Sunday, July 7, 2019

FREE & DELIVERED FROM THE SINFUL NATURE!


FREE AND DELIVERED FROM THE SINFUL NATURE

“…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t….I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (the WORD OF GOD)…(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).  “…if the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit)…shall make you FREE, ye shall be FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).
“... 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...” (Romans 6:6 KJV).
“... 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 KJV).
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A person is NOT born with a particular appetite, but an appetite is developed. Appetite GROWS and CHANGES into particulars as one experiences the diversity of things, within the world, that can be CONSUMED when one is HUNGRY (real or conditioned) for “something.”

HUNGER can be a GOOD thing and was God-given to HELP the SOUL properly care for the physical needs, of the body of flesh, in a WHOLESOME and HEALTHY Way!

The FIVE SENSES were given to help the SOUL engage, interact, and experience GOOD things to consume that benefit them, especially spiritually.

The EVIL ONE perverted HUNGER and USES it to KILL, STEAL, and DESTROY the SOUL so they will NOT properly care for the physical needs, of the body of flesh, in a WHOLESOME or HEALTHY way.

The FIVE SENSES are now PERVERTED and WON’T help the SOUL engage, interact, or experience GOOD things to consume, but SINFUL things that won’t benefit them, especially spiritually.

Information within the heart, gleaned from the world under the power of the EVIL ONE, is responsible for associating specific appetites with a reward system that satisfies the body of flesh in many carnal ways.

Specific appetites linked with a reward system that satisfies the body of flesh, most likely, provides an calming effect. This calming effect reduces stress.

This calming effect that reduces stress makes the body of flesh FEEL better. The memories associated with specific appetites that have a reward system (like calming) becomes desirable to repeat.

This desire, to repeat, turns into a craving when a specific appetite is satisfied over and over again, followed by a reward (like calming). Thus, the desire, now a craving, becomes a POWERFUL behavior that gets OUT OF CONTROL.

Trying to stop the “out of control” craving, through the body of flesh is like trusting in and depending upon the very thing that developed the habit in the first place.

Only God can truly DELIVER a person from entrenching habits or strongholds that have become established, “out of control,” cravings.

Trying to replace “out of control” cravings with something else in order to stop the habit depends on how rewarding, calming, and desirable the alternative is.

Using substitutes, alternatives, or modifications to stop “out of control” cravings associated with specific rewards, like calming, is “STILL” reinforcing the habit, though on a much smaller scale.

For the redeemed the key is “NOT” simply to BREAK the habit, but to be DELIVERED from it.

The EVIL ONE puts into the WORDLY environments many things that trigger, entice, manipulate, or reinforce mankind’s cravings, and make it almost impossible for them to BREAK habits.

GOD puts into the HEART the indwelling Holy Spirit that DELIVERS the redeemed from the POWER of triggers, enticements, manipulations, or reinforcements initiated by cravings and empowers them with FREEDOM from long established habits.

The problem with trying to BREAK habits are the demands and rules you place upon the body of flesh. The body of flesh is a vessel created to engage, interact, and experience the natural world through the FIVE SENSES. It does what it does. It doesn’t obey God; it is NOW a sin nature.

Trying to BREAK a habit, by attempting to discipline your body of flesh alone or without the help of the indwelling Holy Spirit will ONLY make the “out of control” craving more DESPERATE. Eventually, you will end up indulging in the established habit, AGAIN, even more to compensate for lost time.

Being DELIVERED from a habit by trusting in and depending upon the FREEDOM through Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to STOP a “out of control” craving.

The sinful nature is dead and crucified, but the old mindset is learned, informed, and conditioned to respond to triggers, enticements, manipulations, and reinforcements that are everywhere in the EVIL ONE’S carnal environments, which make it almost impossible to break  “out of control” and established habits.

In addition, indulging in, “out of control” cravings are easy, accessible, familiar, comfortable, and satisfying. The EVIL ONE through one or more of your FIVE SENSES conditioned your body of flesh to have an appetite for sinful pleasures that reward you, calm you, and fulfill your desire until it becomes an “out of control” craving and an established, unbreakable habit.

God does not come to REPAIR, FIX, ALTER, or REPLACE “out of control” cravings that have become established habits, he came to DELIVER  and FREE you completely from them. He came to EMPOWER the redeemed to walk and live in FREEDOM from “out of control” cravings and their established habits.

Trying to put RULES and REGULATION upon the body of flesh with “out of control” cravings and long established habits is a recipe for failure. Ethical behavior is NOT spiritual behavior. “…The ...[body of]...flesh profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Human effort (through the body of flesh) accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT). “…If I bestow all my goods to feed the poor (body of flesh effort only), and if I give my body to be burned (body of flesh effort only), but have not love (God is LOVE and the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT), IT PROFITETH ME NOTHING” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3 ASV)."… if the salt has become tasteless … It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out…” (Matthew 5:13 NASB).

“…The sinful nature is always hostile to God . …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “..[The sinful nature]... never did obey God’s laws, and it never will.…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “...those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

Many go on diets from their “out of control” cravings and some are successful as long as they stick to the rules and regulations. It is always a struggle.

On the other hand, some choose to have faith in God, the Holy Spirit to DELIVER them from their cravings and have overwhelming victory as long as they continually trust in and depend upon his indwelling Holy Spirit to EMPOWER them to WALK in FREEDOM. “...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world...” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...we must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us...” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

Following rules and regulations to STOP “out of control” cravings and being DELIVERED from “out of control” cravings may MIRROR one another, but the DIFFERENCE is the HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS deliverance and HELPS the redeemed to WALK in FREEDOM. “... [God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of  it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Following rules and regulations is often LIKE trying to FIX “out of control” cravings and established habits whereas DELIVERANCE “IS” TOTAL FREEDOM from “out of control” cravings and established habits. There are no rules and regulations, there is only belief and unbelief. “... You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires...” (Colossians 2:20-23 NLT).

…Trust in (DEPEND UPON) the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto (DON’T DEPEND UPON) thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [you]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “… The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT). “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).  “…The steps (OF DELIVERANCE) of a good man (woman) are ordered (DIRECTED) by the Lord:” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

When the redeemed are DELIVERED from “out of control” cravings and established habits the problem is NOT the body of flesh and its dictates anymore, but the struggle is “IN” the MIND. “...Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there...” (Galatians 5:24 NLT). “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (through the WORD of God)….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). 

Being DELIVERED and FREED from SIN requires exposure to the TRUTH. It is the TRUTH that sets you FREE.  “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (the WORD OF GOD)…(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).   Jesus had another name.… His name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… the Son (Jesus Christ, the indwelling Holy Spirit. the Word of God)…shall make you FREE...” (John 8:36 KJV).

The EVIL ONE conditioned, your body of flesh and its FIVE SENSES, to CRAVE sinful pleasures and some of those pleasures have gotten “out of control.”

Thus, just because Jesus Christ has SET you FREE and DELIVERED you from the sinful nature doesn’t automatically STOP your “out of control” cravings and established habits.

The “out of control” cravings and established habits don’t just disappear. What should you do?

1. Don’t follow rules and regulations, but have faith in your DELIVERANCE from the passions and affections of the sinful nature which is now dead and crucified. “...why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? ...Such rules are mere human teachings.... These rules may seem wise ..But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires...” (Colossians 2:20-23 NLT). “...Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there...” (Galatians 5:24 NLT). “..they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts...” (Galatians 5:24 KJV).

2. The “out of control” cravings and established habits NO LONGER have any POWER over you. “…you are not (no longer) controlled by your sinful nature. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “...you have no obligation (anymore) to do what your sinful nature urges you to do…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “... ye ...[are]... FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).

3. Trust in and depend upon God’s WORD in order to WALK in your FREEDOM and DELIVERANCE from “out of control” cravings and established habits. He will “…strengthened ... [you] … with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “… [He will strengthen you]…according to the POWER that worketh IN [YOU]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV). “...Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, AND he WILL flee from you...” (James 4:7 KJV). “...RESIST him (the evil one), standing firm in the faith ( in your trust in and dependency upon God)...” (1 Peter 5:9 NIV). “...do not give the devil an opportunity...” (Ephesians 4:27 NASB).

4. God, the indwelling Holy Spirit is “IN” you. “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).  “….the Spirit of God dwelleth in you...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them...” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).

5. Not only is the indwelling Holy Spirit “IN” you; he will HELP you. “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT). “…[God is]…Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

6. Have faith that you are ALREADY DELIVERED, but allow the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower you to walk in DELIVERANCE through the process of sanctification.“…Christ ….loved the church, and GAVE himself for it; That he might SANCTIFY and CLEANSE it, with the washing of water by the word...” (Ephesians 5:25-25 KJV). “… The God of peace Himself SANCTIFY you ENTIRELY…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB). “...God has chosen you from the beginning for SALVATION through SANCTIFICATION by the Spirit and faith in the truth…” (2 Thessalonians 2:13 NASB “….ye are SANCTIFIEDin the name of the Lord Jesus (the Word), and by the SPIRIT of our GOD…” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV).

7. Sanctification and becoming transformed (from “out of control” cravings and established habits) comes through renewing YOUR MIND with the Word of God. “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).“… [Therefore, the redeemed]… are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). …until we …become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).  

8. Your DELIVERANCE may MIRROR those who are following rules and regulations, but remember the difference is JESUS CHRIST is doing the work of empowering you with strength, through the POWER of the indwelling Holy Spirit, to walk in “that” deliverance. It is …God [the indwelling Holy Spirit] ... who does the work (of deliverance) IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The [indwelling]...HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH [you] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “... For it is God who worketh in you, both to will (to desire to be delivered) and to do (to actually walk in deliverance) of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “… the God of peace… that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in [you, through the indwelling Holy Spirit]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

9. When the redeemed fail and fall back into “out of control” cravings and long established habits they have stopped trusting and depending upon the POWERFUL indwelling Holy Spirit. Most likely, they have started depending upon the rules and regulations of those who are simply MIRRORING their deliverance, but are not actually being empowered by it!  “...when the wheat spouted and formed heads, then the weeds appeared...Where ... did the weeds come from? .... Do you want us to go and pull them up?...NO... “...Let both grow together until the harvest...” (Matthew 13:30 KJV). “...allow both to grow together until the harvest...” (Matthew 13:30 NASB).“…GROW to maturity…” (2 Corinthians 13:11 NLT). …until Christ be formed in you…” (Galatians 4:19 KJV). “…Ye shall know [the delivered]… by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:16 KJV). “…He(she) who ABIDES in Me and I in him (her), he(she) bears much fruit  (John 15:1-11 NASB). "…My Father is glorified by this, that...[HIS PEOPLE]... bear much fruit, and so PROVE to be My disciples (MY DELIVERED people)...” (John 15:8 NIV).

10. BE CAREFUL of the TRICKS of the EVIL ONE! “…The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants ... …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. ” (Galatians 5 NLT).  “...do not give the devil an opportunity...” (Ephesians 4:27 NASB). “...Resist the devil, AND he WILL flee from you...” (James 4:7 KJV). “...RESIST him (the evil one)...” (1 Peter 5:9 NIV).

FOLLOWING RULES AND REGULATIONS, THROUGH SELF-EFFORT IS NOT DELIVERANCE FROM THE BODY OF FLESH (SINFUL NATURE), ITS CRAVINGS, AND HABITS. “...why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? ...Such rules are mere human teachings.... These rules may seem wise ..But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires...” (Colossians 2:20-23 NLT). “...Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there...” (Galatians 5:24 NLT). “..they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts...” (Galatians 5:24 KJV).

 RULES AND REGULATIONS, THROUGH SELF-EFFORT IS NOT DELIVERANCE FROM THE BODY OF FLESH (SINFUL NATURE), ITS CRAVINGS, AND HABITS. “...why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? ...Such rules are mere human teachings.... These rules may seem wise ..But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires...” (Colossians 2:20-23 NLT).

However, trust in and dependency upon god’s deliverance through the powerful indwelling holy spirit makes you “free” from the body of flesh (sinful nature), cravings, and habits.

“…The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants ... …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. ” (Galatians 5 NLT).  

“…Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil…” (Jeremiah 13:23 NIV). “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

The body of flesh has too many “out of control” cravings, wrong appetites, and forbidden desires.“...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin (through the body of flesh ( sin nature))” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

The body of flesh (sinful nature) cannot and will not follow rules and regulations. “…The sinful nature is always hostile to God …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “...[The SINFUL NATURE]... never did obey God’s (HOLY) laws, and it never will…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants ...so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

Therefore, following rules and regulations, through the effort of the body of flesh, won’t deliver you from its “out of control” cravings, wrong appetites, sinful desires, and perverted hunger. “...These rules may seem wise ..But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires...” (Colossians 2:20-23 NLT). “...so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).

There is only “one way” and that’s through the deliverance of jesus Christ.  “... [God, the Holy Spirit] ...has sent me (Jesus) to proclaim that captives will be released...” (Luke 4:18 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [out of control cravings, wrong appetites, sinful desires, etc.)? (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).

He came to set you totally “FREE” from the body of flesh (sinful nature) and its cravings, wrong appetites, sinful desires, and perverted hungers.

“…The [invisible Holy] ...Spirit  anointed [empowered JESUS] to preach the gospel to the poor ... [empowered him] to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives ” (John 4:16-21 KJV). “... to proclaim that captives will be released...” (Luke 4:18 NLT).

“…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him…” (Psalms 37:40 NLT). “… The Sovereign Lord helps me…” (Isaiah 50:7 NLT).  “…You are my helper and my savior…” (Psalms 40:17 NLT).

 “…[God is]… Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“…[God is]…Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“…[God is]…Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

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