Bible Ballistics: BBs #280 Are You Forgivable???

Our title today may seem to be a little strange but as we talked last week about being “teachable”, I’d like us to consider being “forgivable”. Why? Because to be forgivable, we must realize that we are in need of forgiveness. If we have never realized or recognized our sin as sin, why would we need to be forgiven? To receive the salvation that God has provided through Jesus, a person must recognize that they are lost and sinful without Him. If we never see our own sinfulness, why would we even need a Savior? That’s one of the reasons that I spend so much time talking about “sin”; because until and unless we see our sin we are most unlikely to see any need for forgiveness!

“But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” Isaiah 59:2

And Isaiah also reminds us that while we are all sinners, God already had the solution!

“All we like sheep have gone astray;

we have turned every one to his own way;

and the Lord hath laid on him

the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed,

and he was afflicted,

yet he opened not his mouth:

he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,

and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,

so he openeth not his mouth.

8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation?

for he was cut off out of the land of the living:

for the transgression of my people

was he stricken.

9 And he made his grave with the wicked,

and with the rich in his death;

because he had done no violence,

neither was any deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him;

he hath put him to grief:

when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,

he shall see his seed,

he shall prolong his days,

and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper

in his hand.” Isaiah 53:6-10

The solution to sin—Jesus the Redeemer, the Lamb of God, the “sacrifice” for sin—a sinless perfect “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world” (See John 1:29)! Jesus came to be the cure for the fatal disease of sin.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

And while Jesus came to die for our sin, and the love of God is totally unconditional—there is a condition to HIS forgiveness! Jesus! And without forgiveness there is no life!

“For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him

should not perish,

but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world

to condemn the world;

but that the world

through him

might be saved.

18 He that believeth on him

is not condemned:

but he that believeth not

is condemned already,

because he hath not believed

in the name

of the only begotten

Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation,

that light is come into the world,

and men loved darkness

rather than light,

because their deeds were evil.”     John 3:16-19

So what is God telling us? That Jesus is the only way to receive the forgiveness of God for our own sin. But as I said earlier, unless a person sees his or her own sin, there is little desire to seek Jesus. But when God speaks to a heart through His Holy Spirit and brings the conviction of sin, and that person realizes that Jesus is the only cure for the fatal disease of sin—then and only then will they come to Jesus. And when we realize all that God’s grace through the blood of Jesus has done, how can we help but love and serve this One who gave HIS all that we might have life?

So what is your answer to our title question? Are you “forgivable” or do you see yourself as “good enough” to stand before God? It’s a question that only you can answer, but one that is of eternal import. And when we receive the forgiveness and grace of God it will show.

“Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. 48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. 49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? 50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.” Luke 7:47-50

Faith in the One who died for MY sin. How about you, are your sins forgiven?

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 8 No. 01  Trust Overcomes Anxiety!!!

There are times in our lives when we face things that alarm or frighten us. I’d like to share a much shorter version of Bible Ballistics this evening for a word of hope and encouragement for those times when we find ourselves being overcome with fear, alarm or anxiety. God is in total control, and we can trust Him, but sometimes we truly can’t see the “forest” for the “trees”!

One of my favorite verses in regard to trust is from the Psalms.

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.” Psalm 56:3-4

No matter how calm our life seems to be, we will each have those times that come along which cause us to fear, panic or suffer anxiety over the issues of life. So whether it’s life changing issues, health, finances, or family crises, we must remember that our confidence is in our God not our circumstances.

While we live in a culture that seems to focus on the “instant” everything in life, God is concerned for our good, and our spiritual growth into the likeness of Jesus. And HE is trustworthy as He is at work in our lives all the time!!!

“And we know

that all things work together for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed

to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover

whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us, who can be against us?”     Romans 8:28-31

God is always doing His work in those who belong to Him, and we can rest in the assurance of His sovereign control. When we learn to understand God’s total sovereignty, then we can ‘stand’ with our armor on, and overcome. Jesus overcame sin, death and hell at Calvary, and “in Him” we can overcome all that comes against us. (See Eph. 6:10+)

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

shall tribulation,

or distress,

or persecution,

or famine,

or nakedness,

or peril,

or sword?

36 As it is written,

For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay,

in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through him

that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded,

that neither death,

nor life,

nor angels,

nor principalities,

nor powers,

nor things present,

nor things to come,

39 Nor height,

nor depth,

nor any other creature,

shall be able

to separate us

from the love of God,

which is in Christ Jesus

our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39  (See Romans 5:1-10)

Our confidence is in the blood of Jesus that saves and keeps us. And when we are in the hand of God, then nothing can touch us apart from HIS perfect will. He will use every crisis, every victory and every thing in between to make His own more and more like Jesus. Then we can bring Him glory as He brings us “to” glory; the glory that we will share with Him for all eternity. What price is too great?

“For I reckon

that the sufferings

of this present time

are not worthy

to be compared

with the glory

which shall be revealed

in us.” Romans 8:18

(And yes, I love Romans chapter 8, don’t you!!)

So take heart wherever you are in your walk with God! He has a plan and no one can thwart His hand.

“For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?” Isaiah 14:27

Our God reigns, and He knows where you are today. He knows where you were yesterday and where tomorrow will lead you. Our job is to love Him, and follow Him where He leads! Here are two of my very favorite passages from all of scripture; I’ll leave you to contemplate and think on these words from God.

“Trust in the Lord

with all thine heart;

and lean not

unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways

acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

7 Be not wise

in thine own eyes:

fear the Lord,

and depart from evil.

8 It shall be health to thy navel,

and marrow to thy bones.”   Proverbs 3:5-8

“Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;

4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation,

that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble,

by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are

comforted of God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us,

so our consolation also aboundeth

by Christ.”     2 Corinthians 1:2-5

Bible Ballistics: BBs #279 Am I Teachable???

I’d like to share a bit today about being “teachable” before God. Sometimes we get so busy, rushing about taking care of “busy-ness” and getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, that we are deaf to the voice of our Lord. So I’d like to share a few passages today that remind us that God is there to lead and guide our steps, and to teach us His ways through His Word and His precious Holy Spirit (Who dwells within each individual who belongs to Jesus).

The question is, “Are we devoted servants of the Lord God Almighty and His Son Jesus Christ?” Or are we striving to be a “dictator to the Father”; rather than praying “Not my will, but thine be done”, do we often pray, “My will be done on earth, and God, YOU need to confirm it-now!” We are called to be the servants of the LORD—NOT His dictators, as much popular teaching encourages today. Our focus needs to be on Him, letting God, be GOD!

“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” Matthew 6:10

“Shew me thy ways, O Lord;

teach me thy paths.

5 Lead me in thy truth, and teach me:

for thou art the God of my salvation;

on thee do I wait all the day.

6 Remember, O Lord,

thy tender mercies

and thy lovingkindnesses;

for they have been ever of old.

7 Remember not the sins of my youth,

   nor my transgressions:

according to thy mercy

remember thou me for thy goodness’ sake,

O Lord.

8 Good and upright is the Lord: therefore

will he teach sinners in the way.

9 The meek will he guide in judgment:

and the meek will he teach his way.”  Psalm 25:4-9

We need God—He doesn’t “need” us, but He sent Jesus because He loves us!!! It is HIS mercy that delivers us through the blood that Jesus shed for all who will believe.

“For thou art great,

and doest wondrous things:

thou art God alone.

11 Teach me thy way, O Lord;

I will walk in thy truth:

unite my heart to fear thy name.

12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God,

with all my heart:

and I will glorify thy name

for evermore.” Psalm 86:10-12

Did you get that, “thou art God alone”? Our purpose is to love Him, to serve Him and to praise Him for being God! And praise God; we don’t have to do it on our own. He is teaching us by His Spirit if we will but listen, learn and obey!

“Teach me to do thy will;

for thou art my God:

thy spirit is good;

lead me into the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:10

And when we are willing to learn from Him, then we can share with those God places in our path. Are we being teachable or dictating? May I ever be teachable dear Lord!

“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,” 2 Timothy 2:24

Bible Ballistics: BBs #278  Lord, Don’t You Remember???

 

“Ye shall know them by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 Even so

every good tree bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth the will of my Father

which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name

have cast out devils?

and in thy name

done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:16-23

A difficult passage to digest, but clear in its simple truth—SAYING SO DOESN’T MAKE IT SO! We can talk about Jesus, we can do ‘religious’ activities, we can even be renowned in our ‘spiritual’ demeanor, but Jesus says that isn’t what it’s all about. So, what is it about? It is about KNOWING Jesus through repentance and faith in His redeeming payment for my sin! Even doing miraculous works isn’t what it is about—it is about Jesus, and His Spirit doing God’s work within and through us! And Jesus goes on in this passage to give us a profound yet simple example of this principle. It’s the old adage in Biblical terms—“What you see isn’t always what you get”! So what is the “will” of God?

“And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40

It’s all about Jesus—but Jesus makes a difference beyond natural appearances. Here’s what Jesus had to say.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them,

I will liken him unto a wise man,

which built his house upon a rock:

25 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell not:

for it was founded upon a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not,

shall be likened unto a foolish man,

which built his house upon the sand:

27 And the rain descended,

and the floods came,

and the winds blew,

and beat upon that house;

and it fell:

and great was the fall of it.”    Matthew 7:24-27

These two houses apparently looked the same from the outside, but there was an important and initially unnoticed difference—the foundation. One was built on the “rock”—Jesus, and the other which was built on the “sand”—anything other than Jesus. He is the only foundation that lasts.

“According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-11

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.” John 14:6

So the question comes, “What foundation have you built upon?” Do you talk a good talk, and make a good show of your house, but you’re counting on something to give you life other than Jesus. Are you counting on a prayer, or walking an aisle, or doing good works, or just living your own way while talking about how much you “love Jesus”, like that is a talisman that will place you in good standing with God; while you live your life you own way with no desire for Jesus or the things of God; no time to seek Him or His Word; no time or desire to live a holy life? It’s a question that we all need to consider before it’s too late.

“Examine yourselves,

whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Know ye not your own selves,

how that Jesus Christ is in you,

except ye be reprobates?

6 But I trust that ye shall know

that we are not reprobates.”      2 Corinthians 13:5-6

Reprobate is used here of one who is “NOT” regenerate (made new in Christ Jesus). It is talking about the same thing that Jesus refers to in Matthew 7, one who talks a good talk but possesses no part of Jesus in reality. An “imitation” believer, a reprobate is one who does not have the Spirit of Jesus Christ within.

“So then

they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God

dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

10 And if Christ be in you,

the body is dead because of sin;

but the Spirit is life

because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus

from the dead

dwell in you,

he that raised up Christ

from the dead

shall also quicken your mortal bodies

by his Spirit

that dwelleth in you.”    Romans 8:8-11

When we are “born again”, we receive the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit who regenerates our hearts, minds and souls to become the children of God; and that my friends will make a difference. Jesus will not allow His own children to continue unchecked in sin. So if you are content and happy in your sinful lifestyle you might want to check out what you think makes you right with God!!! God imparts HIS righteousness to those who are His through the blood of Jesus.

“He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:11-13

We are born of God, we are His children and are enabled to overcome the world of sin, death and hell because of what Jesus did at Calvary for all who will believe in Him. (See John 3 for more)

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry

of reconciliation;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

              21 For he hath made him

to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made

the righteousness of God

in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

So, my friends what are you depending on. Are you depending on Jesus to remember all “YOUR” good works and deeds that you have tried to do to be good enough for God? Do you want Him to remember all the wonderful works you did “in His name” to impress yourself and others? Or have you trusted your eternal destiny to the cross of Jesus and been transformed by the blood of the Lamb that “cleanseth us from all sin”, and received the indwelling Holy Spirit who continually confirms that we belong to Jesus? The choice is yours, but it’s a choice you need to be sure of.

Are you a “good tree” being a conduit for the power of God? Or are you a “corrupt” tree that will be found out, and cast into the fire! You can hang fruit on a dead branch but it doesn’t make it a tree, especially a good tree. You decide, but remember, there is a test at the end.

“Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

12 For the word of God is quick, (alive)

and powerful,

and sharper than any twoedged sword,

piercing even to the dividing asunder

of soul

and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow,

and is a discerner

of the thoughts

and intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature

that is not manifest in his sight:

but all things

are naked

and opened

unto the eyes of him

with whom we have to do.”    Hebrews 4:11-13

As my mother used to say, “You can fool some of the people all of the time, and you can fool all of the people some of the time, but you can’t fool God!” HE will remember, and He knows the real condition of your heart! Do you know whose you are? There are only two options. May God bless you to see the truth about yourself, I can’t know but HE does, and I pray that you will heed the truth.

“And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark4:9

“And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man….” Genesis 6:3a

I join Paul in praying this prayer for YOU.

“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)”   2 Corinthians 6:1-2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 7 No. 26  Loosed And Let Go!!!

 

“And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44 And he that was dead came forth,

bound hand and foot

with graveclothes:

and his face was bound about with a napkin.

Jesus saith unto them,

Loose him, and let him go.” John 11:43-44

Here we find Jesus at the grave/tomb of Lazarus. Jesus had come in response to the call of Mary and Martha for Jesus to attend their sick brother. Jesus had intentionally delayed his visit, and even these two precious friends of Jesus, didn’t understand the delay. They had expected Jesus to come when they sent for him, and that He would come and heal Lazarus as He had been healing people throughout His three years of ministry.

But Jesus had a different plan. Even the disciples didn’t understand what was going on, they simply knew that if He returned to Judea His life would be in great danger. But even that danger was a part of God’s plan, but not before Jesus’s encounter with Lazarus. Martha questioned the delay and acknowledged that if Jesus had come sooner, Lazarus wouldn’t have died!

“Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died………………………………………………………..32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.” John 11:21 & 32

These two sisters were broken-hearted at the loss of their brother, and were just plain confused that Jesus had not come to heal His good friend and follower, Lazarus. But Jesus tried to redirect their attention to greater things, but just like us they couldn’t get past the “immediate” to see the “eternal”! Yet Jesus, even in His perfect sinless perspective, had compassion on them and understood their sorrow. It brought Him to tears.

“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping……., he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled…… Jesus wept.” John 11:33,35

“Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”  John 11:23-27

Martha believed the right things about Jesus, but she wasn’t prepared for what was about to take place. Jesus was about to give a preview of His glory that would be displayed in a matter of just a few short weeks. The time when He would display that glorious power in His own resurrection by the power of God—but unlike Lazarus, Jesus would never die again. He would accomplish what was necessary to be and provide “eternal” life for all who would believe in HIM!

But before that glorious event, Jesus would display his power over death and the grave and call Lazarus out of the tomb that held him. I’ve heard many say that Jesus called Lazarus by name so that all the other dead folks wouldn’t come forth as well, and be that so or not, Jesus was about to make HIS glory and power evident before those who would believe it. And the amazing thing to me is that many of those who saw this wonder refused to believe in Jesus.

“Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done. 47 Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles.” John 11:45-47

People saw and acknowledged the miraculous nature of what Jesus was doing, but refused to believe that He was the Messiah. Much like today, people want to see “miracles” but reject the one who gives “life”. Jesus came to set us free from the bonds of sin, just as he instructed those around Lazarus to set him free:

“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” John 11:41-44

Jesus gave instruction to “Loose him, and let him go”, and the same is true for us when we are “born again”, Jesus gives us life and sets us free from sin, death and hell!

“Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:35-36

Jesus says that we will be “free”! But what does He mean, free from what? In the context of this passage, Jesus is contrasting the dependence on the “Law” and “heritage” of Abraham as spiritual security, with the freedom of “sonship”. Jesus confronted religion with the truth about sin. Jesus said that those who are dependent on themselves and the sin that rules their lives apart from HIS “salvation” are “servants” of sin. They are bound by the sin that controls their lives and only Jesus can give freedom from that sin—the sin that brings death, destruction and hell to those who refuse to come to HIM.

“ Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

And who is that “gate”, that “strait gate”? Jesus is the gate, the one and only way to life and glory, through His death, burial and resurrection.

“Let not your heart be troubled:

ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many mansions:

if it were not so,

I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you,

I will come again,

and receive you unto myself;

that where I am,

there ye may be also.

4 And whither I go ye know,

and the way ye know.

5 Thomas saith unto him,

Lord, we know not whither thou goest;

and how can we know the way?

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:1-6

Jesus is “the way” that leads to “life”— the only “way” that leads to “life”–eternal life, abundant life—life free from the bondage of sin! Jesus came to loose us from the bondage of sin, and give us that “life” by His life’s blood! He paid the price for our sin at Calvary and by faith we can receive the “eternal life” that He gives, and his life enables us to overcome sin and live a victorious life above the weight of sin. He brings us from death to life.

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved😉 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10

Many of us are familiar with parts of this passage, but in it’s context it takes on a glorious message of victory. What does Paul tell us here? Let’s just peruse the highlights (but please spend some time digging into its depths at your liesure) today.

We are all dead in trespasses and sin—

God raises us from the “dead” in Jesus—

The “lost” act like the “lost” but that’s past—

 When we are lost we live like it—

 When we are saved we can live like it—

 Jesus gives us life by grace that overcomes—

God gives us salvation/life by grace and faith—

God raises us up to life in heavenly places—

 It’s grace that saves not out works—

But we are saved to do good works—

God’s good works—

By His power—

For His glory—

It’s what we’re saved to do—

Because of what Jesus sets us free to be!

And when we are set free from sin by the grace of God and the blood of Jesus we have the power to live an overcoming life. We don’t have to let sin have its way in our hearts or in our everyday lives.

“What shall we say then?

Shall we continue in sin,

that grace may abound?

2 God forbid.

How shall we,

that are dead to sin,

live any longer therein?

3 Know ye not,

that so many of us as were baptized

into Jesus Christ

were baptized into his death?

4 Therefore we are buried with him

by baptism into death:

that like as Christ was raised up

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 planted together

in the likeness of his death,

we shall be also

in the likeness of his resurrection:

6 Knowing this,

that our old man

is crucified with him,

that the body of sin

might be destroyed,

that henceforth we should not serve sin.

7 For he that is dead

is freed from sin.

8 Now if we be dead with Christ,

we believe that we shall also live with him:

9 Knowing that Christ

being raised from the dead

dieth no more;

death hath no more dominion over him.

10 For in that he died,

he died unto sin once:

but in that he liveth,

he liveth unto God.

11 Likewise

reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed

unto sin,

but alive unto God

through Jesus Christ our Lord.”    Romans 6:1-11

And as Paul puts it in another way:

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Being crucified with Jesus Christ, we can live by His death, burial and resurrection. It is a wonderful promise of life—life in and through Jesus Christ. The abundant life that HE alone can give.

But how does that work out for us on a day-to-day basis? Let’s consider some scripture to equip us for living the “crucified life”. It’s not easy but it can be simply described.

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh……..

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;

Adultery,                     

fornication,

uncleanness,        

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,         

witchcraft,

hatred,                 

variance,

emulations,          

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,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

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.” Galatians 5:16 & 19-26

A long list, but one that helps us discern between the good and the evil. What to pursue and what to avoid, and we also have a checklist for “thinking”.

“Be careful for nothing;

but in every thing by prayer

and supplication

with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known

unto God.

7 And the peace of God,

which passeth all understanding,

shall keep your hearts

and minds

through Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brethren,

whatsoever things are true,

whatsoever things are honest,

whatsoever things are just,

whatsoever things are pure,

whatsoever things are lovely,

whatsoever things are of good report;

if there be any virtue,

and if there be any praise,

think on these things.” Philippians 4:6-8

We must understand that much of our warfare with the enemy is in our mind—so think on the things of God. Check every thought by the test of the “word”!   But don’t stop there; bring your thoughts into obedience to Jesus.

“For though we walk in the flesh,

we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare

are not carnal,

but mighty through God

to the pulling down

of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations,

and every high thing

that exalteth itself

against the knowledge

of God,

and bringing into captivity

every thought

to the obedience of Christ;”    2 Corinthians 10:3-5

And in closing, one of my favorite passages. Simply put—trust God for your living!! Every day and in all your ways!!! Walk in the Spirit and you won’t fulfill the “lusts of the flesh”!!!

“Trust in the Lord

with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

6 In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.”     Proverbs 3:5-6