It was an awesome time in God's presence today I must say. My time was very well spent. Today's teachings made me understand certain behavioral attitudes we put up as believers, that Christ is not happy about. A lot of times as believer we feel God will pay less attention to the little mistakes we make.
Many times as believers, we tend to act ignorantly and put up attitudes that make people question our faith. Just as Bro Eli said in today's teaching, there are a lot of things we should do without waiting for anyone to tell us to do them, especially when they're as morally right and justifiable. Wisdom demands that we should do what is right without being persuaded. Just the same way nobody needs to tell us to eat when we are hungry, we also need not be cajoled to do what is right.
Paul the Apostle stated clearly in this passage, that he knew the people will do what he had admonished them to do and beyond. This means that Paul trusted their obedience and believed that they are mature enough to do other things that are right before God and mankind, even if he did not mention them in his letter to them.
A clear example is "THAT SHALL NOT SMOKE". this is not clearly stated in the scriptures as part of the commandments or a sin. But we are very much aware of the damage that smoking brings to our hearts and lungs. It is then expedient that anyone who desires to have a healthy heart must stay away from anything that brings damage to the heart, including smoking.
Secondly, I learned that as a believer in Christ I must be a man of my word. Honoring words that come out of our mouths to either God or man is of great necessity. If the word of God is God, then my words should represent me.
This Scripture makes it clear that we should always honor our words. Making vows or promises to God or man without fulfilling them is not a kingdom principle. I understood that it is better to be quiet than to make vows or promises we intend not to fulfill. The Bible says in 2 Cor 1:20 "So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. Amp"
If we are the image of God, which we are, then the words that go out of our mouths should also not return empty. Today's teaching brought a renewing to my mind and refreshing to my spirit.