Godly concepts behind them.  We also need to have a grasp of the entire Word of God, hence the need for our full immersion into it.  So it is actually more than asking, "What does God's Word say.", it is asking what is God's will in this situation before me.

In Matthew 4:4, we see, even before the beginning of His ministry, Jesus declaration that He was here to do the will of the Father.  He ends His ministry the same way...

Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. –Luke 22:42

Lesson 9: Instructions – Live by every word of God
 
 1) Be immersed into the Word of God [the mind of God].  This means that we cannot live by just one portion of scripture that relates to a given subject or situation.  We need to know the entire mind of God on the subject.  This is how we gain insight into His will.
 2) Do not trust a situation to your own feelings or wishes in the matter.
 3) Understand that most of the temptations of Satan sound logical and even bring glory to God.  Know Satan's methods.
 4) Learn the principles and concepts embedded in scripture context.
 5) Pray to know the will of God for any decision or situation before you.  Ask that God lead you to recognize His will when He imparts it through the unction of the Holy Spirit in you.

This verse actually denotes our first instruction in Righteousness.  It describes two ways available to mankind, the way of God and the way of Satan and human nature.  The narrow gate is our entrance into the Salvation Process.  The following commentaries will establish that entering the Salvation Process is harder than just going the way of the world.  The Wycliffe commentary will show how this is our first experience in Godly calling and our new relationship with Christ.

Matt 7:13-14

[the strait gate] Christ here compares the way to life to an entrance through a gate. The words "straight" and "strait" have very different meanings. The former means "not crooked;" the latter, "pent up, narrow, difficult to be entered." This is the word used here, and it means that the way to [the Kingdom] is "pent up, narrow, close," and not obviously entered. The way to death s open, broad, and thronged. The Saviour here referred probably to ancient cities. They were surrounded with walls and entered through gates. Some of those, connected with the great avenues to the city, were broad and admitted a throng; others, for more private purposes, were narrow, and few would be seen entering them. So, says Christ, is the path to [the Kingdom]. It is narrow. It is not "the great highway" that people tread. Few go there. Here and there one may be seen-traveling in solitude and singularity. The way to death, on the other hand, is broad. Multitudes are in it. It is the great highway in which people go. They fall into it easily and without effort, and go without thought. If they wish to leave that and go by a narrow gate to the city, it would require effort and thought. So, says Christ, "diligence" is needed to enter life. See Luke 13:24. None go of course. All must strive, to obtain it; and so narrow, unfrequented, and solitary is it, that few find it. This sentiment has been beautifully versified by Watts:(from Barnes' Notes)
 

Enter ye in by the narrow gate (ASV). To those who had already entered by faith into relation with Christ (as well as others who were listening; v. 28), our Lord describes the comparative unpopularity of their new position. The order of gate and way suggests the gate as the entrance to the way, symbolic of a believer's initial experience with Christ, which introduces him to the life of godliness. The first Christians were called those of "the Way" (Acts 9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22). Though the mass of mankind is upon the broad way that leads to destruction (eternal ruin), the other gate and way are so small as to need finding. Yet the same God who provided Christ, who is both gate and way (John 14:6), also causes men to find the portal (John 6:44).(from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary)

The following link is to a paper showing that Matthew 7::13-14 is not an indication of most of mankind taking the broad way to destruction.  Click here.

Lesson 11: Instructions – Enter at the strait gate
1) Understand that "strait" and "straight" have vastly different meanings.
2) Understand that with your repentance, baptism and receiving of the Holy Spirit, you entered at the strait gate into the Salvation Process...the way that leads to eternal life.
3) Know these verses show no indication that most of mankind will fail in their quest of Salvation or will take the broad way to destruction.
4) Stay in the Salvation Process.

Matthew 22:1-14 is a Kingdom parable.  Kingdom parables speak to and describe those who will gain and those who will lose the Kingdom of God [eternal life].  In these key verses [11-14], the reference to one being cast into outer darkness where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth is indisputably speaking of the lake of fire or eternal death or loss of salvation.  So what is the wedding garment?  Notice the following commentary and accompanying scripture.

Matt 22:1-11

 Wedding garment. Because absence of this garment excluded the man from the feast, we conclude that the garment represents an absolute requirement for entrance to the Kingdom. Thus it represents the robe of imputed righteousness that God graciously provides to man through faith (Isa 61:10). The custom of kings in providing suitable garments when granting interviews appears to be assumed here, since the culprit is held responsible for his lack, and persons gathered from the highways may not have had proper raiment even if they had had time to clothe themselves. --(from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary)

Isa 61:10—the verse alluded to in the commentary

I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.

Job 29:14

I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem [sign of royalty].

Ps 132:9

Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.

Isa 52:1

Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean.

Rom 3:22-24

22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

Rom 13:14

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

Rom 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Gal 3:27

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Phil 3:9

And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

It is clear from these verses that the garment is Christ or the righteousness of Christ and/or of God and is made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit in us.  If we are in the Salvation Process and following all these instructions in Righteousness, we are wearing this garment.  We have put on Christ.

Lesson 12: Instructions – Put on the garment of Righteousness
 
 1) Stay in the Salvation Process, as this is the only place of righteousness.
 2) Know that the garment of righteousness is Christ and possible only through the power of the Holy Spirit.
 3) Put on Christ.

Matt 22:34-40

[Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart] The meaning of this is, thou shalt love him with all thy faculties or powers. Thou shalt love him supremely, more than all other beings and things, and with all the ardor possible. To love him with all the heart is to fix the affections supremely on him, more strongly than on anything else, and to be willing to give up all that we hold dear at his command.

[With all thy soul] Or, with all thy "life." This means, to be willing to give up the life to him, and to devote it all to his service; to live to him, and to be willing to die at his command.

[With all thy mind] To submit the "intellect" to his will. To love his law and gospel more than we do the decisions of our own minds. To be willing to submit all our faculties to his teaching and guidance, and to devote to him all our intellectual attainments and all the results of our intellectual efforts.

[With all thy strength]. With all the faculties of soul and body. To labor and toil for his glory, and to make that the great object of all our efforts.

Now notice what another commentary says about the second half of this admonition, to love your neighbor as self.

Matt 22:39

[Thou shalt love thy neighbour] The love of our neighbour springs from the love of God as its source; is found in the love of God as its principle, pattern, and end; and the love of God is found in the love of our neighbour, as its effect, representation, and infallible mark. This love of our neighhour is a love of equity, charity, succour, and benevolence. We owe to our neighbour what we have a right to expect from him-"Do unto all men as ye would they should do unto you," is a positive command of our blessed Saviour. By this rule, therefore, we should speak, think, and write, concerning every soul of man:-put the best construction upon all the words and actions of our neighbour that they can possibly bear. By this rule we are taught to bear with, love, and forgive him; to rejoice in his felicity, mourn in his adversity, desire and delight in his prosperity, and promote it to the utmost of our power: instruct his ignorance, help him in his weakness, and risk even our life for his sake, and for the public good. In a word, we must do everything in our power, through all the possible varieties of circumstances, for our neighbours, which we would wish them to do for us, were our situations reversed.  (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

Lesson 13: Instructions – Love God.  Love your neighbor.
 
 Love God

1] Love God with all your faculties and powers.
2] Fix your affections supremely on Him.
3] Be willing to give up all you hold dear at His command.
4] Be willing to devote your life in service to Him.  Let this be your continuing attitude.
5] Be willing to die at His command.
6] Submit all your faculties to His teaching and guidance.
7] Labor and toil for His Glory.
8] Make God the object of all your efforts.

Love Neighbor

1] Understand that love of neighbor springs from the principle of loving God.

2] Understand that you owe to your neighbor what you have a right to expect from Him.
3] With your neighbor, invoke the following [I will use the pronoun "him" but clearly these instructions apply to everyone].
    a) bear with him
    b) love him
    c) forgive him
    d) rejoice in his felicity

    e) mourn in his adversity
    f) desire and delight in his prosperity
    g) seek and promote his prosperity.

...and as you have opportunity or should the opportunity arise:

    h) instruct his ignorance
    i) help him in his weakness
    j) risk your life for his sake

Review Luke 10:29-37 [Who is my neighbor?]; Romans 15:2 and Gal. 6:10

Lesson 14: Instructions – Have the same faith God has

This is arguably the most oft repeated biblical command ever heard.  One wonders if, as Chaucer wrote in his Canterbury Tales, “familiarity breeds contempt.”  Have we heard it so much that we have lost its deeper meaning and how it is solidly welding to all the other instructions of Righteousness we study here?  Notice first the commentary on these seemingly three simple words.
 

[Keep my commandments] This is the only proper evidence of love to Jesus, for mere profession is no proof of love; but that love for him which leads us to do all his will, to love each other, to deny ourselves, to take up our cross [stake], and to follow him through evil report and through good report, is true attachment. The evidence which we have that a child loves its parents is when that child is willing, without hesitation, gainsaying, or complaining, to do all that the parent requires him to do. So the disciples of Christ are required to show that they are attached to Him supremely by yielding to all his requirements, and by patiently doing His will in the face of ridicule and opposition, 1 John 5:2-3.  –(from Barnes Notes)

Read through some related scripture beginning with the one referenced in the commentary:

1 John 5:2-3

By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

1 John 4:21

And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

Note: Reference the instruction in the study of Matthew 22:37-39.  The commandments are the essence of loving God and our fellow man.

1 John 3:22-24

And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.  And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

Note:  These verses describe, in a nutshell, the Salvation Process.  If we are addressing the elements of the process, we are doing those things pleasing in His sight.  Having a deep and profound belief that Christ is the foundation of keeping the commandments.  Christ dwells in us by our keeping of the commandments.  We are able to keep them by the Spirit of God in us.  That same Spirit tells us that Christ dwells in us and we in Him.

1 Peter 1:22

Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.

Note:  Not passive love, but fervent love.  We purify our souls by keeping the commandments.

1 John 3:10

In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Note:  Keeping the commandments is doing Righteousness.

Rev 12:17

And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Note: Satan identifies God’s called firstfruits because of their commandment keeping.

Ezek 18:5

But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right.

We are both just and justified by keeping the commandments and remaining steadfast in the Salvation Process.

Dan 9:4

And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments.

Note: God shows mercy to those keeping His commandments.

Deut 26:16

This day the LORD thy God hath commanded thee to do these statutes and judgments: thou shalt therefore keep and do them with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.

Josh 22:5

But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.

Note:  “…with all thine heart and with all thy soul.”  These are the same words used in Matthew 22:37-39 about loving God.  Keeping the commandments IS loving God with all our hearts and souls.  This means that one cannot separate God from the commandments.

Deut 30:16
In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it.

Note: With commandment-keeping come blessings.

Lesson 15: Instructions – Keep my commandments
 
 1] Yield, without hesitation to all Godly requirements.

2] Patiently do God's will despite circumstances.  (Note: we know God's will by fully immersing ourselves into the Word of God.)

3] Have a deep and profound belief that Christ is the foundation of the commandments.

4] Have fervent love of the brethren.

5] Know and understand that...

    a) the love of God is to keep the commandments
    b) He who loves God, loves his brother also
    c) we please God and are justified as long as we remain in the Salvation Process.
    d) Christ dwells in us by our keeping the commandments
    e) we are able to keep the commands by the Holy Spirit in us
    f) the Holy Spirit tells us that Christ dwells in us and we in Him
    g) we purify our souls by keeping the commandments
    h) one is righteous if he keeps the law and loves his brother.

    i) Satan identifies firstfruits by their commandment keeping

    j) God shows mercy to commandment keepers
    k) keeping the commandments is loving God with all your hearts and souls (Matthew 22:37-39)
    l) with commandment keeping come blessings.

Romans 8:29 is the source of unending debate and controversy among secular churches and so-called Bible scholars of the world.  The debate surrounds the meanings of the words “foreknow” and “predestinate”.  Therefore, it is rare to find a commentary that gets to the heart of the true meaning here.  We clearly understand that God can look into the future.  Fulfilled prophecy is proof enough of this.  We also know that “predestinate” means that God foreordained or planed ahead of time, before our birth, to call us to the Salvation Process.  For any firstfruit recollecting his or her calling knows and understands this.  The focus of this scripture for us is God’s purpose of our calling, namely to conform ourselves to the image of Christ.

Whereas Romans 8:29 proclaims God’s purpose in conforming us to the image of Christ, 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us how this is done.   In the sermon, Glory to Glory, we are immersed into the meaning of 2 Corinthians 3:18 and what Christ does in and through us by the power of the Holy Spirit that results in our being changed into His very image.

At the end of that sermon, I paraphrase what the verse is saying…

“All true Christians with the Holy Spirit see and know Jesus Christ directly and openly.  We see Him reflected in Spirit and through the Word of God.  We see His glory in everything He does and says.

We are changed to His image as we persevere in the Process of Salvation---overcoming sin, invoking Godly principles and putting on Christ in every aspect of our lives…”from glory to glory” by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Every time we invoke the power of the Holy Spirit that results in a Godly principle (love, joy, peace, honesty, service, excellence, forgiveness, etc.) that is a “glory.”  Every time we take a step in stopping and overcoming sin in our lives, that is a “glory.”  Every time we acknowledge and keep the law, that is a “glory.”  The greatest glory we execute before God will be remaining in the Salvation Process to the end.  So continuing in the process, day-by-day, is also a "glory."  With each glorious event, we become more like Christ and we take another step toward being changed to His image.

Lesson 16: Instructions – Conform yourself to the image of Christ
 
 1) Review the sermons, "Glory to Glory" Part 1 and Part 2
 2) Understand that every time we invoke the power of the Holy Spirit, a glory is the result and that with each glory, we take a step towards being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.  In the Salvation Process, we go from Glory to Glory.  Therefore...
 3) Go forth from Glory to Glory.
 4) Continue to immerse yourself into the Word of God to see the image of Christ reflected off its pages.
 5) Invoke the power of the Holy Spirit in the form of fruits of the Spirit at every opportunity God brings your way.
 6) Have and exercise abiding faith in God and Jesus Christ.  Believe the word of Christ without doubt [review study of Mark 11:22].

Lesson 17: Instructions – Be not conformed to this world.  Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
 
 1] Immerse yourself in the Word of God, thus filling your mind with the mind of Christ.
 2] Pour Christ into your mind.
 3] Allow the elements of the world to be forced out of your mind.
 4] Meditate on the Word of God that fills your mind and allow the Spirit of God in you to see the perfect will of God.

[Be not overcome of evil] Be not "vanquished" or "subdued" by injury received from others. Do not suffer your temper to be excited; your Christian principles to be abandoned; your mild, amiable, kind, and benevolent temper to be ruffled by any opposition or injury which you may experience. Maintain your Christian principles amidst all opposition, and thus show the power of the gospel. They are overcome by evil who suffer their temper to be excited, who become enraged and revengeful and who engage in contention with those who injure them. ~Barnes

Note: What I love about this particular segment of commentary is the reference to our being a product of the gospel.  We might not always think of it this way, but it is a fact.  The gospel is much more than a message about the World Tomorrow we spread to the world.  It is about a life lived God's way.  In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul calls us "ambassadors for Christ."  How can we be ambassadors unless we are and act as He does?  Jesus was never overcome of evil and He is our example.

[But overcome evil with good] That is, subdue or vanquish evil by doing good to others. Show them the loveliness of a better spirit; the power of kindness and benevolence; the value of an amiable, Christian deportment. So doing, you may disarm them of their rage, and be the means of bringing them to better minds. ~Barnes

[Be not overcome of evil] Do not, by giving place to evil, become precisely the same character which thou condemnest in another. Overcome evil with good-however frequently he may grieve and injure thee, always repay him with kindness; thy good-will, in the end, may overcome his evil. ~Clarke

Note: Both commentaries say the same thing.  Christ is instructing us to act as He would thus having an impact on the minds of others.  The gospel message is touching their minds.  God can and will use this now and in the resurrection.

Notice now some scripture that support this principle of displacing evil with good.

Prov 16:32

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Luke 6:27-30

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.  And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.  Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

1 Peter 3:9

Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

Prov 16:32

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Prov 25:21

If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:

Matt 18:15  [see Menu item 43 of the Menu-driven Bible Study to see how to conduct the Matthew 18 Process]

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Matt 18:21-22

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?  Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Rom 12:14

Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.

Eph 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Lesson 18: Instructions – Overcome evil with good [displace the evil by invoking good]
 
 1] Be a product of the gospel.
 2] Be not vanquished or subdued by injury received by others.
 3] Maintain your Godly principles amidst all opposition.
 4] In all things show the power of the gospel.
 5] Act as the ambassador of Christ you were called to be.
 6] Displace all encountered evil by invoking the power of the Holy Spirit in the form of goodness and righteousness.

This verse brings up a topic of conversation that arises from time to time, usually in the form of an accusation from an outsider/detractor.  The accusation is that one or more of the members of the church are “just following a man.”  Yet here is a verse from a letter of Paul encouraging members of the Corinthian church to follow him.

Clearly there are at least two ways a firstfruit could follow a man.  One is righteous and one is not.  If a member is blindly following a man, this is not righteous.  We are only righteous in following a man IF he is following Christ.  We cannot know he is following Christ unless we know Christ and the mind of Christ, which is the Word of God.  Therefore only those immersed in the Word of God within the Salvation Process are able to follow a man as he follows Christ.  If one is following a man “blindly”, it is a given he or she is not immersed in the Word of God and is not moving forward in the Salvation Process.  Notice the commentary:

1 Cor 11:1

Verse 1. [Be ye followers of me] Imitate my example in the matter now under discussion. As I deny myself; as I seek to give no offence to anyone; as I endeavor not to alarm the prejudices of others, but in all things to seek their salvation, so do you. This verse belongs to the previous chapter, and should not have been separated from it. It is the close of the discussion there.

[Even as I also am of Christ] I make Christ my example. He is my model in all things; and if you follow him, and follow me as far as I follow him, you will not err. This is the only safe example; and if we follow this, we can never go astray. ~Barnes'

Note:  God is the Supreme Being who is in absolute control of everything and rules over the church by Jesus Christ.  God calls each and every member and places all ministers, leaders and teachers in their positions.  If these humans are active in each of their Salvation Processes, then it is a given they are repentant and moving forward in righteousness.  In addition to this, God gives us the tools to identify true from false ministers and truth from apostasy.  We follow those individuals who are in a process of conforming to the image of Christ and who follow Christ.

We have a form letter in the Church’s Letter-Answering Department that will serve the balance of this lesson in righteousness:

QUESTION:  Should we follow a man?  Should we trust in church leaders?  If so, just how and by what standard should be follow and trust them?

ANSWER:

Many would be surprised to know that the Bible shows clearly that we are to follow certain church leaders under specific conditions and by a single standard.  Notice some verses:

Phil 3:17

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

1 Thess 1:6-7

6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

7 So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

Heb 6:12

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

James 5:10-11

10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

1 Cor 4:16

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

2 Thess 3:7-9

7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

1 Cor 11:1

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

At the same time, the Bible states directly that we are to follow God:

Eph 5:1-2

1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Phil 2:4-5

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Lev 11:45

For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

Matt 5:45

That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Matt 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Eph 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

1 Peter 1:15-16

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

1 John 4:11

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

The message is clear; we are to follow church leaders as they follow God according to the word of God.  We can know if a minister is following God by understanding the scriptures on this subject.  They are found in Matthew 7:

Matt 7:15-20

15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

An in-depth study of what is being said here can be found at the EA site: click here.  The word “fruit” here is defined as one in close adherence to scripture.  That is, a true minister is following Christ when his teaching and preaching is based in and proven by the scriptures. 

Following is a key excerpt from that study:

“Those who enter upon the narrow way must beware of false prophets, who claim to guide believers but really practice deception. Sheep's clothing is not to be regarded as prophets' grab, but is an evident contrast to vicious wolves. God's people in al ages have needed to beware of deceptive leaders (Deut 13:1; Acts 20:29; 1 John 4:1; Rev 13:11-14). By their fruits. The doctrines produced by these false prophets, rather than the works they perform, since outward appearances may not cause suspicion. The test of the prophet [or minister or leader] is his conformity to Scripture (1 Cor 14:37; Deut 13:1-5).

~ Wycliffe Bible Commentary
 

Obeying Them Who Have Rule Over You
Notice the scriptures and commentary on this admonition from the book of Hebrews:

Heb 13:7

Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Heb 13:7 -Commentary

[Remember them which have the rule over you] Margin, "are the guides." The word used here means properly "leaders, guides, directors." It is often applied to military commanders. Here it means teachers-appointed to lead or guide them to eternal life. It does not refer to them so much as rulers or governors, as teachers, or guides. In Heb 13:17, however, it is used in the former sense. The duty here enjoined is that of remembering them; that is, remembering their counsel; their instructions; their example.

[Who have spoken to you the word of God] Preachers; either apostles or others. Respect is to be shown to the ministerial office, by whomsoever it is borne.

[Whose faith follow] That is, imitate;  ~Barnes

Heb 13:17

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

Heb 13:17 - Commentary

[Obey them that have the rule over you] Margin, guide; see notes on Heb 13:7. The reference here is to their religious teachers, and not to civil rulers. They were to show them proper respect, and to submit to their authority in the church, so far as it was administered in accordance with the precepts of the Saviour. The obligation to obedience does not, of course, extend to anything which is wrong in itself, or which would be a violation of conscience. The doctrine is, that subordination is necessary to the welfare of the church, and that there ought to be a disposition to yield all proper obedience to those who are set over us in the Lord.

~Barnes

True ministers and leaders are in close adherence to scripture.  This is their fruit.  It is black and white scripture truth.  There are no gray areas.  We know this by verse 18.  Ministers are either righteous and true or unrighteous and untrue.  Corrupt trees cannot bring forth good fruit.  The Word of God is total.  We live by every word of God, not just some.  True ministers follow Christ as we members do.

Lesson 19: Instructions – Be a follower of Christ.  Be a follower of God's leaders as they follow Christ.
 
 1] Above all, be a follower of God and Jesus Christ.
 2] Yield constantly to your Godly Calling.
 3] Obey them who have rule over you according to Hebrews 13.
 4] Review the study on Matthew 7:15-20 frequently.
 5] Stay immersed in the Word of God lest you not be able to carry out instructions 1-4 above.

Key verse:  Eph 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

This study is closely related to the studies "Put on the garment of Righteousness" and Conform yourself to the image of Christ.  This verse focuses on the change to the heart and mind of the person called by the power of the Holy Spirit.  The result is a new person.  This transformation is a miracle of God.  Notice the commentary.  I will use a bright red color with bold type to point out key parts of the commentary.

[And that ye put on the new man] The new man refers to the renovated nature. This is called in other places, the "new creature, or the new creation" (see the notes on 2 Cor 5:17 below), and refers to the condition after the heart is changed. The change is so great, that there is no impropriety in speaking of one who has experienced it as "a new man." He has new feelings, principles, and desires. He has laid aside his old principles and practices, and, in everything that pertains to moral character, he is new. His body is indeed the same; the intellectual structure of his mind the same; but there has been a change in his principles and feelings which [make] him, in all the great purposes of life, a new being. Learn, that regeneration is not a trifling change. It is not a mere change of relations, or of the outward condition. It is not merely being brought from the world into the church, and being baptized, though by the most holy hands; it is much more. None of these things would make proper the declaration, "he is a new man." Regeneration by the Spirit of God does.   ~Barnes

The commentary makes reference to the commentary on 2 Cor. 5:17:

Spiritual solutions are needed to solve spiritual problems.  If this one fundamental point were understood, man should be forced to realize that the structure of his entire society—from the government of nations to the behavior of children—needs radical revision before people can at last be joyfully busy with peace and progress.

This is where God's plan of salvation comes in.  God first calls us by—opening our minds to His truth, leading us to recognize our wretched, sinful state, cut off from God.  Then upon our heartfelt repentance and sincere acceptance of Jesus Christ as our Saviour, God enables us through baptism and the laying on of hands to receive His Spirit.  Conversion by God's Holy Spirit means a renewing of one's mind (Rom. 12:2), a complete changing of one's attitude and heart; it is the creation of a new man, walking in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).  Through God's Spirit man can have the fellowship and communion with God that is so important to growth in God's mind and character.

From our statement on the The Christian:

A Christian is one whose whole outlook and frame of mind is in the process of transformation from "carnal" to “spiritual."  When one rises from baptismal waters he becomes a "new man" by taking on a whole new spiritual lifestyle, created after the likeness of God in “true righteousness and holiness” (Eph. 4:24).  Whereas before his conversion he armed himself to face life with his own pride, ego, strength and intellect alone, the true Christian now adds the "whole armor" of God—the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Word of God (Eph. 6:13-17).

These fruits or characteristics of the Holy Spirit become progressively more manifest in the life of a Christian.  Hate is replaced by love, anxiety by peace, fearfulness by faith, indulgence by temperance, and pride by meekness.  All these and the other fruits of the Spirit work together to overshadow the natural, carnal characteristics of adultery, idolatry, strife, envy, wrath and the many other aspects and variations of human nature.

From our statement on the The Christian Relationship with His Fellow Man:

There is no limit to what the Holy Spirit can do through the individual that submits himself to God.  God's church is exhorted to break the bonds of prejudice by putting on the “new man” which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him: “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision ... bond or free: but Christ is all, and in all" (Col. 3:9-10ff); It is the responsibility of each church member to repent of past wrong attitudes toward those of other race or ethnic groups.  We are all one in Christ and must have that Christian love for all which only God's Spirit makes possible.

Note:  Our doctrinal statements support the two great concepts of putting on the new man:

1) By Godly Calling we are placed in the Salvation Process.
2) Once there, we must submit ourselves to the will of God and stay in the process, addressing each of its elements, moving forward to the end.

Lesson 21: Instructions – Put on the new man
 
 1] Understand that Godly Calling is a miracle, rather than a choice.
 2] Understand that just as God created heavens and earth, He creates a new person  with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
 3] Remain steadfast and fervent in the Salvation Process.
 4] Exchange works of the flesh for fruits of the Spirit by allowing God to continue molding you into the image of Jesus Christ, the ultimate example of a new creature.

Lesson 22: Be kind to one another. Be tenderhearted.  Forgive one another.

Key verse:  Eph 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

In my 36 years of experience in the Body of Christ, this seems to be one of the most neglected elements of righteousness in the entire Salvation Process.  Garner Ted Armstrong would attest to this and probably Paul, as well.  It was Garner Ted Armstrong that stated that more people would lose the Kingdom based on refusal to forgive and refusal to accept the repentance of the brethren than any other single issue.
 

Lesson 22: Instructions – Be kind to one another. Be tenderhearted.  Forgive one another.
 1] Desire to have others be happy.
 2] Invoke benevolence.
 3] Be polite.
 4] Never put any person to needless pain.
 5] Have a heart disposed to pity and compassion.
 6] Show kindness, even when your brother commits a fault.
 7] Understand that we are able to forgive because God, first, forgave us.
 8] Forgive one another.
 9] Understand that when you point your finger and blame others, you are probably guilty of the same thing.  Conversely, when you forgive others, it is yourself that you forgive.
10] In these and all spiritual attributes and virtues, imitate God [see next lesson]

Isn’t it interesting how we almost unconsciously apply human models to the concepts we see in the Word of God.  We read something as simple as, “be a follower of God” and we visualize the stereotyped human leader marching forth somewhere with a multitude of others blindly following him wherever he might be going.  “Ours is not to reason why, but to do and die,” the saying goes.  This is not what is being said in Ephesians 5 and verse one.  God is not looking for or creating blind followers.  He is not cranking out preprogrammed robots that lack reasoning or understanding.  He has set out on a bold plan to replicate Himself.  He wants individuals who can attain the same levels of excellence that He has.  Clearly, we will finish this process at the moment we are changed to spirit beings, but God deeply desires for us to be heading in that sure direction as we work the Salvation Process.  Notice the commentaries.  Again, I will highlight using bright red and bold type, the key statements.

[Be ye therefore followers of God] Greek, "Be imitators-mimeetai (NT:3402)-of God." The idea is not that they were to be the friends of God, or numbered among his followers, but that they were to imitate him in the particular thing under consideration. The word "therefore"-oun (NT:3767)-connects this with the previous chapter, where he had been exhorting them to kindness, and to a spirit of forgiveness, and he here entreats them to imitate God, who was always kind and ready to forgive; compare Matt 5:44-47: As he forgives us (Eph 4:32–previous lesson), we should be ready to forgive others; as he has borne with our faults, we should bear with theirs; as he is ever ready to hear our cry when we ask for mercy, we should be ready to hear others when they desire to be forgiven; and as he is never weary with doing us good, we should never be weary in benefiting them.

[As dear children] The meaning is, "as those children which are beloved follow the example of a father, so we, who are beloved of God, should follow his example." What a simple rule this is! And how much contention and strife would be avoided if it were followed! If every Christian who is angry, unforgiving, and unkind, would just ask himself the question, "How does God treat me?" it would save all the trouble and heart-burning which ever exists in the church.  ~ Barnes
 

[Be ye therefore followers of God] The beginning of this chapter is properly a continuation of the preceding, which should have ended with the second verse of this. The word mimeetai (NT:3402), which we translate "followers", signifies such as personate others, assuming their gait, mode of speech, accent, carriage, etc.; and it is from this Greek word that we have the word mimic. Though this term is often used in a ludicrous sense, yet here it is to be understood in a very solemn and proper sense. Let your whole conduct be like that of your Lord; imitate him in all your actions, words, spirit, and inclinations; imitate him as children do their beloved parents, and remember that you stand in the relation of beloved children to him. It is natural for children to imitate their parents; it is their constant aim to learn of them, and to copy them in all things; whatever they see the parent do, whatever they hear him speak, that they endeavour to copy and imitate; yea, they go further, they insensibly copy the very tempers of their parents. If ye therefore be children of God, show this love to your heavenly Father, and imitate all his moral perfections, and acquire the mind that was in Jesus.  ~ Clarke

[Followers] Literally, imitators. As dear children. Just as little children learn to do things by imitating their parents, so we are to be imitators of God.  ~ Wycliffe

Related Resources:  Study on Mark 11:22 - Have the same faith God has
                                       Sermon: "Tell It to the Mountain"  Part 1 and Part 2
Lesson 23: Instructions – Follow God [imitate Him]
 
 1] Understand that God is replicating Himself.
 2] Imitate Him in the particular thing under your consideration (love, forgiveness, faith, excellence, service, honesty, etc.).
 3] In all things, invoke these three rules:

Having your loins girded with TRUTH
Having the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS
Having your feet shod with the PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE
Taking the shield of FAITH
Taking the helmet of SALVATION
Taking the sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD

In essence, Garner Ted Armstrong will be conducting this study as I will be primarily using his booklet, The Armor of God in describing each of the six pieces.  I will use a separate page for each piece.

Lesson 25: Instructions – Put on the whole armor of God
 
 1] Study and contemplate each piece of armor.  Review from time to time.
 2] Understand that each piece of armor represents Christ and are implemented by the power of the Holy Spirit in us.
 3] Understand that the Word of God is Spirit.
 4] Pray always.  Pray without ceasing.  Pray fervently.

Resources:
Booklet: Armor of God
Booklet: Answer to Unanswered Prayer
Booklet: Salvation by Works?
Booklet: Salvation through Jesus Christ

To understand this verse, we need to look at it in context.  Here are the first eight verses of the chapter:

1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. –Phil 2:1-8

Look at all the similar phrases in verse two.  They all essentially mean the same thing, namely, harmony in the church.  One commentary I read said, “Probably there is no single thing so much insisted on in the New Testament as the importance of harmony among Christians.”  The reason for this is that God, Christ and Paul knew that this would be the hardest thing to attain, due to the general make up of the church [see Menu item 10 here].  This leads us to the admonition in verse five that we all have the mind of Christ.  What do we know about the mind of Christ?  Notice the focus of these commentaries and accompanying verses quoted in them:

[Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus] Christ laboured to promote no separate interest; as man he studied to promote the glory of God, and the welfare and salvation of the human race. See then that ye have the same disposition that was in Jesus: he was ever humble, loving, patient, and laborious; his meat and drink was to do the will of his Father, and to finish his work. ~ Clarke

Let this mind . . . (AV). Better, Maintain that inner disposition towards one another which was exemplified (the verb must be supplied) by Christ Jesus. ~ Wycliffe

'Have this mind in you,' etc. Pride is the most naked form of selfishness, which is the essence of sin (Muller). He does not put forward himself as an example, but Christ, THE ONE pre-eminently who sought not His own, but "humbled Himself" (Phil 2:8), first, in taking on Him our nature; secondly, in humbling himself further in that nature (Rom 15:3).

~  Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. –Phil. 2:8

For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. –Rom 15:3

Here is a gospel pattern proposed to our imitation, and that is the example of our Lord Jesus Christ: Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, v. 5. Observe, Christians must be of Christ's mind. We must bear a resemblance to his life, if we would have the benefit of his death. If we have not the Spirit of Christ, we are none of his, Rom 8:9. Now what was the mind of Christ? He was eminently humble, and this is what we are peculiarly to learn of him. Learn of me, for I am meek [see study on this subject] and lowly in heart, Matt 11:29. If we were lowly-minded, we should be like-minded; and, if we were like Christ, we should be lowly-minded. We must walk in the same spirit and in the same steps with the Lord Jesus, who humbled himself to sufferings and death for us; not only to satisfy God's justice, and pay the price of our redemption, but to set us an example, and that we might follow his steps.  ~ Matthew Henry

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. –Rom 8:9

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  –Matt 11:29

Lesson 26: Instructions – Have the mind of Christ
 
 1] Make Christ your example in all things.

 2] Be humble, meek and lowly in heart as He is.

 3] In all things, invoke these three rules:
 

4] Do a perpetual Bible study wherein, as you immerse yourself into the Word of God, you record verses that demonstrate the mind of Christ.

Examples: 

In John 21:15-17 Jesus says to Peter, "If you love me, Peter, Feed my sheep [paraphrased]."  HIS MINDSET: Jesus has deep love for the church.

In Matthew 8:10, Jesus is marvelled by the actions and words of the centurion and says,  "Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." HIS MINDSET: Jesus is emotionally moved by great demonstrations of faith in others.

In Matthew 18:6 we read, "And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea."  HIS MINDSET:  Jesus has little toleration for those who would hurt a firstfruit member of the church.

5] Develop and invoke the same mindsets you record in Step 4.

6] Seek harmony in the church at all times.

Resources:
Sermon: Your Reasonable Service  (being a living sacrifice)
Booklet: The Real Jesus
Booklet: Christ in the Old Testament
Booklet: Could Jesus Have Sinned?

Lesson 27:
Put on mercy
kindness
humbleness of mind
meekness
longsuffering
forbear one another.
forgive one another
put on Love

Key verse:  Col 3:12-14
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

 

Lesson 27: Instructions –
Put on mercy
kindness
humbleness of mind
meekness
longsuffering
forbear one another
forgive one another
put on Love
 
1] Mercy: Have a spirit and affection of mercy, not just action.
2] Mercy: Let your tenderest feelings be always within reach of the miserable.

3] Kindness: Be polite to everyone.  Have real benevolence or a desire to make others happy.
4] Kindness: Treat everyone with kindness, understanding they are individuals made in the image of God.

5] Humbleness: in lowliness of mind, esteem others better than yourself.

6] Meekness: Have an attitude of humility knowing God is in control.
7] Meekness: Understand that humility is strength and courage under control coupled with kindness.

8] Longsuffering: Be calm and with unruffled temper in bearing with the evils of life.
9] Longsuffering: Do not be discouraged in the face of evil.

10] Forbear one another: Bear with and endure one another in light of present offences.

11] Forgive one another: Forgive others as Christ forgives you.

12] Put on love:  Have love of God and fellowman.  Understand that love is the basis of all the virtues listed above.  Understand that righteousness is the result of combination.  Love combines all virtues within our heart and the result is righteousness.

This element of righteousness comes with maturity.  The more we address all the elements of righteousness, the more this element manifests itself.  Notice this in the commentaries for both verses.

Phil 4:7

[And the peace of God] The peace which God gives. The peace here particularly referred to is that which is felt when we have no anxious care about the supply of our needs, and when we go confidently and commit everything into the hands of God. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee;" Isa 26:3.

[Which passeth all understanding] That is, which surpasses all that people had conceived or imagined. The expression is one that denotes that the peace imparted is of the highest possible kind. The apostle Paul frequently used terms which had somewhat of a hyperbolical cast and the language here is that which one would use who designed to speak of that which was of the highest order. The Christian, committing his way to God, and feeling that he will order all things aright, has a peace which is nowhere else known. Nothing else will furnish it but [true] religion. No confidence that a man can have in his own powers; no reliance which he can repose on his own plans or on the promises or fidelity of his fellow-men, and no calculations which he can make on the course of events, can impart such peace to the soul as simple confidence in God.

[Shall keep your hearts and minds] That is, shall keep them from anxiety and agitation. The idea is, that by thus making our requests known to God, and going to him in view of all our trials and wants, the mind would be preserved from distressing anxiety. The way to find peace, and to have the heart kept from trouble, is thus to go and spread out all before the Lord; compare Isa 26:3-4,20; 37:1-7. The word rendered here "shall keep," is a military term, and means that the mind would be guarded as a camp or castle is. It would be preserved from the intrusion of anxious fears and alarms.

[Through Christ Jesus] By his agency, or intervention. It is only in him that the mind can be preserved in peace. It is not by mere confidence in God, or by mere prayer, but it is by confidence in God as he is revealed through the Redeemer, and by faith in him. Paul never lost sight of the truth that all the security and happiness of a believer were to be traced to the Saviour.    ~ Barnes

Note:  Peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit in us, for us.  Mankind does not know nor understand this kind of peace.  This is the highest order of peace, the kind that Jesus had on earth, as a human like us.  Like Jesus, we are to take and give all our troubles and worries to God.  We are to guard our minds and not allow negative thoughts to dwell there.  This is only possible if Christ dwells in us.

Now the commentary on Col 3:15:

[Rule in your hearts] Brabeuetoo (NT:1018). Let the peace of Christ judge, decide, and govern in your hearts, as the brabeus, or judge, does in the Olympic contests. No heart is right with God where the peace of Christ does not rule; and the continual prevalence of the peace of Christ is the decisive proof that the heart is right with God. When a man loses his peace, it is an awful proof that he has lost something else; that he has given way to evil, and grieved the Spirit of God. While peace rules, all is safe.  ~ Clarke

Col 3:15-16

The peace of Christ (RSV). That peace which Christ mediates to those in union with him (cf. John 14:27; Rom 5:1). It is to rule in the sense of arbitrating differences that arise in the body (Bruce). Similarly, the indwelling word of Christ, i.e., his teaching, exercises a transforming influence on a believer's life. ~ Wycliffe

Note:  We are transformed by the Word of God.  Notice from Word of God…
 

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.  –John 14:27

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. –Rom 5:1

The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace. –Ps 29:11

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. –Isa 9:6

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. –John 16:33

For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. –Rom 8:6

For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.

–Eph 2:14

Lesson 28: Instructions – Let the peace of God rule in your heart. 
 
 1] Understand that this element of righteousness comes with spiritual maturity.
 2] Commit everything into the hands of God.
 3] Invoke peace [a fruit of the Holy Spirit] in every situation of your life.
 4] Take your troubles, trials and wants to God.
 5] Guard your mind against all negative input.
 6] Never lose sight of the fact that all peace, security and happiness is the work of Christ in us.
 7] Immerse yourself in the Word of God and be transformed by it.

In the Salvation Process, we encounter good and bad, blessing and trial and prosperity and testing.  All are designed by God as part of the molding process that He is invoking to build the character of His Son in us.  Notice this meaning from the commentaries:
 

1 Thess 5:18

[In everything give thanks] For this reason, that all things work together for good to them that love God; therefore, every occurrence may be a subject of gratitude and thankfulness. While ye live to God, prosperity and adversity will be equally helpful to you.

[For this is the will of God] That ye should be always happy; that ye should ever be in the spirit of prayer; and that ye should profit by every occurrence in life, and be continually grateful and obedient; for gratitude and obedience are inseparably connected. ~Clarke

1 Thess 5:16-18

 Everything. All circumstances, even hardships and affliction. This, though singular, seems to embrace the three commands of 5:16-18. God's will includes constant joy, ceaseless prayer, and boundless thanks, attitudes made both necessary and possible in Christ Jesus.  ~ Wycliffe

Here are the three commands of verses 16-18:

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ~1 Thess 5:16-18

In everything-even what seems adverse; for nothing is really so (cf. Rom 8:28; Eph 5:20.) So Christ (Matt 15:36; 26:27; Luke 10:21; John 11:41).

This-that ye should "in every thing give thanks," "is the will of God in Christ Jesus (the Mediator in whom that will is revealed: cf. Phil 3:14) concerning [toward: eis (NT:1519)] you." God's will is the believer's law. Put commas after each of the three precepts (1 Thess 5:16-18), making "this" refer to all three. ~  Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown

If we pray without ceasing, we shall not want matter for thanksgiving in every thing. As we must in every thing make our requests known to God by supplications, so we must not omit thanksgiving, Phil 4:6. We should be thankful in every condition, even in adversity as well as prosperity. It is never so bad with us but it might be worse. If we have ever so much occasion to make our humble complaints to God, we never can have any reason to complain of God, and have always much reason to praise and give thanks: the apostle says, This is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us, that we give thanks, seeing God is reconciled to us in Christ Jesus; in him, through him, and for his sake, he allows us to rejoice evermore, and appoints us in every thing to give thanks. It is pleasing to God.  ~ Matthew Henry

Lesson 29: Instructions – Give thanks
 
 1] In all circumstances, even hardships and affliction, give thanks to God.
 2] Understand that God allows blessings as well as trials in our life.
 3] Rejoice always.
 4] Pray without ceasing.
 5] Know that God's will is being carried out in your life.

We have a sound bite by Garner Ted Armstrong posted at the EA site entitled, “Bitterness and the Spirit of God” in which he makes a statement that may be shocking to some.  He says that a root of bitterness and the Spirit of God cannot exist in the same human body.  As bitterness and other similar elements of Satan begin to increase in the mind and heart of a firstfruit, the more the Spirit of God is quenched.  Notice this confirmed in the commentary:

[Quench not the Spirit] This language is taken from the way of putting out a fire, and the sense is, we are not to extinguish the influences of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. Possibly there may be an allusion here to fire on an altar, which was to be kept constantly burning. This fire may have been regarded as emblematic of devotion, and as denoting that that devotion was never to become extinct. The Holy Spirit is the source of true devotion, and hence the enkindlings of piety [Religious devotion and reverence to God] in the heart, by the Spirit, are never to be quenched. Fire may be put out by pouring on water; or by covering it with any incombustible substance; or by neglecting to supply fuel. If it is to be made to burn, it must be nourished with proper care and attention. The Holy Spirit, in his influences on the soul, is here compared with fire that might be made to burn more intensely, or that might be extinguished.

~ Barnes

Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. ~2 Tim 1:6

Quench not the Spirit, for it is this Spirit of grace and supplication that helpeth our infirmities, that assisteth us in our prayers and thanksgivings. Christians are said to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and with fire. [It] worketh as fire, by enlightening, enlivening, and purifying the souls of men. We must be careful not to quench this holy fire. As fire is put out by withdrawing fuel, so we quench the Spirit if we do not stir up our spirits, and all that is within us, to comply with the motions [workings] of the [Holy] Spirit; and as fire is quenched by pouring water, or putting a great quantity of dirt upon it, so we must be careful not to quench the Holy Spirit by indulging carnal lusts and affections, or minding only earthly things.  ~ Matthew Henry

Lesson 30: Instructions – Quench not the Spirit
 
 1] Understand that elements of Satan and the Holy Spirit cannot exist in the same heart and mind.  Negative elements can quench the Holy Spirit.

 2] Stir up the Holy Spirit in you.  This is accomplished by Bible Study, prayer, meditation, invoking the power of the Holy Spirit in the form of Godly principles, and overcoming sin in an attitude of repentance.

3] Listen to and read the text of the sermon, "Moment of Judgment" and the end time prophecy regarding the 10 virgins of Matthew 25.

 4] Be careful not to quench the Holy Spirit by indulging carnal lusts and affections, or minding only earthly things.

There is hardly a week where this verse is not quoted somewhere in a church of God.  In and of itself, it stands as a great admonition and rule of thumb for everyone in the congregation.  However, as with all verses, they do not stand alone.  I bring this point out in my sermon, Full Immersion, wherein I show this scripture as being tied to many other scriptures that deal with our righteousness in the Salvation Process.

First, let me point out that “all things” does not mean all things under the sun, but all those things pertinent to the Salvation Process.  The same meaning applies to 1 John 2:20 which states that we have unction of the Holy Spirit and “know all things.”  We know all things pertaining to the Salvation Process.  The Word of God is our handbook to that process.  Notice an excerpt from my sermon concerning 1 Thess. 5:21:

Let us go through an example of “Getting all the Scriptures” using a verse we hear all the time:

1 Thess 5:21

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

If this is the only verse we know or use, we are only getting our feet wet.  Let’s get fully immersed:

Listen as I read, line upon line:

Matt 7:15-16

15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Point:  “fruit” here is defined as adherence to scripture, so you must know the scriptures.

Rom 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Point:  We must be “renewing” our minds (a process).  A part of proving all things is proving what the will of God is.

1 Cor 2:11

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Point:  Proving we must have God’s Spirit.

1 Cor 14:27-28

27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Point:  Part of proving things is talking to God.

Phil 1:10

That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;

Point:  We must be sincere and without offence.

1 John 4:1

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Point:  We must try spirits including our thoughts which often come from spirits.

Rev 2:2

2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Point:  We must prove our teachers and ministers.

Acts 17:11

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Point:  The key here is “readiness of mind”.  The only way we can have readiness of mind, the only way we can “prove all things” is to IMMERSE ourselves in the Word of God.

--end of excerpt--

Notice now the commentaries on this verse.  Barnes is much more involved than Clarks but say essentially the same thing.  Both are instructive.
 

[Prove all things] Whatever ye hear in these prophesyings or preachings, examine by the words of Christ, and by the doctrines which, from time to time, we have delivered unto you in our preaching and writings. Try the spirits-the different teachers, by the word of God.

[Hold fast that which is good.] Whatever in these prophesyings has a tendency to increase your faith, love, holiness, and usefulness, that receive and hold fast. There were prophets or teachers even at that time who professed to be of God, and yet were not. ~ Clarke

Note: We prove the preaching we receive [sermons, Bible studies, booklets, papers and tapes] by the Word of God.  This is also how we prove the ministry [See Matthew 7:15-20].  True ministers are in close adherence to the Word of God.  We hold fast or make a part of our faith and character those things we know, prove and reprove from time to time.

In the next commentary, I will highlight key points in bright red.
 

[Prove all things] Subject everything submitted to you to be believed to the proper test. The word here used dokimazete (NT:1381), is one that is properly applicable to metals, referring to the art of the assayer, by which the true nature and value of the metal is tested; see notes, 1 Cor 3:13. This trial was usually made by fire. The meaning here is, that they were carefully to examine everything proposed for their belief. They were not to receive it on trust; to take it on assertion; to believe it because it was urged with vehemence, zeal, or plausibility. In the various opinions and doctrines which were submitted to them for adoption, they were to apply the appropriate tests from reason and the word of God, and what they found to be true they were to embrace; what was false they were to reject. Christianity [the Word of God] does not require people to disregard their reason, or to be credulous. It [the Word of God] does not expect them to believe anything because others say it is so. It does not make it a duty to receive as undoubted truth all that synods and councils have decreed; or all that is advanced by the ministers of religion. It is, more than any other form of religion, the friend of free inquiry, and would lead people everywhere to understand the reason of the opinions which they entertain; compare Acts 17:11-12; 1 Peter 3:15 [see these below].

[Hold fast that which is good] Which is in accordance with reason and the word of God; which is adapted to promote the salvation of the soul and the welfare of society. This is just as much a duty as it is to "prove all things." A man who has applied the proper tests, and has found out what is truth, is bound to embrace it and to hold it fast. He is not at liberty to throw it away, as if it were valueless; or to treat truth and falsehood alike. It is a duty which he owes to himself and to God to adhere to it firmly, and to suffer the loss of all things rather than to abandon it. There are few more important rules in the New Testament than the one in this passage. It shows what is the true nature of Christianity, and it is a rule whose practical value cannot but be felt constantly in our lives. Other religions require their votaries to receive everything upon trust; Christianity asks us to examine everything.

Error, superstition, bigotry, and fanaticism attempt to repress free discussion, by saying that there are certain things which are too sacred in their nature, or which have been too long held, or which are sanctioned by too many great and holy names, to permit their being subjected to the scrutiny of common eyes, or to be handled by common hands. In opposition to all this, Christianity [the Word of God]  requires us to examine everything-no matter by whom held; by what councils ordained; by what venerableness of antiquity sustained; or by what sacredness it may be invested. We are to receive no opinion until we are convinced that it is true; we are to be subjected to no pains or penalties for not believing what we do not perceive to be true; we are to be prohibited from examining no opinion which our fellow-men regard as true, and which they seek to make others believe. No popular current in favor of any doctrine; no influence which name and rank and learning can give it, is to commend it to us as certainly worthy of our belief. By whomsoever held, we are to examine it freely before we embrace it; but when we are convinced that it is true, it is to be held, no matter what current of popular opinion or prejudice maybe against it; no matter what ridicule may be poured upon it; and no matter though the belief of it may require us to die a martyr's death. ~ Barnes

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. -Acts 17:11
 

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. -1 Peter 3:15
 

Note:  The meaning is clear.  We are not to believe something because of slick argument or because some man, or group or organization says it is true.  We are to believe the preaching and writings we hear and see because they are out of the Word of God.  We can only do this if we know what the Word of God says.  We must be immersed in the Word of God.  We must think in terms of scripture.  The Word of God is the mind of God and this is to be our mind.

Lesson 31: Instructions – Prove all things.  Hold fast that which is good.
 
 1] Know the scriptures.
 2] Know and review often, the doctrines of the church.
 3] Renew your mind by full immersion into the Word of God, thus proving what the will of God is [Rom 12:2].
 4] Speak to God [pray] (1 Cor 14:27-28).
 5] Be sincere and without offence (Phil 1:10).
 6] Try all spirits and all your thoughts (1 John 4:1).
 7] Prove your teachers and ministers (Matt 7:15-20 and Rev 2:2).
 8] Have readiness of mind by being immersed in the Word of God (Acts 17:11).
 9] Do not believe anything, including sermons, papers, booklets, tapes, doctrinal explanations, ministers or teachers until you prove it yourself with your Bible.
10] Never become a victim of a slick but false argument or a powerful and dynamic but false speaker or teacher.
11] Know the difference between Good and Bad theology.
12] Hold fast and protect what you have proven as true.  Embrace it.  Make it a part of your mind and character.

Lesson 32: Instructions – Abstain from all appearance [forms] of evil.
 
 1] The meaning and intent of the verse is to abstain from every form of evil.
 2] Understand that for something to qualify as a form of evil, there must be an established evil.  All forms of evil must link to a know evil.
 3] Do not, in your actions or behavior, even move in the direction of an evil.
 4] Understand that "form of evil" means both the evil itself and any form or type of that evil.
 5] Understand that 1 Thess 5:22 is a personal admonition.  Third parties do not proclaim what the evil or form of evil is in your life, you do.
 6] Do not allow third parties to judge others, using this verse as justification.
 7] Avoid those in the congregation that busy themselves looking for evil in others.
 8] Never assume evil in others unless it can be demonstrated and confirmed [that is, they are openly sinning without repentance].

Lesson 33: Be thou an example of the believers

Key verse:  1 Tim 4:12-13
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

Paul is writing to a young minister and encouraging him to not allow anyone to make fun of his youth nor to dismiss him because of his age. Paul states that this is overcome by being a product of the gospel...of righteousness.  He breaks this concept of being an example down into six parts.  Here we will study the overall concept of being an example and each of its six parts.

Even though Paul is giving encouragement and admonition to a minister, they apply to all firstfruits.
 

'How To' Instructions in Righteousness

Lesson 34:

Keep this commandment
Be without spot
Be unrebukeable
Remain fervent to the end

Key verse:  1 Timothy 6:14
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 

Lesson 34: Instructions 
 
 1) Keep the whole Gospel rule.
 2) Know the ways of righteousness.
 3) Keep the doctrine pure.
 4) Teach this pure doctrine without adding anything to it or taking anything away.  Do not stray from it.
 5) Conform yourself to the doctrine, which is the mind and character of God, the Father and Christ.
 6) Do not allow the elements of the world to battle with or degrade your conformation to the doctrine.
 7) Remain fervent in the ways of righteousness unto the end.

[Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord] Do not be ashamed to bear your testimony to the doctrines taught by the Lord Jesus; John 3:11,32-33; 7:7.  Paul seems to have apprehended that Timothy was in some danger of being ashamed of this gospel, or of shrinking back from its open avowal in the trials and persecutions to which he now saw it exposed him. –Barnes

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. –John 3:11

And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.  He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. –John 3:32-33

The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. –John 7:7

We are products of the gospel.  We are embodiments of doctrine.  We are examples of Godly principles in that we invoke them.  This is being a light.  We cannot be ashamed of this and must be ready with an answer when we are specifically asked about that light in us.

[Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony] The testimony of Christ is the Gospel in general, which proclaims Christ crucified, and redemption through his blood. In the sight of the world, there appeared to be reason why a man should be ashamed of this; ashamed of him who was crucified as a malefactor; but, when this Gospel became the power of God to the salvation of everyone that believed, it was a subject to exult in. Hence, the apostle, Rom 1:16, said, I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. –Clarke

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. –Romans 1:16

Since we are products of the gospel, to be ashamed of the gospel is to be ashamed of ourselves.  To be a product of the gospel is to be like Christ.  To be ashamed of the gospel is to be ashamed of Christ.

Be not thou, therefore, ashamed (at any time).  If fear be overcome, false shame flees (Bengel). Paul himself (2 Tim 1:12), and Onesiphorus (2 Tim 1:16), were instances of fearless profession removing false 'shame.'
 

Of the testimony of our Lord-of giving testimony in the cause of our Lord (Acts 1:8). "Our" connects Timothy and himself in the testimony which both should give for their common Lord. The testimony which Christ gave before or under Pilate (1 Tim 6:12-13) is an incentive to the believer to witness a good confession.

–JFB

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. –2 Timothy 1:12

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain [Paul being a prisoner in chains]. –2 Timothy 1:16

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. –Acts 1:8

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.  I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession. –1 Timothy 6:12-13

Lesson 35: Instructions –
 
 1) Know the gospel message. This is accomplished by full immersion into the Word of God.
 2) Invoke the gospel message in the form of Godly principles using the Holy Spirit in you.  Be a light.
 3) Be ready with an answer when asked about the gospel hope in you.
 4) Understand that persecution is coming and we will be taken to task about our beliefs and religion.
 5) Have a boldness about your faith.

[But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only] Obey the gospel, and do not merely listen to it. Compare Matt 7:21.

–Barnes

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. –Matthew 7:21

[But be ye doers of the word] They had heard this doctrine; they had believed it; but they had put it to no practical use. They were downright Antinomians*, who put a sort of stupid, inactive faith in the place of all moral righteousness. This is sufficiently evident from the second chapter.

–Clarke

 
*Antinomianism: The doctrine or belief that the Gospel frees Christians from required obedience to any law, whether scriptural, civil, or moral, and that salvation is attained solely through faith and the gift of divine grace.
 

James 1:21-22

Christianity is a religion of action. As important as it is to listen (cf. James 1:19), one must not stop there. Doing must follow listening. To be a hearer only is a form of self-deception.

–Wycliffe

Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only-not merely 'do,' but 'be doers' systematically and continually, as your regular business. James again refers to the sermon on the mount (Matt 7:21-29).

–JFB

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. –Matthew 7:21-29

The word "be ye" has the meaning of "keep on becoming", so this is indicative of a process.  Everything in the Salvation Process is a process.  Being a doer of the Word does not mean performing human works but is talking about allowing God to perform in and through you by the power of the Holy Spirit.  See our paper on the two kinds of works mentioned in the Bible.  To build the character of Christ, one must work.  All the elements of the Salvation Process are about the firstfruit taking action by power of the Holy Spirit.  They include keeping the Law, invoking the power of the Holy Spirit, overcoming sin  helping in the spread of the Gospel.  This is being a doer.

Lessons 36: Instructions
 
 1) Be a hearer AND a doer of the Word of God.

 2) Understand the difference between physical works and spiritual works.

 3) Obey God.

 4) Be a performance Christian.  Allow Christ to live in and through you.

[Pure religion] On the word here rendered "religion" threeskeia (NT:2356), see the notes at Col 2:18 [see below]. It is used here evidently in the sense of piety [Religious devotion and reverence to God.], or as we commonly employ the word religion. The object of the apostle is to describe what enters essentially into religion; what it will do when it is properly and fairly developed. The phrase "pure religion" means that which is genuine and sincere, or which is free from any improper mixture.

Commentary on Colossians 2:18:  The word rendered here "worship"-threeskeia (NT:2356)-occurs in the New Testament only here, in Acts 26:5; and James 1:26-27, in each of which places it is rendered "religion." It means here the religion, or the spirit of humble reverence and devotion which is evinced by the angels; and this accords well with the meaning in James 1:26-27.

[And undefiled before God and the Father] That which God sees to be pure and undefiled. Rosenmuller supposes that there is a metaphor here taken from pearls or gems, which should be pure, or without stain.

Note: God wants our love, devotion, and reverence to Him to be pure and free from any improper mixture.

[Is this] That is, this enters into it; or this is religion such as God approves. The apostle does not say that this is the whole of religion, or that there is nothing else essential to it; but his general design clearly is, to show that religion will lead to a holy life, and he mentions this as a specimen, or an instance of what it will lead us to do.

 The things which he specifies here are in fact two:

(1) that pure religion will lead to a life of practical benevolence; and

(2) that it will keep us unspotted from the world. If these things are found, they show that there is true piety. If they are not, there is none.

Note: This is the great truth of the Salvation Process.  If one strives for pureness in their religion by fervency and full immersion into the Word of God, these fruits, exampled in the discourse as visiting the fatherless and widow will follow as a result.

[To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction] To go to see, to look after, to be ready to aid them. This is an instance or specimen of what true religion will do, showing that it will lead to a life of practical benevolence. It may be remarked in respect to this:

(1) that this has always been regarded as an essential thing in true religion; because

(a) it is thus an imitation of God, who is "a father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows in his holy habitation," (Ps 68:5); and who has always revealed himself as their friend, Deut 10:18; 14:29; Ps 10:14; 82:3; Isa 1:17; Jer 7:7; 49:11; Hos 14:3.

(b) Religion is represented as leading its friends to do this, or this is required everywhere of those who claim to be religious, Isa 1:17; Deut 24:17; 14:29; Ex 22:22; Job 29:11-13.

(2) Where this disposition to be the real friend of the widow and the orphan exists, there will also exist other corresponding things which go to make up the religious character. This will not stand alone. It will show what the heart is, and prove that it will ever be ready to do good. If a man, from proper motives, is the real friend of the widow and the fatherless, he will be the friend of every good word and work, and we may rely on him in any and every way in doing good. –Barnes

Note: The examples of visiting the fatherless and widow are not trivial examples.  God has described Himself as the father of the fatherless and judge of the widows.  By inviting us to this action, He is purely inviting us into His bosom and into His kinship.  He is inviting us to imitate Him  This is high calling.  God has never done this before.  This is how He is building a Family. 

[To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction] Works of charity and mercy are the proper fruits of religion; and none are more especially the objects of charity and mercy than the orphans and widows. False religion may perform acts of mercy and charity; but its motives not being pure, and its principle being defiled, the flesh, self, and hypocrisy, spot the man, and spot his acts. True religion does not merely give something for the relief of the distressed, but it visits them, it takes the oversight of them, it takes them under its care; so episkeptesthai (NT:1960) [diligently] means. It goes to their houses, and speaks to their hearts; it relieves their wants, sympathizes with them in their distresses, instructs them in divine things, and recommends them to God. And all this it does for the Lord's sake. This is the religion of Christ. The religion that does not prove itself by works of charity and mercy is not of God. –Clarke

Note:  If a person's religion is impure, it will be found out.  True religion is diligent and goes beyond the simple gesture of mercy.  It is founded on one's character and the invoking of the Holy Spirit.  It is selfless and is often done with only God watching.

Pure religion and undefiled, [kathara (NT:2513)]. "Pure" is that love which has in it no foreign admixture-self-deceit and hypocrisy: [amiantos (NT:283)], "undefiled" is the means of its being "pure" (Tittmann). "Pure" expresses the positive, "undefiled" the negative side of religious service: as visiting the fatherless, etc., is the active, keeping himself unspotted from the world the passive side of religious duty. This is the nobler shape that our religious exercises take, instead of the ceremonial offices of the law. –JFB

Note:  Pure religion takes diligent action. When our focus is Christ, the Word of God and action invoked with diligence and perseverance we remain unspotted from the world.

Lessons 37: Instructions –
 
 1) Understand the meaning of pure and undefiled religion.
 2) Strive to keep your religion and its elements [love, service and diligence] pure...genuine and sincere, and free from any improper mixture.
 3) Imitate the character and actions of God and Christ.
 4) Visit the fatherless and the widow.  Give diligent and sustained service to them.  Speak to their heart, sympathize with their distress, instruct them in divine things and recommend them to God [by your words, actions and character].
 5) Focus on Christ and the Word of God and thus keep yourself unspotted from the world.

Commentary on James 4:10
 

[Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord] That is, be willing to take your appropriate place in the dust on account of your transgressions. This is to be "in the sight of the Lord," or before him. Our sins have been committed against him; and their principal aggravation, whoever may have been wronged by them, and great as is their criminality in other respects, arises from that consideration. Ps 51:4, "Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight." Luke 15:18, "I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee." As the Being against whom we have sinned is the only one who can pardon, it is proper that we should humble ourselves before him with [remorseful] confession. –Barnes

[Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord] In James 4:7 they were exhorted to submit to God; here they are exhorted to humble themselves in his sight. Submission to God's authority will precede humiliation of soul, and genuine repentance is performed as in the sight of God; for when a sinner is truly awakened to a sense of his guilt and danger, he seems to see, wherever he turns, the face of a justly-incensed God turned against him. –Clarke

In the sight of the Lord-as continually in the presence of Him who alone is to be exalted: the truest incentive to humility. The tree, to grow upwards, must strike its roots downward; so man, to be exalted, must have his mind deep-rooted in humility. In 1 Peter 5:6 [below], "Humble yourselves ... under the mighty hand of God"-namely, in His providential dealings: a distinct thought. –JFB

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord. Let the inward acts of the would be suitable to all those outward expressions of grief, affliction, and sorrow, before mentioned." Humility of spirit is here required, as in the sight of him who looks principally at the spirits of men. "Let there be a thorough humiliation in bewailing every thing that is evil; let there be great humility in doing that which is good: Humble yourselves."

We have great encouragement to act thus towards God: He will draw nigh to those that draw nigh to him (v. 8), and he will lift up those who humble themselves in his sight, v. 10. Those that draw nigh to God in a way of duty shall find God drawing nigh to them in a way of mercy. Draw nigh to him in faith, and trust, and obedience, and he will draw nigh to you for your deliverance. If there be not a close communion between God and us, it is our fault, and not his. –Matthew Henry

Note: The act of being humble is something done in close and personal relationship with God.  It is an element of character and of the heart.  A brother in the faith can perceive humbleness in another by his or her demeanor and comportment but it is only fully known by God.  The act of being humble is something we do before the throne of God.  This aspect of righteousness is closely related to the previous study in this series on James 1:27 and our actions with the fatherless and the widow.

Commentary on 1 Peter 5:6

[Humble yourselves therefore] Be willing to take a low place-a place such as becomes you. Do not arrogate to yourselves what does not belong to you; do not evince pride and haughtiness in your manner; do not exalt yourselves above others.  –Barnes

[Humble yourselves] Those who submit patiently to the dispensations of God's providence he lifts up; those who lift themselves up, God thrusts down. –Clarke

Likewise, ye younger, submit. The spirit of the elders is to be loving and deferential, an example making it easy and natural for the younger to follow. All are to be clothed (girded about) with humility, and thus to expect God's grace, which is both the cause and the result of humility.  –Wycliffe

"Let your minds, behaviour, garb, and whole frame, be adorned with humility, as the most beautiful habit you can wear; this will render obedience and duty easy and pleasant; but, if you be disobedient and proud, God will set himself to oppose and crush you; for he resisteth the proud, when he giveth grace to the humble." Observe,

Humility is the great preserver of peace and order in all Christian churches and societies; consequently pride is the great disturber of them, and the cause of most dissensions and breaches in the church. –Matthew Henry

Note: This is an important and foundational aspect of righteousness.  The commentary is correct; humility is what makes for harmony in the churches.  Because of the make-up of churches [See menu item 10 here], we know that this cannot be complete until the return of Christ, but all true firstfruits have their responsibility to develop this important trait as they move forward in the Salvation Process.

Lesson 38: Instructions –
 
 1) Develop humility in your life.

 2) Understand that humility is a trait that one does in sight of God.
 3) Understand that God does not tolerate pride in any form.  He puts it down.
 4) As you serve God in the church and in the Salvation Process, do all things in humility.
 5) Understand that God will exalt us in due time because of humility.

Be ye also patient:
 

[Be ye also patient] As the farmer is. In due time, as he expects the return of the rain, so you may anticipate deliverance from your trials. –Barnes

[Be ye also patient] Wait for God's deliverance, as ye wait for his bounty in providence. –Clarke
 

Patient-`long-suffering.'  –JFB
 

Be patient-bear your afflictions without murmuring, your injuries without revenge; and, though God should not in any signal manner appear for you immediately, wait for him. The vision is for an appointed time; at the end it will speak, and will not lie; therefore wait for it. It is but a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Let your patience be lengthened out to long suffering;" so the word here used, makrothymesate, signifies. When we have done our work, we have need of patience to stay for our reward. This Christian patience is not a mere yielding to necessity, as the moral patience taught by some philosophers was, but it is a humble acquiescence in the wisdom and will of God, with an eye to a future glorious recompense: Be patient to the coming of the Lord. And because this is a lesson Christians must learn, though ever so hard or difficult to the, it is repeated in v. 8, Be you also patient.  –Matthew Henry

Stablish your hearts:

[Stablish your hearts] Let your purposes and your faith be firm and unwavering. Do not become weary and fretful; but bear with constancy all that is laid upon you, until the time of your deliverance shall come. –Barnes

[Establish your hearts] Take courage; do not sink under your trials.  –Clarke

'How To' Instructions in Righteousness

Lesson 40: Be holy for God is holy.

Key verse:  1 Peter 1:15-16
But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
 

[But as he which hath called you is holy] The meaning here is, that the model or example in accordance with which they were to frame their lives, should be the character of that God who had called them into his kingdom. They were to be like him.
 

[So be ye holy in all manner of conversation] In all your conduct. The meaning is, that since God is holy, and we profess to be his followers, we also ought to be holy.

[Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy] Lev 11:44. This command was addressed at first to the Israelites, but it is with equal propriety addressed to Christians, as the professed people of God. The foundation of the command is, that they professed to be his people, and that as his people they ought to be like their God. Compare Mic 4:5. It is a great truth, that people everywhere will imitate the God whom they worship. They will form their character in accordance with his. They will regard what he does as right. They will attempt to rise no higher in virtue than the God whom they adore, and they will practice freely what he is supposed to do or approve. Hence, by knowing what are the characteristics of the gods which are worshipped by any people, we may form a correct estimate of the character of the people themselves; and, hence, as the God who is the object of the Christian's worship is perfectly holy, the character of His worshipers should also be holy. And hence, also, we may see that the tendency of true religion is to make people pure. As the worship of the impure gods of the pagan moulds the character of the worshippers into their image, so the worship of Yahweh moulds the character of His professed friends into His image, and they become like him.  –Barnes
 

[But as he which hath called you] Heathenism scarcely produced a god whose example was not the most abominable; their greatest gods, especially, were paragons of impurity; none of their philosophers could propose the objects of their adoration as objects of imitation. Here Christianity has an infinite advantage over paganism. God is holy, and he calls upon all who believe in him to imitate his holiness; and the reason why they should be holy is, that God who has called them is holy, 1 Peter 1:15.  –Clarke
 

As he which hath called you is holy. Christ's imminent return, the believer's precious hope, also is a strong incentive to holiness (1 John 3:3). For Christ is holy. Recall Peter's embarrassing realization of his own sinfulness and truancy when suddenly confronted by the risen Christ while fishing on the Sea of Galilee one morning (John 21:7). This was reminiscent of a similar realization when he had first been called by the Lord (Luke 5:8). Conversation. Better, deportment, manner of life. Be ye holy. This was a commandment very well known to all who knew the Pentateuch (Lev 11:44; 19:2; 20:7; cf. Matt 5:48).  –Wycliffe

Conversation, [anastrofee (NT:391)] - deportment, course of life: distinct from, but reflecting, one's internal nature. Christians are holy unto God by consecration; they must be so also in outward walk and behaviour.

Scripture is the source of all authority in questions of doctrine and practice.

Be ye holy; for I am. It is ME you have to do with. Ye are mine. We are too prone to have respect unto men (Calvin). Since I am the fountain of holiness, being holy in my essence, be ye zealous to partake of holiness, that ye may be as I am (Didymus). The creature is holy only in so far as it is sanctified by God. God, in giving the command, is willing to give also the power to obey, through the sanctifying Spirit (1 Peter 1:2).  –JFB

Lesson 40: Instructions – Be holy for God is holy
1) Know that our model of holiness is God.
2) Know the characteristics of God.  Imitate these characteristics.
3) Understand that the goal of the Salvation Process is for us to have the character of Christ and the holiness of God.
4) Know that all other gods [human, idols, objects] are not holy and cannot result in holiness in the firstfruit.
5) Know that your hope of Christ's return is a strong incentive to holiness.
6) Understand that "conversation" in the Bible means your deportment, conduct and course of life. 
7) Make your behaviour reflect His holiness.

8) Be zealous to partake of holiness.
9) We are holy in so far as we are sanctified by God.  We are sanctified as long as we remain in the Salvation Process.

'How To' Instructions in Righteousness

Lesson 41:

Be of one mind
Invoke compassion
Love the brethren
Be pitiful
Be courteous

Key verse:  1 Peter 3:8
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
 

Lesson 41: Instructions –
Be of one mind. Invoke compassion.  Love the brethren.  Be pitiful.  Be courteous.
 
 1) Be of one mind in the great points of faith [our 33 main doctrines, the plan of God, the Salvation Process, etc.]
 2) Acknowledge, understand and respect the PEBs of the brethren in the faith.
 3) Invoke compassion by entering into one another's feelings to understand their trials, sorrows and their PEBs.
 4) Love the brethren.
 5) Overcome anything that would defile our feelings of love and compassion for the brethren.
 6) Understand that the pureness of God cannot flow through a person who's religion is defiled.
 7) Be tender-hearted (pitiful) toward the brethren.
 8) Be courteous.  Be friendly-minded and kind to the brethren despite any differences.  Do not prefer one over another.

Be sober
[Be ye therefore sober] Serious; thoughtful; considerate. Let a fact of so much importance make a solemn impression on your mind, and preserve you from frivolity, levity, and vanity. See the word explained in the notes at 1 Tim 3:2. –Barnes
 

1 Tim 3:2 [referenced above]
[Sober] soofrona (NT:4998) Properly, a man of "a sound mind;" one who follows sound reason, and who is not under the control of passion. The idea is, that he should have his desires and passions well regulated. Perhaps the word "prudent" would come nearer to the meaning of the apostle than any single word which we have.
 

[Be ye therefore sober] Be sober, make a prudent and moderate rise of all you possess; and watch against all occasions of sin.  –Clarke
 

Sober, [soofroneesate (NT:4993)] - 'self-restrained.' The opposite duties to the sins, 1 Peter 4:3, are inculcated. "Sober," the opposite of "lasciviousness" (1 Peter 4:3).  –JFB

[Be you therefore sober] Let the frame and temper of your minds be grave, stayed, and solid; and observe strict temperance and sobriety in the use of all worldly enjoyments. Do not suffer yourselves to be caught with your former sins and temptations, v. 3. –Matthew Henry

Watch unto prayer

[And watch unto prayer] Be looking out for the end of all things in such a manner as to lead you to embrace all proper opportunities for prayer.  The word rendered watch, means to be sober [and] temperate, especially in respect to wine; then watchful, circumspect. The important truth, then, taught by this passage is, "that the near approach, of the end of all things should make us serious and prayerful."  –Barnes

[watch unto prayer] Pray for the supporting hand of God to be upon you for good, that ye may escape the destruction that is coming upon the Jews, and that ye may be saved from among them when the scourge comes.  –Clarke
 

Watch, [neepsate (NT:3525)] - 'be soberly vigilant;' not intoxicated with worldly cares and pleasures. Temperance promotes wakefulness; both promote prayer. Drink makes drowsy; drowsiness prevents prayer.

Prayer-Greek, 'prayers:' the end for which we should exercise vigilance.  –JFB

And watch unto prayer. Take care that you be continually in a calm sober disposition, fit for prayer; and that you be frequent in prayers, lest this end come upon you unawares," Luke 21:34; Matt 26:40-41. Learn,

(1.) The consideration of our approaching end is a powerful argument to make us sober in all worldly matters, and earnest in religious affairs.

(2.) Those who would pray to purpose must watch unto prayer. They must watch over their own spirits, watch all fit opportunities, and do their duty in the best manner they can.

(3.) The right ordering of the body is of great use to promote the good of the soul. When the appetites and inclinations of the body are restrained and governed by God's word and true reason, and the interests of the body are submitted to the interests and necessities of the soul, then it is not the soul's enemy, but its friend and helper.  –Matthew Henry

Lesson 42: Instructions – Be sober.  Watch with Prayer
 
 Be Sober
1] Be serious, thoughtful and considerate.
2] Follow sound reasoning. Possess and practice good theology.
3] Watch against all occasions of sin.  Be self-restrained.
4] Observe strict temperance and sobriety in the use of all worldly enjoyments.

Be Watchful Unto Prayer
1] Watch world events in light of Bible prophecy.
2] Pray for protection and courage in the end time.
3] Be vigilant and not distracted or blinded by worldly cares and pleasures.  Don't worry.
4] Remain calm and fit for prayer.
5] Pray frequently.  Constantly be looking for opportunities to pray.
6] Understand that the more you decrease as Christ, in you, increases, the more you will be watchful unto prayer.

'How To' Instructions in Righteousness

Lesson 43: Have...
faith
virtue
knowledge
temperance
patience
goodliness
brotherly kindness
love

Key verse:  2 Peter 1:1-8
Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 

Lesson 43: Instructions –

'How To' Instructions in Righteousness

Lesson 44: Make your calling and election sure

Key verse:  2 Peter 1:10
Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.

It is best to read the entire context of leading up to this passage: here
 

Lesson 44: Instructions – Make your Calling and Election sure.
 
 Diligence
1] Understand that Godly principles cannot flow in a heart and mind holding tainted and defiled religion.
2] Understand that without diligence, fervency and perseverance, we cannot attain the Kingdom of God and eternal life.
3] Become an expert at recognizing apostasy and false doctrine.
4] Stay fully immersed in the Word of God.

Calling
1] Understand that Godly Calling is the highest and greatest factor in the Salvation process and Plan of God.  Nothing in religion can be discussed without acknowledgment and understanding of Godly Calling.
2] Continually respond to your calling and your seeking of the will of God.
3] Understand the difference between "called" and "chosen."

Election
1] Understand what "election" is.
2] Understand that Godly calling and election are miracle processes.

Sure
1] Remain firm, steadfast and secure in your Godly Calling and the Salvation Process.
2] Continually invoke the power of the Holy Spirit in the form of Godly principles that become part of your character.
3] Be a willing instrument in the hands of God.

'How To' Instructions in Righteousness

Lesson 45:
Fear none of those things which you will suffer
Be faithful unto death

Key verse:  Rev 2:10
Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

Tied in with Isaiah 59 :16-17
And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. For he put on righteousness as a breastplate, and an helmet of salvation upon his head; and he put on the garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a cloke.
 

Fear none of those thing which thou shalt suffer:
 

[Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer] He did not promise them exemption from suffering. He saw that they were about to suffer, and he specifies the manner in which their affliction would occur. But he entreats and commands them not to be afraid. They were to look to the "crown of life," and to be comforted with the assurance that if they were faithful unto death, that would be, theirs. We need not dread suffering if we can hear the voice of the Redeemer encouraging us, and if he assures us that in a little while we shall have the crown of life. –Barnes
 

[Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer] This may be addressed particularly to Polycarp, if he was at that time the Bishop of this church. He had much to suffer; and was at last burnt alive at Smyrna, about the year of our Lord 166. We have a very ancient account of his martyrdom, which has been translated by Cave, and is worthy of the reader's perusal. That account states that the Jews were particularly active in this martyrdom, and brought the fagots [bundles of twigs and sticks], etc., by which he was consumed [burned]. Such persons must indeed have been of the synagogue of Satan. –Clarke

[Fear none of these things] This is not only a word of command, but of efficacy [effectiveness], no, only forbidding slavish [characteristic of a slave-being a slave to] fear, but subduing it and furnishing the soul with strength and courage. –Matthew Henry

We have no promise of God that there will not be any suffering as a firstfruit.  There will be suffering.  However, God commands that we look beyond the suffering to the promise of eternal life and the Kingdom of God.  If we do this, the suffering will have little power.  We are not to allow ourselves to be a slave to fear or anything negative.

Be faithful unto death:
 

[Be thou faithful unto death] Implying, perhaps, that though, in regard to the church, the affliction would be brief, yet that it might be fatal to some of them, and they who were thus about to die should remain faithful to their Saviour until the hour of death. In relation to all, whether they were to suffer a violent death or not, the same injunction and the same promise was applicable. It is true of everyone who is a Christian, in whatever manner he is to die, that if he is faithful unto death, a crown of life awaits him.  –Barnes

[Be thou faithful unto death] Be firm, hold fast the faith, confess Christ to the last, and at all hazards, and thou shalt have a crown of life-thou shalt be crowned with life, have an eternal happy existence, though thou suffer a temporal death. It is said of Polycarp that when brought before the judge, and commanded to abjure and blaspheme Christ, he firmly answered, "Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never did me wrong, how then can I blaspheme my king who hath saved me?" He was then adjudged to the flames, and suffered cheerfully for Christ his Lord and Master. –Clarke

The promise of eternal life comes with the admonition and the command to remain faithful to the end.  Let nothing, not even fear of death allow you to disavow Christ.  Do not let any man take your crown.  Do not allow false doctrine and false teachers lead you astray.

Isaiah 59:16-17:

[And his righteousness, it sustained him] Sustained by the consciousness that he was doing right, he went forward against all opposition, and executed his plan. This is language derived from the mode of speaking among people, and it means that as a man who is engaged in a righteous cause is sustained amidst much opposition by the consciousness of integrity, so it is with God. The cause of redemption is the great cause of righteousness on earth. In this cause the Redeemer was sustained by the consciousness that he was engaged in that which was designed to vindicate the interests of truth and justice, and to promote righteousness throughout the universe.

[For he put on righteousness] That is, God the Redeemer. The prophet here introduces him as going forth to vindicate his people clad like an ancient warrior. In the declaration that he 'put on righteousness,' the essential idea is, that he was pure and holy. The same image is used by the prophet in another figure in Isaiah 11:5  –Barnes

The concept of putting on righteousness is what this whole Bible study is about.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, Christ lives in and through us.  The good works, in the form of Godly principles are produced by Christ in us.  This is putting on righteousness.  So clothed, we do not fear what man can do to us.  We do not fear sorrows, trials and persecution.  We have our eyes on the Kingdom of God promised to those who remain in righteousness unto the end [our death or the return of Jesus Christ].  If a firstfruit is IN the Salvation Process, he or she is justified and clothed in righteousness.

Lesson 45: Instructions – Be faithful unto death.  Fear none of those things which you will suffer.
 
 1) Understand that God has not promised us a life free of suffering.
 2) Follow God's command to keep your eye on the Kingdom and the crown of life.
 3) Fear none of the things that you might suffer.
 4) Do not allow yourself to be a slave to anything negative.
 5) Remain faithful to God and your Salvation Process unto the end.
 6) Let no man take your crown.  Do not allow false doctrine or false teachers.
 7) Put on righteousness...that is, God the Redeemer.

'How To' Instructions in Righteousness

Lesson 46:

Remember what you have received and heard [from the Word of God].
Hold fast.
Repent.

Key verse:  Rev. 3:3
Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.
 

This portion of scripture is from the letter to the Sardis church.  Their works were not perfect before the Lord and they are being admonished.  This situation is being experienced in the Body of Christ to this day and the correction is for us, as well as those in the first century church.  This is an admonition to turn from backsliding.

Remember what you have received and heard
[And heard] How thou didst hear the gospel in former times; that is, with what earnestness and attention thou didst embrace it. This would rather seem to imply that the reference in the whole passage is to the fact that they embraced the gospel with great ardor and zeal. – Barnes
 

[Remember] Enter into a serious consideration of your state.

[How thou hast received] With what joy, zeal, and gladness ye heard the Gospel of Christ when first preached to you. –Clarke

The admonition is compound.  We must examine ourselves constantly.  We must remember what we have heard from the Word of God.  We must hold on to it.  We must exhibit the same zeal and fervency we had the first time we were called.

Hold fast

[And hold fast]

(1) Hold fast the truths which thou didst then receive;

(2) hold fast what remains of true religion among you. – Barnes

[Hold fast] Those good desires and heavenly influences which still remain. –Clarke

Sardis had lost some of the things they learned and are being encouraged to hold on to what they have left.  We may be in a better state than they as we have their situation as an example not to lose anything.  We are to hold fast what we have learned and not allow anyone to take it away with false doctrines and teachings.

Repent

[And repent] Repent in regard to all that in which you have departed from your views and feelings when you embraced the gospel. – Barnes

[And repent.] Be humbled before God, because ye have not been workers together with him, but have received much of his grace in vain. –Clarke

Repent if you feel you have lost anything you have been taught.  Repent of backsliding and continue to move forward in the Salvation Process.

Lesson 46: Instructions –
Remember what you have received and heard [from the Word of God].  Hold fast.  Repent
 
 1) Examine yourself daily to ascertain your spiritual state...whether you remain in the Salvation Process.
 2) Keep in mind and constantly study what you have heard from the Word of God.
 3) Maintain your joy, zeal, gladness and fervency.  Accomplish this by staying immersed in the Word of God.
 4) Repent immediately at any sign of backsliding.
 5) Understand the difference between backsliding and falling away.
 6) Recapture and/or hold onto your first love.

Lesson 47: Do not partake in the sins of the world

Key verse:  Revelation 18:4
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
 

[Come out of her, my people] The reasons for this, as immediately stated, are two:

(a) that they might not participate in her sins; and

(b) that they might not be involved in the ruin that would come upon her. The language seems to be derived from such passages in the Old Testament as the following: "Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing," Isa 48:20. "Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and deliver every man his soul; be not cut off in her iniquity," Jer 51:6. "My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the Lord," Jer 51:45. Compare Jer 1:8.

[That ye be not partakers of her sins] It is implied here that by remaining in Babylon they would lend their sanction to its sins by their presence, and would, in all probability, become contaminated by the influence around them. This is a universal truth in regard to iniquity, and hence it is the duty of those who would be pure to come out from the world, and to separate themselves from all the associations of evil.  –Barnes

The word, "partaker" means:

–to share in company with
–to co-participate in
–to communicate (have fellowship) with
–to be partaker of

This scripture paints the picture of Lot and his family leaving Sodom.  They did not partake nor have fellowship with the sins of that city.  They came out of her, so as to not partake in its destruction.  Lot's wife made the mistake of looking back which was symbolic of being a co-participant.  She was turned to salt.  God does not allow Himself anywhere near sin.  He does not like to look upon sin.  We are to be the same.

See study on Ezekiel 18:31: Overcome sin.
See study on Romans 12:2: Be not conformed to this World
See study on 1 Thessalonians 5:22: Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Lesson 47: Instructions – Do not partake in the sins of the world
 
 1) Do not partake in the sins and ways of the world.
 2) Attain a level of not looking upon sin, whether in the world or the sins of others.
 3) Do not allow sin or anything negative to contaminate your thinking or your presence in the Salvation Process.
 4) Understand the levels of destruction that will come upon the world because of its ways.