Spread the Fire - March 2008 - (Page 23)

Seeing God is important to me. It is part of my inheritance as a Christian, and I want it. So finding the key to overcoming sin and having a pure heart is vital if I am to possess my inheritance. When Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead, He became our only source of purity and righteousness. He has become for us, according to 1Corinthians 1:30, our wisdom, righteousness, holiness and redemption. Martin Luther rediscovered the truth that it is by faith in Christ alone and his finished work of the cross that a man shall be saved and not by human striving. As you stop trusting in your own ability to overcome sin and place your faith in Jesus Christ, the power of God flows in you and enables you to overcome every temptation. The grace that cleansed you of your past sins is the very same grace that enables you to continue to walk in the power to overcome the temptation to sin in the future. How often does a person believe that by grace God paid the penalty for his sins and removed the shame of having committed them, but then later returns to his own effort when it comes to sanctification? When you say, “I will not sin; I will not look at that woman/man; I will not commit adultery; I will not tell lies; I will not cheat; I will not lose my temper…,” doesn’t the very fact that each vow begins with “I” give you a clue? You have stepped out of grace and returned to the futility of your own effort. Take for example, the habit of masturbation, a problem for many men and women. It creates a connection between the eyes, emotions and hands. I once heard somebody say that 90% of men admit to having an issue with masturbation and the other 10% are liars. Some would argue that it is only dangerous if it becomes habitual. I believe avoiding it all together is the best way of avoiding it becoming a habit. But dealing with it by your own effort sounds like this: “I will not- I will not- I will not! Oh my gosh, I’m doing it! I’ve done it; I’m so sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Please forgive me. Thank you, Jesus, for your forgiveness! There now; I’m free.” What usually follows, though, is another cycle beginning with “I will not; I will not…” Each go round on the cycle heaps condemnation upon the person who is powerless to overcome it. This cycle locks him into a secret world of habitual defilement, guilt and shame and paralyzes him with the fear that he will be tempted again and overcome.

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Spread the Fire - March 2008

Spread the Fire - March 2008 Contents In the River Save Sex? Simon’s Story The Key To Overcoming Lust It’s Time for the Double Blessing International Itinerary Resource Center Catalogue Upcoming Events Visitor Information

Spread the Fire - March 2008

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