A continuing study on the impact of sin.
Today’s message summary from Pastor Gus Brown:
Galatians 5:16-17
The Spirit versus the Flesh
16 I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.
God gives each one of us a mind. While God wants you to use your mind for the purpose of serving God and glorifying Him, it is up to you to determine whether you will follow God or follow the ruler of this world, Satan.
Romans 7:21-23
21 So I discover this principle: When I want to do what is good, evil is with me. 22 For in my inner self I joyfully agree with God’s law. 23 But I see a different law in the parts of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and taking me prisoner to the law of sin in the parts of my body.
Sin is never eradicated or destroyed.
God deals with sin in two ways:
1. He frees us from sin, for we are slaves of sin.
2. He delivers us from sin. He rescues us from the perils of sin.
Note that once you are in sin, you alone cannot walk away from it on your own power or ability.
Proverbs 16:1-2
1 The reflections of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.
2 All a man’s ways seem right to him,
but the Lord evaluates the motives.
Your thought process is affected by many different factors (your friends, worldly influences, and even demonic influences). You can experience conflict in your thought process, especially in your own flesh. God has to be a part of your thought life in order that He can reason with you. He helps you to sort out any voices that conflict with Him. It’s up to you to listen to God’s voice and allow for His reasoning. He is the voice that keeps you away from sin.
If we follow a principle to guard our thoughts and hearts, we will be receptive to God’s voice.
Philippians 4:8
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise—dwell on these things.
1. Is it true? (speaking the truth, truthful)
2. Is it noble? (honest character, honorable; showing high moral qualities, ideals or deeds)
3. Is it right? Is it just?
4. Is it pure? (avoid carnality; free from every fault, clean)
5. Is it lovely? (acceptable, pleasing)
6. Is it admirable? (well spoken, repeatable, good report)
7. Is it excellent? (virtue, moral goodness)
8. Is it praiseworthy? (a commendable thing)
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. He will give you what is best for you if you listen to Him, but you have to trust Him and believe in His Word. The enemy will try to discourage you with thoughts that God does not want the best for you. It is important for you to distinguish God’s truth from Satan’s deception. When your thoughts are weighed against God’s reasoning and His truth. He helps us with our thoughts and leads us to truth.
Proverbs 16:20
The one who understands a matter finds success,
and the one who trusts in the Lord will be happy.
You have a choice to make. God makes known His will through His Word. It should be a matter of prayer for each of us as we seek the truth and His will in our life. We must choose to do God’s will or we will be outside of it.
John 7:17
If anyone wants to do His will, he will understand whether the teaching is from God or if I am speaking on My own.
Luke 10:38-42
Martha and Mary
38 While they were traveling, He entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what He said. 40 But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.”
41 The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.”
It is important for each of us to listen to God speak in order to process our thoughts with the proper care and consideration.
After God has replied to our prayers and petitions and weighed our plans and thoughts, we still need to commit to the Lord’s plans. This is an important step in trusting The Lord. Your success is in the Lord’s hand. It all has to work out according to His will.
Proverbs 16:3-4
3 Commit your activities to the Lord,
and your plans will be achieved.
4 The Lord has prepared everything for His purpose—
even the wicked for the day of disaster.
Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his way,
but the Lord determines his steps.
If you commit your plans and thoughts to God, His promise is that He will direct your steps. He is faithful. He wants you to succeed.
Akron Alliance Fellowship 