Therefore (4/4)

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from… 2 Corinthians 7:1

Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Corinthians 7:1	Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from anything that can defile flesh or spirit, and thereby make our holiness perfect in the fear of God. purification holiness awe
“Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’” And he said, “‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” Matthew 19:4-6	He replied, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female’ and said: ‘That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two become one flesh’? And so they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” marriage sexuality creation

So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11	Therefore, brethren, be diligent in providing a firm foundation for your call and election. If you do this, you will never stumble, and you will receive a glorious welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. calling obedience kingdom
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12	As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. humility gentleness patience
Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. 2 Corinthians 5:14-15	For the love of Christ urges us forward, once we conclude that one has died for all, and therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might no longer live for themselves, but for him who for their sakes died and was raised to life. love life resurrection
You are my rock and my fortress. For the honor of your name, lead me out of this danger. Psalm 31:3	You are truly my rock and my fortress; for the sake of your name, lead and guide me. God worship life
When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. John 19:30	When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Jesus Spirit easter
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. Psalm 28:7	The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart places its trust in him. He has helped me, and I exult; then with my song I praise him. trust worship strength
When a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong. Ecclesiastes 8:11	Because the sentence for committing an evil act is not carried out quickly, people’s hearts are prone to act wickedly. sin heart punishment
How great you are, O Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you! 2 Samuel 7:22	How great you are, Lord God! There is no one like you, and there is no God except you alone, as everything that we have heard confirms. God worship
For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. Romans 3:20	For no one can be regarded as justified in the sight of God by keeping the Law. The Law brings only the consciousness of sin. sin law righteousness
But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. Acts 12:5	While Peter was thus imprisoned, the Church prayed fervently to God for him. prayer neighbor dependence
So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. Hebrews 4:9-10	Therefore, a Sabbath rest still remains for the people of God, since those who enter into God’s rest also cease from their own labors as God did from his. sabbath rest work
We love each other because he loved us first. 1 John 4:19	Therefore, we love because he first loved us. love God
I don’t want you to die, says the Sovereign Lord. Turn back and live! Ezekiel 18:32	I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God. Repent and live! conversion death eternal life
So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 1 Thessalonians 5:6	So we must not fall asleep as the others do, but we must stay alert and sober. safety self-control end times
Then the Lord God said, “Look, the human beings have become like us, knowing both good and evil. What if they reach out, take fruit from the tree of life, and eat it? Then they will live forever!” So the Lord God banished them from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made. Genesis 3:22-23	The Lord God said, “Behold, man has become like one of us, for he has knowledge of that which is good and that which is evil. Now, we must prevent him from reaching out and taking the fruit of the tree of life lest he eat it and live forever.” The Lord God cast him out of the Garden of Eden; henceforth he was to labor tilling the soil from which he had come. eternal life sin life
Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Ephesians 6:14-16	Stand firm, then, with the belt of truth fastened around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness clothing you, and with your feet shod in zeal to proclaim the gospel of peace. In all circumstances, hold in your hand the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. truth righteousness evangelism
So refuse to worry, and keep your body healthy. But remember that youth, with a whole life before you, is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 11:10	Banish grief from your heart and ignore the sufferings of your body, for youth and the prime of life are fleeting. sadness worrying heart
“All right then,” Joshua said, “destroy the idols among you, and turn your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” Joshua 24:23	He continued, “Then put away the foreign gods from among you. Bend your heart to the Lord, the God of Israel.” idols heart purification
Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority. Romans 13:7	Pay to each person what is rightfully his—taxes to the one to whom taxes are due, tolls to the one to whom tolls are due, respect to the one to whom respect is due, honor to the one to whom honor is due. honesty money awe
As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me. Micah 7:7	But as for me, I will look to the Lord. I place my hope in God my savior; my God will hear me. hope salvation listening
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. Proverbs 4:7	The beginning of wisdom is: acquire wisdom, and no matter what the cost, acquire understanding. wisdom understanding
When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. Matthew 6:2	Therefore, whenever you give alms, do not trumpet your generosity, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets in order to win the praise of others. Amen, I say to you, they have already received their reward. humility reward giving
I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. Galatians 3:5	Does God give you the Spirit and work mighty deeds among you because you have kept the Law or because you believed what you have heard? law Spirit listening