Do not live as the Gentiles do? What does that mean? Look around at the culture we live in here in America. A culture where abortion ( the murder of babies ) is mostly being used as a form of birth control. Gay marriage and the homosexual lifestyle is an accepted norm. Society overall is self centered and driven by the selfish ambitions of all. Even in the body of Christ we see this philosophy creeping in, a philosophy of tollorance and compromise. God has called each person to a life of purity and holiness. That is what Paul means when he says not to live as the Gentiles do. The unbelievers in the world live in a willful disobedience to God. They refuse to acknowledge God through the hardness of their hearts. When they set their hearts upon the gratification of their lusts, what can be expected but the most abominable sensuality and lewdness, and that their horrid enormities will abound? This is the character of the worldly.
We are not to live this way. In vs22 it says "throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception." You are set apart for holiness and purity. Your desires are to be the desires of God. What are the desires of God. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Pastor Patrick
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