S) " 18 For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."
Galatians 2:18-20 (NASB)
O) I've heard a doctrine preached that, once you get saved, you're not actually a sinner anymore. That's true, in the semantics of it. The problem, however, was that they continued to go so far as to say that, if our old self is put to death, and we're a new creation, then we're no longer sinful creatures capable of sin... In this passage, Paul clearly shows that, while our old self has been destroyed, we are fully able to rebuild him. It's kind of like a zombie. If we sin, then we're only proving that we've become a zombie and we need to get it reversed quickly. This analogy makes a lot of sense if you watch this video. It's from Acquire The Fire 2011 and, while it's specific to pornography, it applies to any sin.
A) You know, that video really breaks it down nicely; when it comes to dealing with the sin of our old behavior, there are 7 basic rules to follow.
1. Cover each other's backs (accountability, both ways)
2. Never go out after dark (know how/when you're most tempted)
3. Always be ready to fight ('nuff said!)
4. Think about what you consume (pay attention to influences of all kinds)
5. Tell your partner immediately (confession/repentance)
6. Limit contact (avoid unnecessary exposure to sin)
7. Never go near the original contamination zone (do not deliberately sin)
P) Father, forgive me for my sins. Help me keep this dire perspective. I know this analogy can seem over-the-top, but I also know that sin is a dramatic effort. I need to take it this seriously at all times. Holy Spirit, recreate a mindset to fight sin, and my old sinful nature. In You I am a new creation, Jesus. I am now enabled to live righteously; help me protect and honor that righteousness that You have given me. Help me stay pure from all sin, not just the obvious ones. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) You know, that video really breaks it down nicely; when it comes to dealing with the sin of our old behavior, there are 7 basic rules to follow.
1. Cover each other's backs (accountability, both ways)
2. Never go out after dark (know how/when you're most tempted)
3. Always be ready to fight ('nuff said!)
4. Think about what you consume (pay attention to influences of all kinds)
5. Tell your partner immediately (confession/repentance)
6. Limit contact (avoid unnecessary exposure to sin)
7. Never go near the original contamination zone (do not deliberately sin)
P) Father, forgive me for my sins. Help me keep this dire perspective. I know this analogy can seem over-the-top, but I also know that sin is a dramatic effort. I need to take it this seriously at all times. Holy Spirit, recreate a mindset to fight sin, and my old sinful nature. In You I am a new creation, Jesus. I am now enabled to live righteously; help me protect and honor that righteousness that You have given me. Help me stay pure from all sin, not just the obvious ones. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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