The other day I was talking to someone about “Just because you are a Christian doesn’t imply that you will no longer sin. You will now have the conviction of the Holy Spirit living within you to help you recognize the choice you have to make when your sinful nature kicks in.” We also discussed, “Just because you are a Christian doesn’t mean that you can do whatever you want and live like the devil now because you know where you are going when you die.”
Yes, we Christians do live in freedom now. But we are not free to do whatever we please to do.
Our sinful nature and the Holy Spirit are constantly fighting within you. There will be consequences to everything you do in life. I believe I would rather have a rewarding consequence than a painful one.
I’m not very good at remembering where the “address” is in the bible to back up the words that may come out of my mouth. I am a great example of seek-and-find the topic you need in the bible. But this morning, God showed me the scripture that supports the conversation I had last this week.
In Galatians 5:13-18 His word says:
- NLT: “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
- ERV: My brothers and sisters, God chose you to be free. But don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful selves. Instead, serve each other with love. 14 The whole law is made complete in this one command: “Love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.” 15 If you continue hurting each other and tearing each other apart, be careful, or you will completely destroy each other. 16 So I tell you, live the way the Spirit leads you. Then you will not do the evil things your sinful self wants. 17 The sinful self wants what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is against the sinful self. They are always fighting against each other, so that you don’t do what you really want to do. 18 But if you let the Spirit lead you, you are not under law.
- MSG: You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
There is a battle going on within you. Give in and give up. Not to sin and self, but to the Spirit from God who is love and complete freedom. This daily struggle can cause us to build up or tear down ourselves and others. Live your life the way God intended it to be lived.
Blessings and God’s abundant love to y’all.
September 30 |