Who Is the Man Struggling in Romans 7?

Paul is still under the Law and self-identified in Romans 7:14 as "sold as a slave to sin" in that passage recounting his struggle with sin. So, that's a sinner who wasn't saved yet. He spoke of being delivered once he was in Christ Jesus and no longer walking according to the flesh in Romans 8:1-2. He said, "the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2, comp. John 8:36 and Romans 6:18). That law of sin and death that was still at work in his members in Romans 7:23 was subdued in Christ and he was set free from it because "those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Galatians 5:24). 

Paul testified as a Christian, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). It's not longer a situation of committing sin because of "sin that dwells in me" (Romans 7:17). It was so for the apostle Paul in Christ and should be the same for Christians today because of the foundation laid out in Romans 6. 

Romans 6:4-14:
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,  6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.  7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.  8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him,  9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.  10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 

Romans 7 is not the next level from the Romans 6 foundation. The entire chapter (6) actually exemplifies walking under the grace of God, with power received to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly desires (Titus 2:11-14) and to take this instruction: "Do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace" (Romans 6:13-14). The man who is "carnal, sold under sin" in Romans 7:14 cannot understand that instruction to the Roman believers.

1 Corinthians 2:14
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Paul, the man under the Law and not under grace, and under condemnation as a salve to sin in Romans 7 is not led by God's Spirit in that account. So, it is not a Christian who is struggling in Romans 7, but someone who was not in Christ yet (Romans 8:9b). So, he is a honest man struggling with his sins and seeking a deliverance, which he found in Christ:

Romans 7:24-25
24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death*? (comp. Romans 6:6) 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

*sin bring forth death (Romans 6:23, James 1:15)

So, Paul writes again:
Romans 8:1-2
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.  2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

At this point the principles of walking according to the Spirit vs walking according to the flesh can apply:

Romans 8:12-14
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

"if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live"

This cannot be done by the man struggling in Romans 7 but it can be done by a believer who has and is led by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9 check).


See also:
Freedom From Sin

Crucify the Flesh - video playlist

Old Man Addictions

Works Of Faith Are Not Works Of The Law (video)   

Saved From What?

Problem in the Church: Romans 7

Romans 7:14-25 Bible Study

Repentance According to the Bible

The Wretched Man (video)

Thankful for Being Born Again

We must be thankful to God we are born again or "born of God" as the apostle John puts it (1 John 3:9). But let's also have a heart for people who are being robbed of a relationship with God by being led astray. Be aware of the practice of the sinner's prayer which many are led to say to be born again. But if one's heart isn't in the right place before God that won't happen. Repentance for the forgiveness of sins is what Jesus commanded to be preached to all nations. And an invitation to pray the sinner's prayer is not a substitute for preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sins by the power of the Holy Spirit who works to convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgement (John 16:8). That "sound" preaching isn't too politically correct for many these days. But that's what can put people's hearts in the right place before God, to "receive Jesus." True preaching of repentance makes people turn to God (Acts 26:20) or run away from God; consider the case of the apostle Paul who preached to governor Felix (Acts 24:24-25). If that preaching to the lost is done God's way, people won't stay in a limbo state and having doubts (if a relationship with God was in fact sincerely desired), or just having religion with lifestyle changes and all, but still not having Jesus or being truly born again according to the word of God.

The 3 quotes below are taken from this page: http://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=34629&forum=36
It shows the issue we should be aware of as we care for each other in the church and for the lost.

Example:
“If you want to be born again, say these words to the Lord in sincerity from your heart, right now:

Lord Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God. I am a sinner who deserves hell. Thank You for loving me and dying for my sins on the cross. I believe You rose from the dead and are living today. I want to turn from my sinful life right now. Please forgive me all my sins and give me a hatred for sin. I forgive everyone who has harmed me in any way. Come into my life Lord Jesus, and be the Lord of my life from today onwards. Make me a child of God right now.”

---

Comment 1:
"Prayers like the one you mentioned have been said by millions and led millions like myself into a false security. When God does a genuine work its is lasting. But when we try to do Gods work with psychosomatic induced emotionalism and mind control we produce believers with no real root within themselves that will only wither away."

---

Comment 2:
"Living this prayer is more biblical than the actual prayer, my only problem with the sinner's prayer is it doesn't necessarily lead to repentance or relationship with Christ Jesus which is really what saves us not this prayer. I would also be leary of putting it on a website because discipleship or making sure people understand what a relationship with the Lord is all about is near impossible. Many will pray this prayer and it all ends there, the person tries a live a good life for Jesus in their own strength and power and then are placed under heavy condemnation when it doesn't work because they aren't quite sure what a relationship with the Lord is about."

-------

See also:
Powerful Testimonies From Former False Converts
https://youtu.be/Tcqu2WjSOJo

Angela's Powerful Testimony - From A False Convert To The Scales Falling Off Her Eyes!
https://youtu.be/XBKifqne4kY

By the word of their testimony... (Revelation 12:11)
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQKBVZh0-tlLsSebgl9THMeiOpsvCvZeS

Grace and peace to you!

Problem in the Church: 1 John 1:8

#SoulHealingTime

Luke 5:31-32
31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Isaiah 53:3
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

=====================
Problem in the Church: 1 John 1:8
=====================
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."

Does it mean a Christian, a new creature in Christ, is by definition a sinner? Does it mean a saved person always sins and never stops sinning willfully (in agreement with the devil and in disagreement with God)? Salvation in Jesus Christ is salvation from sin. It's coming out of bondage to sin and being set free indeed to serve God in righteousness (John 8:36; Romans 6:18).

Challenge yourself today to think upon Jesus' great work of salvation that He shed his blood for. He came into the world to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).

If you call being set free from bondage to sin "sinless perfection" as some do, and won't let go of an understanding of 1 John 1:8 that encourages you to go on sinning, this post is for you. You don't want to argue against Jesus' work or deny that He has the power to break the yoke of sin over someone's life. If you speak of struggling with sin with the understanding that "we all struggle with sin" and "we will always be struggling with sin," you are believing lies that keep you defeated (on the losing side of the struggle) and bound in sin. Jesus said to believers, “If you remain in my word, you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:31-32). You do not want to turn the grace of God into a lie and miss the Good News of salvation from sin (Matthew 1:21; Acts 3:26; Titus 2:11-14).

What believers believe about who Jesus is and about sin will determine whether they get saved/set free from sin indeed or whether they will die in their sins as unbelievers (John 8:24; Matthew 7:21-23).

Matthew 16:15
He (Jesus) said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

We who have purposed to follow Jesus and have Bibles, let's take Jesus' warning at heart to be careful to not be deceived by anyone coming in his name (Matthew 24:4-5). And may we choose how we want to be standing when He returns to judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31) and let's be standing that way now:

Revelation 22:11
He that is unrighteous, let him be unrighteous still: and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

And this:

1 John 2:3-6
3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in Him: 6 whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.

 


See also:

If I Say I have No Sin!   WHO is the Liar?

 

 "Are we are all sinners"? (Repent and be converted)

Sinning Willfully and Sinning Repetitively

How Do We Know That We Love God?

Struggle with sin and double-mindedness

Problem in the Church: Romans 7

Problem in the Church: Isaiah 64:6

Jesus vs False Teachers

The Church that Jesus Built (Upon this Rock)

Addressing the 1 John 1:8 Stronghold

Total Dedication To God

Versus

The Sinless Perfection Straw Man Argument

Problem in the Church: Romans 7

#SoulHealingTime

Luke 5:31-32
31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Isaiah 53:3
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

=====================
Problem in the Church: Romans 7
=====================

***Identifying the one who is speaking***
Romans 7:14b
* (KJV) "I am carnal, sold under sin."
* (NIV) "I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin."

***Identifying the struggle of the one who is speaking***
Romans 7:19-20
* (KJV) 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
* (NIV) 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

That makes sense, for someone who is "carnal/unspiritual" and (still) a slave to sin. But that is the bad news, not the Good News of Jesus Christ (aka the Gospel)!

Romans 7:23-24
* (KJV) 23 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?
* (NIV) 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?

Is this passage (Romans 7) talking about a born again Christian or "new creature in Christ"? Does it mean a saved person always sins and never stops sinning willfully (in agreement with the devil and in disagreement with God)? Salvation in Jesus Christ is salvation from sin. It's coming out of bondage to sin and being set free indeed to serve God in righteousness (John 8:36; Romans 6:18).

Challenge yourself today to think upon Jesus' great work of salvation that He shed his blood for. He came into the world to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8).

Emphatically, Romans 7 is not talking about the new creature in Christ being in a struggle with sin. Jesus saves from that. The struggle of the apostle Paul ended when he came to be "in Christ Jesus" and under no condemnation, walking according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh (Romans 8:1). The Romans 7 experience has a conclusion in Romans 8 and it's not the way a new creature in Christ walks.

Romans 8:1-4
* (KJV) 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
* (NIV) 1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:2 destroys the reality of Romans 7:23. That law of sin working within is rendered powerless by God's grace through the Holy Spirit, no longer controlling the person in Christ and driving him/her to sin in obliviousness or blatant disregard for God and his ways. The Spirit rules the person in Christ who is saved from sin (Galatians 5:16). The (sinful) flesh is put to death in Christ (Galatians 5:24; Romans 6:6). Sin shall not have power over the person in Christ (Romans 6:14). So, the "us" in Romans 8:4 is precisely we who are in Christ, not the defeated but still honest "wretched man" of Romans 7:24 who is kept in bondage to sin and wanting a way out. That way out was Jesus for Paul (Romans 7:25a) and it is Jesus for us today that call upon his name. The foundation for being in Christ and walking "under grace" is laid out earlier in Romans 6 (the whole chapter). And the relationship a believer has with sin vs righteousness is clearly highlighted.

What believers believe about who Jesus is and about sin will determine whether they get saved/set free from sin indeed or whether they will die in their sins as unbelievers (John 8:24; Matthew 7:21-23).

Matthew 16:15
He (Jesus) said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

We who have purposed to follow Jesus and have Bibles, let's take Jesus' warning at heart to be careful to not be deceived by anyone coming in his name (Matthew 24:4-5). And may we choose how we want to be standing when He returns to judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31), and let's be standing that way now:

Revelation 22:11
He that is unrighteous, let him be unrighteous still: and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.


See also:
Are we all sinners? (Repent and be converted)

Crucify The Flesh (YouTube playlist)

Who is the man struggling in Romans 7?

Struggle with sin and double-mindedness 

Romans 10:9 Salvation

Considerations on the Romans Road to Salvation

Problem in the Church: 1 John 1:8

Problem in the Church: Isaiah 64:6

Jesus vs False Teachers

The Church that Jesus Built (Upon this Rock)

Problem in the Church: Isaiah 64:6

#SoulHealingTime

Luke 5:31-32
31 Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick do. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Isaiah 53:3
But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

============================
Problem in the Church: Isaiah 64:6
============================
"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away."

Is this scripture talking about born again Christians or "new creatures in Christ"? Does it mean saved persons always sin and never stop sinning willfully (in agreement with the devil and in disagreement with God)? Salvation in Jesus Christ is salvation from sin. It's coming out of bondage to sin and being set free indeed to serve God in righteousness (John 8:36; Romans 6:18).

Challenge yourself today to think upon Jesus' great work of salvation that He shed his blood for. He came into the world to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), e.g. sin, darkness, uncleanness, unrighteousness.

1 Thessalonians 4:7
* (KJV) For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
* (NIV) For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.

We are called by the Gospel to repent and be cleansed by the blood of Jesus (Acts 3:19, 26).

"What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean" (Acts 10:15). Yet the devil will have the child of God calling himself/herself "an unclean thing" according to Isaiah 64:6. That's identity theft. That is not who the child of God is!

Isaiah 64:6 is not talking about people who are new creatures in Christ, walking in the light and the love of God. While the passage is applicable to unbelievers/sinners who have never received the Gospel, because their good deeds would be as filthy rags to God because they themselves are not right with Him, the context of that passage tells us that it is referring to God's chosen people Israel who have gone astray from Him in disobedience. In other words, people who knew the right way but went another way. In the context of the church today, that would mean backsliders (e.g. Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:38). So, applying the "we" in Isaiah 64:6 to everyone is saying that everyone is a backslider.

_______

The righteous do what is right in God's sight and please Him:

1 John 3:7
Little children, let no one deceive you. He who does righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.

Matthew 25:37-40
37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’

Christians who are walking in the light and love of Jesus do not offer filthy rags to God. They are maintaining their relationship with Him, being faithful to Him and doing his will: good works done in faith.

Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Ephesians 2:10
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Titus 3:8
This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.

Revelation 19:7-8
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his wife has made herself ready.  8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. 

John 15:10
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.

1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.

1 John 2:5
But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.

What believers believe about who Jesus is and about sin will determine whether they get saved/set free from sin indeed or whether they will die in their sins as unbelievers (John 8:24; Matthew 7:21-23).

Matthew 16:15
He (Jesus) said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

We who have purposed to follow Jesus and have Bibles, let's take Jesus' warning at heart to be careful to not be deceived by anyone coming in his name (Matthew 24:4-5). And may we choose how we want to be standing when He returns to judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31) and let's be standing that way now:

Revelation 22:11
He that is unrighteous, let him be unrighteous still: and he that is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.


See also:
Our (own) righteousness is as filthy rags

"Are we are all sinners"? (Repent and be converted)

Struggle with sin and double-mindedness 

The Bible speaks about the wicked (sinners) and the righteous (saints)

Problem in the Church: Romans 7

Problem in the Church: 1 John 1:8

Jesus vs False Teachers

The Church that Jesus Built (Upon this Rock)

RE: Christians, Discuss: Is Unrepentant Porn Addiction Grounds For Divorce?

This is a response to a post on Captain Bud Sturguess' blog titled 
Christians, Discuss: Is Unrepentant Porn Addiction Grounds For Divorce?

"I would feel safe to say that if a married person indulges in pornographic material, they're committing adultery." - Captain Bud Sturguess

I agree with that statement.

Fornication on the other hand is a word synonymous with 'whoredom' (in the Old Testament in particular), and the phrase 'committing fornication' can be substituted with 'whoring' (applicable to both men and women). The perpetrator is called a whore (woman) or a fornicator/whoremonger (man).

It's a sin, a transgression of God's law. And when it involves a married person, adultery is also committed.

Now back to lusting after a woman in one's heart in Jesus' teaching (Matthew 5:28). I understand that that is referring to a man coveting his neighbor's wife (a married woman). Hence, this results in adultery.

On a side note, I also understand that all sins essentially flow out of the heart, including fornication (Mark 7:21), so one can be guilty of that, too, without any sexual contact. That's my personal conviction and maybe something for unmarried people to ponder on as pornography addiction does not spare them.

Your discussion question now: Is unrepentant porn addiction grounds for divorce in Christian marriages?

(Prayer time-out...)

OK, I am back.

I believe the right entry point for me here is to echo your reminder of the place of mercy and forgiveness in a marriage. And I will make it official also that we are discussing an adultery case. So, I will refer to the married person who indulges in pornographic material as adulterer. Mercy should be extended to that person as such.

We are also assuming two people who have married each other believing they are both Christians. The reason I say that is that these sins of the flesh like adultery and fornication point to someone who is caught in Satan's snare and not walking with God, in the light (1 John 1:5-7). The apostle Paul said such persons will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9, Galatians 5:19). That is the "present" status of that person with God.


So, that's a sister having issue with an adulterous brother or vice-versa. Jesus tells us what I believe should be happening in that case:

Matthew 18:15-17
15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.

Therefore if there is still no repentance after these merciful efforts are exhausted, Jesus calls for disfellowship from the person who is to be regarded as "a heathen and a tax collector". That's an unbeliever, an unrepentant sinner. The church is to have no fellowship with unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). That's one strong guiding principle.

And in the marriage context, this takes us to consider the case of a brother or sister being married to an unbeliever. The fact that all these attempts to restore the marriage would have failed, resulting in an unrepentant adulterer still, I believe the offender has expressed his/her unequivocal unwillingness to remain married to the sister or brother. And guiding principles are given to us in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 for a brother or sister married to an unbeliever.

So, while the Scriptures give us clarity on many things to consider, your question is not a yes or no question to me. I personally believe a brother or sister should exercise long-suffering and not initiate legal separation (divorce) from his/her spouse. But prayer and fasting have their place in each person's seeking of direction in such a situation, and God's ways and thoughts and purposes must be sought diligently by the servant of God and submitted to. His direction is always available!

Lastly, a note on 1 Corinthians 7:15. It reads, "But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases." It's interesting to remark that the word translated "departs" in that verse is the same word (G5563*) translated "put asunder" (KJV) or "separate" in Jesus' teaching:

Matthew 19:6
So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.

Another rendering of 1 Corinthians 7:15 could then be: "But if the unbeliever separates himself, let him separate himself; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases."

And since we have assumed that the adulterer was once a saint, I want to highlight also that I hold the position that such unrepentant sinner is also a spiritual adulterer and has effectively turned to unbelief as demonstrated in his/her ongoing disobedience/rebellion against God's ways (Hebrews 3:12, 6:4-6).

I appreciate the exchange, brother, and likewise your spirit. You've ended with many questions but I think walking in the Spirit, we might arrive at all answers. We should not attempt to legislate these situations with do's and don't as God is perfectly capable of doing that as He had done under the Old Covenant but has left that out of the New Covenant, leaving us with these questions also. But for sure He has not left us in the dark!

May we always remember these:
Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

1 John 3:14-15
14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

I pray these reflections may serve others dealing with a case of hatred (absence of love) in a marriage.

Peace to you!

_______


* See Strong's Concordance entry for G5563: https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G5563&t=KJV

The Sin of Gluttony

You have bowed to the burger king and worshiped him... says the Lord your God. You shall have no other gods before me.

#IDOLATRYWARNING

That is a warning that I received a couple of years ago. As I had become more aware of the temptations that I faced in the world, after some time my eyes were opened to what was triggering in me some bad eating habits that led me on some occasions to commit the sin of gluttony.

Gluttony: excessive eating and drinking.

Synonyms: gormandizing, intemperance, voracity.

Gluttony is due to a lack of self-control. It's obeying to a desire for a certain taste of food or beverage that leads to eat beyond the need of the body. The mere pursuit of the sensuality involved in eating/drinking can be a powerful driver apart from any actual need of the body for food, and then things can get really dangerous really fast.

Fullness:

The condition of being filled to capacity.

That is a control mechanism.

An undue affection for food can become a form of idolatry of the food and/or of your belly. Be especially cautious when thoughts like "I've got to have it" (said of a particular food), possibly triggered by the memory of the look/smell/taste/texture of some food, come before any actual need for food, and drive you to seek that food and shun/refuse other food, even waste other good food that you may have, in an act of pure vanity. That same temptation, when you give in to it, is an open door that can lead you to eat excessively, and therefore to commit the sin of gluttony.

Notice that your self-control could be up against up to 4 of your 5 senses, or all 5 if the sound of handling or chewing on something is stimulating you to eat (more of) it. It's a choice, it's always a choice to resist the temptation and avoid the sin. God commands it (James 4:7). Take note also that the simplest trigger for seeking food is the feeling of hunger. Though it is not sin to seek some particular food, you should check your motives always and watch your behavior also. As with all things, strive to have an eating "order," a discipline. Differentiate between that internal natural signal and other artificial stimuli in your environment, like seeing a restaurant advertisement, or simply recalling from your memory an "experience" that may be driving your eating habits outside of a healthy established order.

_____

Proverbs 23:1-2

1 When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you: 2 And put a knife to your throat, if you be a man given to appetite.

Ecclesiastes 10:17

Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Matthew 4:4

...“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’

You may use these links to search bible verses about gluttony:

http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Gluttony

http://www.openbible.info/topics/gluttony

Self-control is from God (Galatians 5:23). Seek Him. Seek his Holy Spirit to guide you. It's a gift of God to those who obey Him (Acts 5:30-32).

Luke 11:9-13

9 “I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives. He who seeks finds. To him who knocks it will be opened. 11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he won’t give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, he won’t give him a scorpion, will he? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

Galatians 5:19-23

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, 21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

12/07/2014




See also:
Suffer The Cross To Overcome Addictions

 

How many sins or what sin do you have to commit to lose your salvation?

A person's life is in God's hands. Because Jesus loves those who are his, He is merciful with them. He will give correction as needed.

Revelation 3:19
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Only Jesus knows what time frame He will allow from the moment a person commits sin and that person repenting to get right with Him again (if possible - it may not be.) "Be zealous," to me, means "Get on this right away. Clean up your act fast and don't go back to that way of sin that leads to death."

One deliberate sin is enough to tell God our heart is not 100% with Him. Remember the greatest commandment: "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30). For instance, how many times a married person can be unfaithful until his/her spouse sees a problem in that? I think just once and that one time can be devastatingly serious, especially if for any reason there is no window open to forgiveness. It means "the end." Again, there may not be forgiveness available. It's not for a man to provide comfort to anyone who has committed or may be contemplating to commit any sin presumptuously. God is merciful but He can't be mocked. I don't think someone who has been saved and becomes a serial sinner stands a chance, but I speak as a man. Depending on God's disposition toward what He sees in someone's heart, mercy may not be granted. It's foolish to play with a point of no return, however close or far it may appear to someone's mind.

Hebrews 6:4-6
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

So, I would fear for anyone who got saved and then would fail to be sober and vigilant, get deceived by the devil and get caught in his trap. Hence the Bible is full of warnings to believers:  

1 Peter 5:8 
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

We are indeed talking about willful sins that lead to death (1 John 5:16).

Hebrews 10:26-27
26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.

God will look at someone as an adversary when it is a case of willful sin. Because the Gospel is a path given to sinners who are enemies of God (Romans 5:6-11) to be reconciled to Him and be his friends who do his will on earth. So, presumptuously sinning is standing against what God stands for (righteousness).

There are other unintentional sins a person can commit that still need repentance and forgiveness but that do not lead to death (1 John 5:16). They don't come out of a rebellious heart but  highlight things that need to be ironed out as the person grows in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). For instance, mistakes in judgment happen, thoughts must be guarded, attitudes must be checked, especially with pride that is a blinding agent masking one's flaws and abundant need of God's grace to be transformed according to his will.


See also:

Can You Lose Your Salvation?

Struggle with Sin and Double-Mindedness

Are You an Ex-Sinner Calling yourself a Sinner?

Once Saved Always Saved is a Lie

Sin is what we get saved from
 

Sinning Willfully and Sinning Repetitively

Willful Sins and Unintentional Sins

Call to Repentance

Leveling of Adulterous and Same-Sex Attraction

There is an attraction a man can have towards a woman who is another man's wife. That can lead him to covet his neighbor's wife (Exodus 20:17) or "lust after her", which is also (already) the sin of adultery as Jesus pointed it out (Matthew 5:28). That coveting or lusting after that woman is an evil desire leading to sin being committed in the heart already. The attraction, even though "fatal", is not the sin. It comes out of a corrupt heart, and when it is accepted as "good" in a process of calling evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20), and then is united with a desire for that woman who is another man's wife, that is an evil desire that gives birth to sin that itself brings forth death (James 1:13-15).

Same-sex attraction works the same way. It is potentially fatal in its outcome but it is not in itself a sin. It's the expression of a corrupt heart. When that attraction is accepted as "good" in a process of calling evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20) and then is united with a desire to be ultimately joined sexually with a person of the same sex, that is an evil desire that violates "let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband" (1 Corinthians 7:2b), which establishes marriage as the acceptable context for sexual relationships. That is because if husband is male, which he is, wife has to be female, which she is. There is no pairing of the same sex in the commandment. So, the transgression of the commandment gives birth to sin that brings forth death (James 1:13-15).

The corruption of the heart is what Jesus addresses in offering salvation to the world. It's a path for a person's soul to be restored (Psalm 23:3), for one to have that healing of the soul that the Gospel promises through Jesus' call to sinners to repent (Luke 5:31-32; Isaiah 53:5). Salvation is about escaping the corruption and power of sin that enslaves and destroys:

2 Peter 1:2-4
2  Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3  seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue; 4  by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.

The grace of God that brings salvation is power to walk in the will of God (Titus 2:11-14), loving God and neighbor out of a pure heart (1 Timothy 1:5; James 4:8). Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). Love does not harm a neighbor (Romans 13:10). Thus there would be no love when one would be involved in consensual sin with his or her neighbor (fellow man or woman). Love is what Jesus calls us to.

So, anything proceeding out of a corrupt heart (out of darkness) and that is not love can only be falsely so called. Anything that puts or keeps a person and his/her partner on the broad path to destruction (Matthew 7:13) is not love. The simple truth and bad news that the wages of sin is death must be acknowledged. Then the Good News from God can bring salvation to those who repent and put their faith in Jesus, that is, who faithfully follow Him as the light of the world (John 8:12).

Anyone who believes in God must also believe that He is powerful enough to enable a person who is 100% willing to do his will to be liberated (saved) to do just that and not be hindered in any way by contrary and conflicting desires. That's how faith works to bring supernatural transformation by the grace of God. He gives a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26). It only takes the agreement of a heart that is ready to obey Him (love Him, serve Him, do his will, live for Him). That's the basis of the relationship one enters into with God, beginning with being reconciled to Him (2 Corinthians 5:20, Romans 5:6-11) on the basis of the forgiveness of past sins when one repents.

Matthew 12:33
Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree bad, and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit.

James 1:21-22

21 Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls [that's repentance]. 22 But be doers of the word [that's faith, which implies obedience], and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.

James 4:8
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

John 14:15
If you love me, keep my commandments.

Galatians 5:19-26
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20  Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, worldy jealousies, 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. 22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23  Meekness, wilful restrain: against such there is no law. 24  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25  If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26  Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Titus 2:11-14
11  For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, 12  instructing us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly desires, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age; 13  looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ; 14  who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for himself a people for his own possession, zealous for good works.

Hebrews 5:9

And having been made perfect, He [Jesus] became the author of 👉 eternal salvation to all those who obey Him [...].

 

Saved From Greed - Testimony

Few people are talking about the silent killer that is the love of money that apparently doesn't hurt anyone. But I have been hurt by it using my own hands and it—the love of money— is a sin as vile as any other. It may not have man's laws against it, or have society frown upon it as "immoral," or even be likely to cause a "scandal" in a church—if at all it is mentioned, but heaven is not rejoicing over anyone being entangled in that sin that breeds other sins (1 Timothy 6:9-10). 

When Jesus looks at people's hearts and sees that greed monster, He sees that no place has been made for Him. He says, "Purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:8) and that's his call to repentance.

I am Giscard Nazon and this is my testimony:

Saved from Greed

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_oGZPgDg30)

Be blessed and please share as you are led. Peace to you!



See also:

My books

Unexpected Position

 

Connecting with God through Jesus

 

The Day I Shouted "HalleluYah!" 

 

Other resources:

Gambling and Greed (video playlist)

 
The Idolatry of Serving Mammon

 

The Mark of the Beast - No Forced Worship

 
Has Jesus Promised to Make His Followers Rich?

 

 

 

 

Giscard Nazon · Connecting With God Through Jesus, written by Giscard Nazon, narrated by Colin Porter

Log:

Remporarily unavailable 9/10/2023

Restored 1/25/2024

Stand Against Witchcraft

If you're in agreement with witchcraft that does not look wicked, you will have peace in your ignorance as you are submitting to a wicked agenda of the devil. He is a liar and a deceiver and will use you as a willing agent to destroy your own self and others. But the moment God reveals that same witchcraft to you and you choose to renounce having any part in it, you will suffer its attacks. You will see its ugly side once you're no longer in agreement with it.

You will know by close experience that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).

1 Samuel 15:23a
For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.

Seek God's ways in all then. Make sure you are not rebelling against God in the way you think of anything or in anything you do. Pray for that guidance about everything in your life. That's what surrendering your life to God means. He has a say in everything and desires also to be your light in all. Seek his voice and be obedient to Him. Follow his ways of righteousness and holiness. Come out of the world and be separate as God's servant. Whatever you have to suffer for that, choose God because you love Him above all. Trust that his ways are good and better than any other. Don't follow the world and its lusts. Allow no idols in your heart.

1 John 2:15-17
15  Do not love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love is not in him. 16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not the Father’s, but is the world’s. 17  The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever.

Seek purity of heart which is pleasing to God. Be in agreement with your Father in heaven about all things. Call evil evil and call good good. Don't love anything that God hates. You must be actively seeking God every day. That is how you live. If you are his, you want to live for Him, you want his approval and blessing over every area of your life. So, have no tolerance for ignorance or indifference that would make you be happy following your own ways. Seek the wisdom that God gives, ask for it and you shall receive it (James 1:5).

1 Peter 1:22-23
22  Seeing you have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth in sincere brotherly affection, love one another from a pure heart fervently: 23  having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the living and abiding Word of God.

You are called to be an overcomer of evil with Jesus in you.

1 John 4:4
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he who is in you than he who is in the world.

Luke 10:19-20
19  Look, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will in any way hurt you. 20  Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

May Jesus bless you!

Call to Repentance