CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING SPIRITUALLY: EXCRETION

Excretion is the process by which the body removes waste products of metabolism and the system that is responsible is called the excretory system.

The human body produces waste in the process of living and performing its functions. This waste has to be removed in an efficient and regular manner for if allowed to remain it will accumulate and lead to harmful consequences, breaking down the body and ultimately resulting in death.

In similar manner the spiritually alive person must pay diligence to ridding himself of those things that may prove not only harmful but fatal to spiritual life.

The body’s defense mechanism together with the excretory system is also responsible for removing poisonous stuff, invading toxins etc.

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21 KJV

  

"Dirty clothes don’t automatically come off just because you realize they are dirty. They will only come off if you do something to remove them! People are inwardly changed, but their old thinking patterns have become a bad habit. Therefore, they still wear those old, filthy attitudes, even though those negative attitudes are no longer consistent with the clean, new condition of their inner man." Renner

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: Colossians 3:5-6 KJV

Galatians 5:19-21 KJV   Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20   Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21   Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 KJV   9   Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10   Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Ephesians 5:3-7 KJV   But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;  4   Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.  5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  6   Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.  7   Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

PHYSICAL EXCRETION	SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTIC	SCRIPTURE/COMMENTS
Substances that are toxic to the body can either invade from outside or be produced in the body and can be harmful to the body or even fatal.	Spiritually harmful invasions can be from evil forces and influences or produced as a result of the sin nature in man. The result can be serious or fatal. Romans 7:23-24 KJV  But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.  24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?	1 Peter 5:8 KJV  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: James 1:14-15 KJV But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.  15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
There must be a mechanism in place to neutralize and get rid of the waste and toxins that can harm the body.  The excretion process involves breaking down, detoxifying and elimination of the waste products and other substances that are harmful to the body.	God has provided mechanisms for the Christian to fight and defend against external and internal spiritual toxins. 2 Corinthians 10:3-4 KJV 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:  4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)	James 4:7 KJV Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Romans 6:6-7 KJV  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Many things that we take in physically may seem nice, good, and acceptable but our bodies immediately scream danger and go to work at eliminating the danger.	As we walk in the Lord we will encounter many things that appear innocent and harmless but if they succeed in enticing and draw us away from God we need to get rid of them. Sin can be made to appear attractive to the one being tempted.	Proverbs 1:10-15 KJV My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.  11  If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:  12  Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:  13  We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:  14  Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:  15  My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

We are exhorted to live a life of abstinence

1 Peter 2:11-12 KJV  Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;  12  Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

We are exhorted to live a life of vigilance

1 Peter 5:8-9 KJV Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:  9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

We are exhorted to live a life of diligence

2 Peter 3:9-14 KJV The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  10  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  11  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  12  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?  13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.  14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

We are exhorted to a life of obedience

1 Peter 1:13-16 KJV Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:  15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;  16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LIVING SPIRITUALLY: GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Proper nutrition and respiration along with appropriate exercise generally result in physical growth and development.  In humans growth and development occur both physically and mentally.

The growth and development in the corporate body of Christ is a result of the work of the God given ministry to the church

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52 KJV  

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11 KJV 

Psalms 1:1-6 KJV Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.  3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.  5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.  6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Colossians 2:6-10 KJV As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.  8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.  10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Ephesians 4:11-16 KJV  And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;  12  For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  13  Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

There is much we can talk about concerning growth and development. We will however restrict ourselves to a few obvious and not so obvious ones.

 

PHYSICAL GROWTH/DEVELOPMENT	SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTIC	SCRIPTURE/COMMENTS
Physical growth occurs when the body cells which are produced from the basic stem cells, increase and develop to become specialized for the task to which they are assigned.	A saint of God also grows as he allows the Word to be applied to his life molding and shaping him for that which God requires of Him	Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:1-3 KJV
Bones grow and support the overall structure of the body giving it its general shape Muscles which are attached to bones also grow with proper food and exercise and contribute towards body shape.	Sound doctrine is essential to sound growth. Sound doctrine gives structure and definition to the body of Christ. It also   separates the true believer from the false and is vitally	But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 KJV
Mental development and growth  is vital for the proper maturity and functioning of the individual	A believer is not supposed to be static but is expected to increase in maturity and wisdom as he devotes time to studying and practicing of the Word.	Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:13-16 KJV
Exercise of the body and senses is essential to growth and development of the person	If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32 KJV	For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:13-14 KJV

EXERCISING OF THE SENSES IS ESSENTIAL TO GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SAME.

Hebrews 5:13-6:3 KJV For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.  14 but strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.  6:1  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,  2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.  3   And this will we do, if God permit.

DESIRE FOR GROWTH CAN BE HINDERED, SUFFOCATED OR DESTROYED BY VICES SUCH AS MALICE, GUILE HYPOCRISY, ENVY AND ALL EVIL SPEAKING. 1 Peter 2:1-3 KJV  Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,  2   As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:  3  If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

GODLINESS IS THE GOAL OF SPIRITUAL WORKOUT. PROFANE AND OLD WIVES FABLES ARE A NEGATIVE EXERCISE FORM.

But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 1 Timothy 4:7-9 KJV

GODLINESS IS A VITAL PART OF THE OF THE PROGRESSIVE BUILD UP IN THE SPIRITUAL MAN TO THE APEX OF LOVE

 2 Peter 1:5-8 KJV  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;  6  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;  7  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

CHASTENING IS A FORM OF EXERCISE THAT MAY WELL FIT THE SLOGAN: “NO PAIN NO GAIN!"

Hebrews 12:11-16 KJV Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.  12   Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;  13  And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.  14   Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:  15   Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;  16  Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.

  

Jude 1:20-21 KJV   But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,  21   Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.