THE CALL TO HOLY CONSECRATION: SEPARATION FROM DEGRADATION AND DEFILEMENT By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:17-18
"Therefore, 'Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. And I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty."
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INTRODUCTION
The call to holiness is a divine mandate that requires believers to separate themselves from the degradation and defilement of the world. In the current times, many have given themselves over to rebellion, allowing demons to dictate their actions, leading them further into darkness. God desires that His people be consecrated, dedicated, and wholly committed to Him. This study explores the importance of maintaining spiritual purity, the dangers of spiritual laziness, and the call to be a beacon of righteousness in a world filled with deception.
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THE DANGER OF SPIRITUAL LAZINESS
Proverbs 13:4 – "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied."
Many believers today have become spiritually lazy, expecting others to carry them both naturally and spiritually. Such individuals refuse to take responsibility for their spiritual growth, making them vulnerable to deception. Those who fail to actively pursue righteousness will eventually be overtaken by demonic influences, leading them into degradation and defilement.
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THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL INTO DARKNESS
Romans 1:21-22 – "For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools."
When individuals ignore God’s warnings and choose to follow the voice of darkness, they begin a downward spiral into sin and destruction. The world promotes rebellion against God’s order, convincing people that they can live without divine restraint. However, this deception only leads them further into bondage and eventual damnation.
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THE CONSEQUENCES OF REJECTING GOD’S CALL
Isaiah 5:20 – "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."
When people reject God’s commandments, they invite destruction into their lives. Many today ridicule righteousness, preferring to embrace sin and deception. This rejection of truth leads to spiritual blindness, making individuals incapable of recognizing the dangers that surround them. The Holy Spirit continually calls people to repentance, but those who ignore His voice will ultimately face the consequences of their rebellion.
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THE CALL TO HOLY CONSECRATION
1 Peter 1:15-16 – "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’"
Believers are called to separate themselves from the ways of the world and to dedicate themselves fully to God. This means rejecting sin, refusing to conform to the patterns of the world, and embracing a lifestyle of righteousness. True holiness requires effort and discipline, but it leads to spiritual fulfillment and eternal reward.
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THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BELIEVERS IN DARK TIMES
Matthew 5:14-16 – "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
As children of God, believers are called to be the salt and light in a dark world. This means exposing the works of darkness, standing firm in truth, and living lives that reflect the glory of God. Those who remain faithful to God’s commands will not be overcome by the deception of the enemy but will shine as beacons of righteousness.
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SUMMARY
The world is rapidly descending into spiritual decay as many reject God’s ways in favor of sin and deception. However, believers are called to a higher standard of holiness, refusing to be tainted by the corruption of the age. Spiritual laziness and complacency can lead to destruction, but those who diligently seek God will remain strong and victorious.
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CONCLUSION
God desires His people to be separate from the sin and defilement that pervade the world. Those who choose to follow Him must be diligent in their pursuit of holiness, refusing to conform to the darkness around them. By remaining faithful, believers can walk in divine protection, spiritual fulfillment, and eternal reward.
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CALL TO ACTION
Make a conscious decision every day to pursue righteousness and reject the ways of the world. Spend time in prayer, study the Word of God, and be vigilant against the deceptions of the enemy. Be a light in the darkness, exposing evil and standing firm in truth.
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FINAL WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
It is a privilege to be redeemed by the blood of Jesus and to walk in the light of His truth. Though the world may be filled with darkness, God’s people have the assurance of His presence and protection. Stay faithful, remain vigilant, and continue to press forward in righteousness.
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SALVATION PRAYER
If you have not yet surrendered your life to Christ, now is the time to make that decision. Pray this prayer from your heart:
Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your mercy. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son, that He died for my sins, and that He rose again on the third day. I repent of my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I invite Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and help me to live a life that pleases You. Thank You for saving me and making me Your child. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
