TO BE OR NOT TO BE

Hebrews 6:1–2 KJV 1900

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Hebrews 6:3 KJV 1900

And this will we do, if God permit.

"Be"

The commands of the Lord are always imperative.

They leave no choice with us, but to choose His choice.

1. "Be Holy."

1 Peter 1:15–16 KJV 1900

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

The reasons are, "Because" God is "Holy," and because He calls us to this devoted life in separation to Him.

2. "Be Perfect."

2 Corinthians 13:11 KJV 1900

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

"Perfect" means to be in joint, to be adjusted, and is used of nets being mended—

Matthew 4:21 KJV 1900

And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

of being "joined together"

1 Corinthians 1:10 KJV 1900

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

and of one being restored to what he was before.

Galatians 6:1 KJV 1900

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

3. "Be Still"

Psalm 46:10 KJV 1900

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

The secret of knowing God is to be still in humbleness before Him, and let every voice but His be hushed.

4. "Be Sober."

1 Peter 5:8 KJV 1900

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

"Be sober," that is, hold oneself in hand, so that others shall not take us unawares—1 Pet. 5:8.

5. "Be Faithful"

Revelation 2:10 KJV 1900

Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

When faith and love burn within the temple of our being, faithfulness will characterize the life.

6. "Be Clean."

Isaiah 52:11 KJV 1900

Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; Go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.

"Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord" (Isa. 52:11). If the heart of the inner life is clean the hand of outward service will correspond.

7. "Be Filled" in the Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 KJV 1900

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

This is the most essential, for when the Spirit pervades the being, the atmosphere of His presence will be known.