Christian Habits

"Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." (II Corinthians 7:1)

"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (I Corinthians 6:20)

Often we forget that we have a spirit. That spirit can have filthiness. St. Paul had a sound understanding of the truths of God. He understood the creation of God very well. He followed the truths of the Scripture. If we are not able to understand properly it is because of the filthiness of the spirit. As long as the Israelites were in Egypt there was filthiness of the spirit in them as well as filthiness of the body. The filthiness of the spirit was removed when they sprinkled the blood of the Lamb on the lintel and door-posts. Their eyes were opened. Their courage was restored. Idolatrous people are full of such filthiness. A man may be a great person but he cannot understand the truths of Christ. He cannot see the love of God on the Cross. Is there filthiness in you? Heathen practices are carried out in your homes. So you will not have understanding. Heathen traditions like worshipping of ancestors, spirits, parents and offering incense etc. bring filthiness of the spirit. Anything that is not according to the Word of God will bring filthiness of the spirit.

Certain bad habits hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in people. Drinking, smoking, filthy jokes which is not right in the presence of God are such habits. Ephesians 5th Chapter speaks about this. Whatever it may be, God says that every converted man must reach the apostolic state. Luther was able to come to that level. There was much filth of the flesh and spirit in the Roman Catholic practices in the church. Luther maintained the standard of the holiness of the apostles. That is not easy. We need great grace to maintain holiness. Luther's steadfastness was due to the fact that he understood the Word and obeyed the Word.

Some of our habits hinder us. We must have proper Christian habits. A man who gets up at 8 A.M. or 10 A.M. will not grow spiritually. In your eating and in your dressing--- be careful. You must not wear a dress that was used by wicked men and women. If you ask for the mantle of Elijah or godly people, it will bring a blessing. A woman touched the garment of Jesus and was healed. Anything or anyone that has contact with God will bring blessing. Don't go on talking to an ungodly person. You get filthiness of the spirit.