Romans
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Part 3.
Carleton, When I speak of demonic influence, I mean that literally!! I'm not name calling. Yes, I believe in that and I believe in demons also. There is no Holy kiss for that person!! This Holy kiss of acceptance is to and for the Brothern.
Romans 12:9 says Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Abhor means to detest, or to feel abhorrence of; hate; dislike intensely.
When someone doesn't hold the truth that's one thing, but when someone stands in the way of the preaching of the cross of Christ that's another and it's evil. That's not a brother.
Look at Paul in Philippians 3:2. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
Paul calls them the enemies of the cross of Christ. And he says to MARK them! Philippians 3:17-19.
How do you reconcile these scriptures?
1 Corinthians 5:6-13.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Listen to Paul in Titus 2:15. To rebuke someone is to admonish or convict. convince one of a fault. "This is from brother to Brother. Him you kiss, not an enemy of the cross of Christ.
We have those amongst us that promote a legalistic means of Justification that the scriptures identifies them as "Enemies of the cross of Christ." The scripture doesn't say greet them with an Holy kiss. In fact it says "Mark them which walk so"
However atleast they promote righteous living! They're just not justified before God in their efforts without a rebirth.
This person here in question, for the past three years or so doesn't promote righteous living at all! And they don't promote the acceptance of the work of Christ on the Cross as THE means for salvation! Would you say he's a Brother?
See Part 4.
Luke 6:40] The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.
John 17:23] I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
After:
Acts 3:16] And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
Romans 12:2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1st Cor 2:6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
1st Cor 1:10] 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.
Philippians 3:15] Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
Col 1:28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
2nd Timothy 3:17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Hebrews 13:20] Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
[21] Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Amen, when the preacher behind the pulpit does not believe in perfection, neither will the church. The man of God has to be perfect, unlike what we hear today unbelief.
There is no end of the world.
Ephesians 3:21 .... world without end ...
We get mixed up all the time, because our old mind hasn't totally BEEN RENEWED to the mind of Christ.
The end of the world is one example.
The end of the world (age) (in the fullness of time) came when Christ was resurrected, he said: Behold, I make all things new.
Probably a more accurate translation would be the end of the AGE, or the fullness of time.
The 1000 year reign with Christ is NOW, running parallel, with this age, but we are not of this age, because in the fullness of time we became a new creation.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this age, be be ye TRANSFORMED by the RENEWING (all things have become new) of your mind.
He give us the parable of the seed, Christ, being the SEED.
The corn plant was the example.
If you plant a corn SEED in the ground, that SEED will DIE, and a green plant will emerge, that looks nothing like the SEED that was planted.
That plant grows and as it matures it slowly begins to naturally die, then the SEED is harvested by the farmer, and the good SEED is put in the barn.
It's put in the barn to be used as FOOD and for REPLANTING.
This is exactly what happen to the new new creation.
Christ the SEED, DIED, and was raised up, the green plant raised up with Christ (you and I), looks nothing like the SEED, but when we become mature (by the words of God), God sends the angels and they harvest us, our body that brought the SEED to maturity, is no longer needed, it goes back to the ground it came from, and the SEED goes back to the barn to be used as FOOD and REPLANTING SEED.
The OLD saints, now chariots of fire, and all that have been harvested in the last 2000 years, have become SEED for eating and replanting, they are workers in God's vineyard, all called at different hours of the day, they are causing you to mature and become a SEED.
Matthew 20:1-10
Isaiah 59:21
Isaiah 66:15
2 Kings 6:17
God Bless YOU!
1 Corinthians 13:12 states: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. This relates to our perception of Christ; but also of course in glory we will see other saints in their eternal bodies as well for the first time. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says: But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
For now we do get glimpses; should we take the time to discern them of the Holy Spirit uniquely working in each true saint of God.
In physical appearance we still may look the same at least to the world to our early life when we were still in the world. Our identity is in Christ if indeed we are saved; and we are being transformed by the renewing of our minds ( Romans 12:2). Glorification will give us bodies it would seem like Christ when He could go through walls or doors ( John 20:19); we will be able to eat and drink ( Rev. 19:9; compare with Luke 24:42-43; and Mark 14:25). We will also rule and reign with Christ after returning with Him at Armageddon ( Rev. 19:14; Rev. 2:26-27).
Having no more suffering as promised in Revelation 21:4 and no more death certainly is an encouraging throught. I would submit that understanding the reasons for all of our earthly struggles may be even more poignant than understanding the suffering itself. We can take heart that Christ has His church as a reward; and we also can rejoice (or should) in one another and the time on earth invested in the Body of Christ as well as helping to fulfill the Great Commission. Again; it is rewards that are the variable that we are to strive for as seen in 1 Cor. 9:24-27. I am convinved many who receieve great rewards are relatively unknown at present praying in their closet; giving secretly to missions and serving under the radar. God sees the heart (see Heb. 4:12).
When David wrote in Psalm 119 that he loved the law; it was not necessarily for the regulations itself; at least to the main theme; but it was the nature of God and His righteousness where knowing the Lord personally; such statements could be made. Isaiah 30:10 is a warning that people wanted to hear smooth things; and that reminds us that we can't selectively pick verses that seem encouraging to us. We also have to look at such texts as 1 John 4. Verse 12 shows that we must love one another; but further inspection on this and the entire book of 1 John shows what agape love is; it has to be a perfect love and goes against the flesh where people in the flesh tend to pick and choose who they love. (see 1 John 3:15-16). We could say the same thing in a subject like prosperity. God promised Abraham would become great; and blessed him greatly with possessions. Nonetheless; the cost of this was having to wander around as a nomad in what would become eventually the territory of the Promised Land.
Again; in regard to the law it is actually held to a greater standard in the New Testament as to thoughts and intentions of the heart (see Matthew 5:28). God is also still concerned about vows and covenants made such as with marriage and we cannot live as the world and expect to inherit the Kingdom of God. The lawless one is coming ( 2 Thess. 2:9-12). God has written the law in our hearts ( Rom. 2:15).
The Dominionist concept of the church taking over the world before Christ comes back is clearly in opposition to such verses as 1 Timothy 4. We aren't in a Theocracy where we can be expected to conquer as Israel did; we also can't exact restrictions more than Christ did with soldiers ( Luke 3:14); where Christ didn't try to make them lay down their arms. We can learn to wait on God as Romans 12:19 suggests. May we read and apply all scripture in a sound manner.
"I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides." Philemon 1:19 KJV
Part 5.
Sanctification under the law and Gods acceptance of man's cleansing himself and a picture of the difference between the ministration of death and the ministration by the Spirit.
Exodus 19:10-12. And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes, And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai. And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:
This is a type of cleansing you are describing Ronald when considering man can keep himself sanctified. The problem is, this is absent of Christ atonement.
"Man can never do enough to come from under Christ atonement!
Our part is to obey the Spirit that has been sown in our hearts to carry the Lord's name. We are not to take the Lord's name in vain.
We are to be set apart from the world by our chastened walk through the Spirit, but when it comes to the Holiness of God, our obedience doesn't set us apart from our past, present, and future sin. The atoning blood of Christ does that forever.
The children of Israel although cleaning themselves they could never cleanse themselves enough to come into the presence of God. NEITHER CAN WE!
However, under the new covenant where Christ blood cleanses us we see the contrast of the two in 2 Corinthians 3:3-18.
and Galatians 4:21-31.
The power of His Holy Spirit that gives us new birth at justification is the same power that sanctifies us through the life of the risen Christ.
There are many Bible passages that puts the onus on the Christian to grow spiritually ( Romans 12:1-2; 2 Peter 3:18). However, the Bible clearly indicates that the Christian must cooperate with God but not for eternal security, It's for spiritual growth.
Thanks for replying and God bless.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
Cain offered a sacrifice to God. But it wasn't acceptable unto God. Why not? Because God gave specific instructions on how a sacrifice should be offered, Similarly nowadays (think about the word "holy").
Thank you for your response, your words of encouragement mean a lot to me, as well all the relevant scripture regarding worshiping God in Spirit and Truth, and overcoming sin. I agree with all, and if we our honest with ourselves and take the time to evaluate our true walk with Christ we should be conforming to the scripture you mentioned such as 2 Corinthians 5:17 and 1 John 1:5-6 and if born again should have a mind like Christ 1 Corinthians 2:16
Scripture tells us we can have a mind like Christ! Not conformed to this world, but have renewed minds, and prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God Romans 12:2 Sinning is not acceptable to God, and for Christians to maintain the steady drum beat that they can't stop sinning is unbelievable per all of the scripture telling us that we are required STOP sinning, even including Jesus telling us that with Faith nothing is impossible for us! Matt 17:20
We are supposed to be as HOLY as Jesus and walk like him.Through the Spirit of God we CAN stop sinning. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 1 John 2:6 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Matthew 12:50 The Bible emphasises several times that we are supposed to be holy:Ye shall be holy: for I theLordyour God am holy. Leviticus 19:2
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. Matt 5:48 Frankie, I think we can both agree that being perfect is without sin. But the multitude of worldly Christains say they can't ever be perfect and will always be sinners in this life - so they are saying Jesus/God is lying in Matt 5:48 and they are not accepting this Truth!
GBU
X. THE DESCRIPTION OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE ( Romans 12:1 - 16:24)
The first one is instruction, the doctrine of transformation in Romans 12. This is our participation in the body of Christ.
In Romans Chapter 13, we have institution, the doctrine of submission. This is our participation with the system of the world and submission.
Then we have influence, the doctrine of sacrifice. This would be Romans 14:1 through 15:13, as we learn about our participation in the responsibility toward other believers. Uh Oh! That is the doctrine of sacrifice. It is not taught as a suggestion!
Next is identification, the doctrine of the providence of God. This is Romans 15 Verses 14 through 33 which is the participation in the will of God in all of our situations.
And then the interaction, the doctrine of fellowship which is Romans 16 Verses 1 to 24. Romans 16:1 to 16 are personal greetings, Verses 17 to are proper discipline. In other words, once we get to Romans 16 Verses 17 to 20, he's going to say that if you are in association with anyone that is not obeying and teaching the proper doctrine of the book of Romans, don't have anything to do with them.
That's a pretty serious thing to say, especially in our day and our culture when love is supposed to rule over truth. You know? We don't hold anybody to the truth, we got to love them! Paul says, "Well, I got some discipline for you.
In Romans 16:21 to 24, we have the people that were with Paul. They identify themselves.
Interaction - The Doctrine of Fellowship ( Romans 16:1-24)
Romans 16:1-16 - Personal Greetings
Romans 16:17-20 - Proper Discipline
Romans 16:21-24 - People with Paul
Thank you Frankie J. You wrote: "I have not stated; as you're implying the perfecting of the body, physically, it still remains under
the penalty of sin consequences." Actually, I always go back to the original post or question, i.e. "Can we reach a state of perfection in our lifes on earth , where we actually sin no more?"
I apologize, I understood that your original question did imply (or at least seeking) answers to that question of reaching perfection in our earthly lives. And from our discussions, I gathered that you did in fact believe that it is possible to do so; so sensed that you might be at or near that blessed state. Whereas the basis of these discussions between us is that my belief is that we will never reach that state in this life: our spirits might be renewed & made pure, but we still live in corrupt flesh & thus sin ever waits to manifest itself & it does so.
Yet, your statement continued: "Yet (the body?) can be pure & holy, being animated by the new birth & renewing of the mind by His Spirit; John 3:3-6; 1Thess 5:23,24; "wholly", not of position only, but possession." This is the point of our difference. As you wrote: "wholly, not of position only, but possession". Yes, we are 'sanctified wholly', but I'm afraid that what it boils down to is that your understanding of sanctification or wherever 'perfection, complete', etc. are used, you take it as being perfectly pure/clean now. And I think you will remember from my previous comment, that I don't subscribe to this type of application; even citing examples from 1 John 4:17 & Romans 12:1. So I think we need to leave that matter there, as we simply cannot reconcile those (& other) verses to what we believe.
1 John 4:17: "Herein is our love made perfect" (Gk: teleioo = to be made complete); i.e. 'he who dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him' (v16): true love is made complete when we are truly abiding in God.
Romans 12:1: "present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God". (Gk: hagios (holy): set apart for God, sacred). That is how we come before God presenting ourselves: holy by position - holy by purification. The apostle's earnest plea is that we come with clean hands & pure hearts. Sinless? Can never be - our sin nature is still with us, but we can come with all sin confessed & clear pure consciences.
To the rest of your comment with supporting Scriptures, it appears again that you equate the new life in Christ as being freed from sin. It is true that we have been cleansed & our spirits have been made new & in that sense absolutely perfect. But we still live in bodies of flesh, sin & corruption. If the new birth dealt with that matter of perfecting our bodies (the flesh), I would fully agree with you, but the Bible never teaches that & experience always shows that the spiritual battle over sin can never end but rages every moment of the day, some succumb to it, others find victory. But in the end, confession & correction restores fellowship & cleansing of the heart & conscience - it never makes one sinless. If you find disagreement here, then maybe you can outline what you consider as sin - for this point may well be where our misunderstanding lies. GBU.
Our walk with Christ involves our spirit testifying with His Spirit that we are indeed children of God ( Romans 8:16). In actuality, I have that verse quoted backwards but it helps to bring home the message. Campus Crusade for Christ used to have as part of it's 4 points to the Gospel that our feelings should never be at the head of our decisions but faith in God. Christ is the captain of our salvation ( Heb. 2:10). Be thou my vision is an old hymn which typifies this concept. In our love for Christ and being part of His Body (the church) we should indeed have agape for one another; feelings as it were of love that is above and beyond this world and it's affections hence tranforming our minds. ( Romans 12:2).
Experientially; however we are prone to look at some nostalgia that somehow we can return to an Edenic state of innocence; as God has put eternity in our hearts. However; to live for ourselves is of course antithetical to living for Christ whichinvolves dying to self. However; the example of Christ being fully God and fully man demonstrates how real emotions of sadness or grief and indignation can be expressed as He sympathizes with us as our High Priest ( Heb. 4:14-16).
In a sense; we have the future hope in resurrection and the glory of the future rule and reign of Christ where we put our treasure. All things are good indeed if blessed by God; whether finding a wife; or meats etc. But sacrifice is something foreign to human nature; if we do such a deed in our own strength it is either to fulfill some longing we have; or for pride or some sort of satisfaction. What doesn't jive with humanism is revealing the root cause of sin; our sin nature and being willing to expose death so that indeed His chosen ones can have life. In the flesh we are only attracted to what our minds are attracted to with our five senses; the Lord operates outside that but we still react to it as vessels of His temple in us ( 1 Cor. 3:16-17).
From my experience; it seems in the Reformed circles the family unit is held in high esteem and in the denomination I was last in before I had to move there basically was a network of extended families that pretty much arranged for favorable meetings for young people to fellowship and often marry those who were at these events; thus pretty much continuing the expansion of the church. Other denominations tend to be more or less dominated by those in their own nuclear families and tend somewhat less to invite strangers into conversations or to their homes.
Whatever the accuracy of my own assessment; we are adopted sons and daughters according to Romans in many passages; Ephesians 1 and Galatians 4:6-7. It is commonplace; nonetheless whether with our blood relatives or church family to default to hanging out with those we find interesting in one form or another and often neglecting the ministry such as rebuke; exhortation and encouragement when necessary. We see passages such as "He rebukes all those He loves" ( Rev. 3:19; Hebrews 12:6 and others) and tend to only think of God Himself doing that work. However; we are to exercise such behaviors as 2 Timothy 4:2 instructs us to. Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep likewise ( Romans 12:15). To behave this way first we need to have a listening mindset; rather than spend much time with needless chatter when we fellowship. Again; the reformers seem to have a better handle on that with some not allowing any discussion apart from the Lord on Sundays. I'm not setting a legalistic mandate here; but suggesting that such boundaries eliminate useless banter; and worse a sin of omission not ministering to those in need who are too polite to interrupt discussion about sports teams; work exploits or just general complaining of the state of affairs in the world today.
Basic points: Scripture makes it clear that we as believers are to "suffer for His name's sake" ( Philippians 1:29). We are given a new heart with our stony heart removed ( Ezekiel 36:26). We are to love the brethren ( 1 John 3:14) if we have "passed from death to life." We also love our enemies ( Matt. 5:44) and we should read the entire passage to meditate on how we pray for them who despitefully use you"; etc. We are aliens ( 1 Peter 2:11-12; see also 1 Chron. 29:15) and not of this world. We are truly born again and seated in heavenly places ( Eph. 2:6) and our treasure is now in heaven as well ( Matt. 6:20-21). We understand that we were saved as hopeless sinners and therefore serve as "unworthy servants" ( Luke 17:7-10). We still have peace that passes understanding (Phillipians 4:7); and is not of this world ( John 14:27).
With all this we have an understanding of how we have been called and chosen and predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son ( Romans 8:29).
We learn to love His ways and His Word; trusting God for the difficult and hard scriptures and sayings as well. A true believer is being transformed by the renewing of His mind ( Romans 12:2) and is concerned about the needs of others; particularly within the house of God. Hebrews 13 as well as Paul's example ( 2 Cor. 11:28) despite the persecutions he endured. We desire to grow and also must believe He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him ( Heb. 11:6). That means we also desire to win the prize of the high calling (Phillipians 3:14). Therefore those in Christ should be careful not to lose their reward ( Rev. 3:11).
All this being said; there are examples of those who think they are saved but are not; as well as those who make it into heaven but suffer loss. Evidence of fruit can be seen in time; and each of us are responsible to test ourselves to see if we are in the faith ( 2 Cor. 13:5). Seek and ye shall find ( Matt 7:7-8
Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
1 John 2:15 - Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
James 4:4 - Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Colossians 2:8 - 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.
Matthew 6:24 - No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
When seeking His will and petitioning prayers; it is His Covenant promises which we can tenaciously proclaim as it is His binding contract with His people that He has made with His good pleasure. This is certainly different than just seeking those things that seem most convenient to make us more comfortable in this life. It truly is best when His life is the guide to our lives and He can be the "captain" of our salvation ( Hebrews 2:10). It is this or being shipwrecked; as it were which is a warning for those who fall away ( 1 Timothy 1:9 as a general admonition along with specific individuals in other Pauline writings).
It is helpful, therefore to have brothers more mature in the faith as "iron sharpens iron." ( Proverbs 27:17). We should also have our individual walk grow to maturity with our quiet times; prayer life and devotionals. John 6:45 shows that we shall all be taught of God; so we should learn to discern His voice from the cacaphony that rings in our ears.
As adopted sons of God ( Gal. 4:5) we are granted therefore all the blessings and substance of the inheritance. The eternal riches in Glory certainly outweigh any earthly pleasures ( 2 Cor. 4:17). We should strive therefore to remain steadfast and remain in His will. The flesh is dying daily in terms of the outward man (see previous verse 16) but the inward man is being conformed to His image. (see Romans 12:2). To deny ungodliness is true freedom ( Titus 2:12) despite our natural affections that seem to indicate the contrary.
I have studied a number of accounts of the firsthand experiences in the Asbury college event. It seems that things are fairly consistent with true repentance; scripture readings and some other things that at least don't put any red flags as to falsehood.
Apparently this went on there in 1970 as well. I am also aware of the other high school events of the last 4 or 5 years where there was a short burst of school prayers in several places.
Today; I heard a video from someone who attended that university about 15 years ago who was called to pray daily for such an event; with an exhortation from another person as to the fact that the fruition of such a prayer for revival may not happen while they were there but would be effective in a future group of people. This is the first point that I feel is important; that most things are paved ahead; as Paul states one waters and God gives the increase ( 1 Cor. 3:6-8). This principle also holds true; no doubt for evangelism. We could even extend it to the end times; for prayers for a mountain to move ( Rev. 8:8; Mark 11:23). We don't know exactly how; but we are told "vengeance is mine; I shall repay ( Romans 12:19). The sants who die as martyrs in Revelation will surely be vindicated; with the bowl judgments in Revelation as well as eternal consequences including ruling and reigning during the Millennial Kingdom over the earth for true saints of God.
Obviously; there needs to be a proper guaging with discernment of how this move proceeds as time goes on. For now; another positive aspect is that big name preachers have largely stayed out of it at least as to being in the limelight. No doubt there will be; probably for financial gain an intrusion at some point either from false apostles and preachers; or those who identify as working for Satan as a test of faithfulness. The enemy is well entrenched and we are promised persecution as all are who are godly ( 2 Tim. 3:12). Let us diligently rpay.
I'm hoping GOD pulled through for you with shelter over your head. I had a dream last night that I was asking a US retired Marine, to show me how to survive outside, without freezing. I was weeping, (because our situation is dire in real life & in the dream) he started to show me & started to set things up, upon a sheltered rock. I declared urgently "Wait! I have 3 children, this needs to protect them too!" Then he picked the materials up & the situation changed. Later in the dream, I was holding that retired Marine in my arms weightlessly up in water & helping baptize him. Leading him in the walk of a believer in the LORD & Word of GOD. The leader that was supposed to be doing the baptism seemed to be saying things & doing things wrongly. I quickly submerged the Marine under water declaring scripture. He stayed very close to me until a woman needed my help. Then I went with her, helping her fight the evil attacks against her. I'm not sure what the dreams I've been having mean fully, but I came across your prayer request again & I'm going out on a limb thinking it may be connected. I believe many of us that help here on this site, will pray about dire situations but don't have a response we feel is good enough encouragement to post. I have pondered scripture & prayer for you a couple of times. I've even tried to reach out to Samaritan's Purse Ministry on your behalf but my message failed to send in their platform.
We're in a difficult season to say the least. We will make it through these times! I believe it! We need each other in these times & in the days & years ahead. This is a place like: Philippians 2, Philippians 3:10-21, Romans 12:1-13, Ephesians 3:16-21, 2Timothy 2:1-3, James 5:10-11, 2Corinthians 11:25-27, Matthew 8:19-20,
I was reassured in my spirit, these difficult oppressive moments I'm facing are for others. It's a bigger better plan. 2Corinthians 4, Psalms 139, Psalms 37,
Hopefully these are all helpful
Surely; our sins will find us out ( Numbers 32:23). As will all things we say in the closet will be spoken on the rooftops ( Luke 12:3). Even Paul struggled as he said that he continued to do things that he hates ( Romans 7:15).
As long as we exist in these mortal fallable bodies our capacity for sin remains. That will; of course be done away with when the "perishable puts on the imperishable" ( 1 Cor. 15:53-57). As for now; we must remain "proactive" in order to catch things at the pass before they affect our minds; and then take a foothold on our souls.
The imaginations of men and the mind is where Satan takes a foothold. Romans 12:2 tells us to be thus "transformed by the renewing of our minds."
To understand sin we must see the root of the problem that is; our sin "nature". Such a term isn't specifically used in scripture; but we see how the "INTENT of the thoughts of their hearts were only evil continually." ( Gen. 6:5). I highlighted the word intent to show that there is a deliberate desire to sin; once men are totally unrestrained and we see this reflected in society today. Such behaviors also result in what happens in Romans 1:32 where sins of others are celebrated; as it were. Such is evident in many movements and demonstrations today.
There are specific ways in which sins have a stronghold; these include repeated patterns and established habits; family upbringing; demonic influence as to enhanced appeal of sensual and other experiences (or "highs") whether drug induced or not; music; support from friends; and other individual circumstances. The difference; of course between a true Christian and the rest of the world is that now we have the choice to pursue His righteousness and live in grace as the Holy Spirit sanctifies us. This allows us to be "treasure in earthen vessels" ( 2 Cor. 4:7) living out our days in fear (see 1 Peter 1:17).
More on walking in faith later.
Keep in mind also the difference between physically being preserved for a time and spiritual deliverance. These are both realities for the children of God in reverse order. In New Testament times as with Old many are called but few chosen ( Matt. 22:14). There are other verses showing how some experience some of the benefits of being in God's presence ( Hebrews 6:4) are still not ultimately saved. The parable of the sower and the seed illustrate this fact showing how the seed of truth must eventually not only take root but produce fruit. God enables that His Spirit reproduces good fruit in our lives as evidence that it is indwelling; not merely an external event. Hence all true believers are "sealed" until the Day of Redemption ( Ephesians 4:30).
In God's Providence there are some; such as the 1/3 that are preserved "going through the fire" ( Zechariah 13:9) who appear to make it physically through the Tribulation to repopulate the earth in the Millennium. That will include the handful of Gentiles that make it; although man is said in general to be "rarer than the gold of Ophir" who makes it through that way ( Isaiah 13:12).
Thus; these verses and a multitude of others makes it imperative that we "test ourselves to see if we are in the faith". ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). I personally believe that through God's sanctification process we all must get beyond our initial excitement over being a new believer as well as the trials of persecution AND temptations of the world to be "tested and approved" as true believers as part of the process of chastisement as God's adopted children. ( Romans 12:2; etc). The end of all those called and chosen in Him is glorification (read all of Romans 8:30).
Hope this helps.
We are called to not imitate the world, but Christ. So, just as the Israelites were not to imitate the ungodly practices of the surrounding nations, we are not to imitate the practices of the world that are ungodly, also. I don't think we need to live a "separatist's" lifestyle like some sects do, but we should, in our dress and conduct stand out as godly people who fear and honor God in all we do. We are to love not the world and the lusts of it, but to love what God has determined to be good and decent, setting ourselves apart as holy unto the Lord, as the Israelites were set apart for God and His purposes.
John 8:23; Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15
Ronald, I hope you are doing well. Hope to hear from you more often.
In the life of Christ; we see the perfect example for our own lives; that is Christ doing nothing except the Father's will. ( John 5:19). We are likewise instructed to learn to do the "good and perfect will of God" as described at the end of Romans 12:2.
I would strongly urge everyone here to study and memorize Romans 12:1-2 as it is a "package deal" in regard to what I am saying here and of course; more importantly the will of God for our lives after we are saved and being sanctified. We are "aliens" in this world and pilgrims if we are His own ( 1 Peter 2:11-12). This requires due diligence to not only fight indwelling sin; but to realize that the whole world system and those "powers and principalities" running it ( Eph. 6:12) are enemies which we fight against as the Spirit contends against the flesh. Without understanding the source of our temptations which as belivers is Satan then we are unable to recognize things that are affecting our "vain imaginations" ( Romans 1:21) as with the rest of the unregenerate to find solace and comfort in this world and what is seen by our eyes and promoted as things that will make us content. The enemy can only affect us if we allow access through our mind and senses to give him a stronghold; so that is why we need to have an Ephesians 6 mindset. Ephesians 6:16 on the fiery darts of the enemy and our shield of armor in the spiritual realm is particularly vital.
Sadly we have the natural tendency to look on things that are pleasing to our eyes (such as attractive women) and thus we need to ask God to show us how following His good and perfect will means we are to love those we are naturally repulsed toward and to find our greatest joys in service toward His Body which He purchased with His own blood ( Acts 20:28). That verse makes it clear that it is His church rather than our own. That comes from a proper fear of the Lord and a mature walk.
Interestingly, after studying scripture I've noticed, GOD gave mankind dominion, on Earth. Genesis 1:26,27,28, GOD didn't take that dominion away, people have misused their powers. They/we will all give account: Revelation 1:5-8, Romans 14:12, Daniel 4:3,34, Matthew 25:31-46, Matthew 18,
Jesus was here to show us how to bring His Kingdom the Kingdom of GOD on Earth, with Love, John 3:16-21, John 13:34, Romans 12:10, 1John 4:7,12, 1Peter 3:8, John 15:17, James 2:13-17, Luke 13:34,
one day all dominion will go to Christ: 1Corinthians 15:20-28, Romans 16:20,
Galatians 4:1-8, Colossians 3:21,
Matthew 20:25-28, Ephesians 1, (whole chapters) 1Peter 4, Jude 1,
Jesus gave all that believe in him, authority under heaven: from GOD ALMIGHTY: Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 6, Luke 11, Mark 3:15, Acts 4:30,31, Luke 9:2,
We all have power in the natural if even just to comfort someone else, & as we grow in faith, supernatural power in prayer, through GOD & Christ Jesus our Savior.
Hopefully these are helpful
When the Spirit dwells in an individual in our current Dispensation a foreign righteousness enters our world. He uses the most subtle means and is often quite gentle; but make no mistake. He's not there to do anything less than cause the death of our old nature and all the desires of the flesh. How willingly we submit will determine our spiritual rewards or lack thereof; and could even shorten our life if we aren't careful ( 1 Cor. 11:30). I HIGHLY recommend new believers to examine Paul's writings to the Corinthians after gaining a basic understanding of the Gospels. There is much to learn there about maturity; church discipline and many common problems still relevant today involving cultural surroundings and the affect on those who are new creatures in Christ. 1 Corinthians 4:21 gives the question if Paul would be preferred to come with a "rod of discipline" and this can be applied to the Lord Himself chastising us as we grow in faith. He is the "Captain" of the ship and therefore of our souls ( Heb. 2:10).
The mystery of God involves how God can dwell with man; the infinite with finite flesh ( 1 Cor. 3:16-17). As long as we are on earth; this paradox of foreign righteousness contends with the flesh and we are torn between the two. Christ; then IS our righteousness ( 1 Cor. 1:30) but the source comes from without. We die daily ( 1 Cor. 15:31) as we are transformed by the renewing of our mind ( Romans 12:2).
The church was built with the plan for the Body to be "fitted together" ( 1 Cor. 12:18 and also Ephesians 4:16). Once we get past the melee which was the state of the Corinthians as a "motley crew" that had to be disciplined we are in theory to build one another up. That involves the strong in faith teaching the weak ( Titus 2:4-6) (and apparently 84 other verses in scripture specifically relating to women in that role!) as well as exhortation; rebuke; and reproving ( 2 Tim. 4:2); as well as sympathy ( Rom. 12:15)
Romans 12:5-21,
Not forgetting: James 2:15-20,
Hopefully these are helpful
2Corinthians 13:11, Romans 10:17,
Hopefully these are helpful