The Distinction among Christians

Although born-again believers receive the new life of the Spirit, they retain the sinful nature with its evil inclinations. What is that and how can we handle it?

Galatians 5: 16-22 tells us how to live your new life in the Holy Spirit and gives a description of sinful desires that will produce evil results. We must have the Holy Spirit controlling our lives and He will produce the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

This sinful nature that remains in us cannot be made good; it must be put to death and overcome through the power and grace of the Holy Spirit. Out of the New Living Translation of the Bible we read in Romans 8:12-13, The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as he raised Christ from the dead, he will give life to your mortal body by this same Spirit living within you. So, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live.

Notice in the verses above, we have no obligation to do what our sinful nature urges us to do. So in such simple words that I can say and write it is saying this: When a sinful thought or urge comes along, don't give in to it. This is accomplished by denying ourselves daily and it is done through the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 16:25 that “ if any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life.” Question: What in your life now are you doing? Following your flesh or following the Holy Spirit?

Following the Word of God removes every hindrance or sin and we have the power to resist all sinful inclinations through Jesus Christ.

Allow me to share one more verse: Titus 2:12-14, “and we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God, while we look forward to that wonderful event when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing what is right.

This is the Word of God. What more can I say!!

Be Cleansed, Be healed, Be delivered in the Name of Jesus!

Pastor Gary

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