GOD'S FAVOR IS BETTER THAN....

GOD’S FAVOR

IS SUFFICIENT FOR THE CHRISTIAN JOURNEY (Part 1).

“…My grace (FAVOR)  is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).  “… the GRACE (FAVOR) of God, and the gift by GRACE (FAVOR), which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath ABOUNDED unto many…” (Romans 5:15 KJV).  “…God is able to make all GRACE (FAVOR) abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things…” (2 Corinthians 8:9 KJV). “…My GRACE (FAVOR) is sufficient for thee...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV). “..Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE (FAVOR), that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE (FAVOR) to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). “…They which receive abundance of GRACE (FAVOR) …” (Romans 5:17 KJV).  

*

 In order to APPRECIATE God’s GRACE (FAVOR), it is important to SEE why you NEED his GRACE (FAVOR) in the first place.

Many of us KNOW what happened in the garden of EDEN and how sin entered into the WORLD. The FALL is called the Original Sin. The Original Sin was, in essence, the “SEPARATION” from God the Holy Spirit, which is absolute Spiritual DEATH. “…sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH (spiritual death)…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

“…The woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise…” (Genesis 3:6 NLT). “…Through one man SIN (through the flesh) entered into the world, and DEATH (spiritual death)THROUGH SIN (an act of unrighteousnes), and so death (spiritual death) passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).

“….I was born a sinner (I was born  with a sin nature and without the indwelling holy spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

“…All have sinned (all have been born with a sin nature) and fallen short of the glory of God… (fall short of the indwelling Holy Spirit)...” (Romans 3:23).

“…At that moment their eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…At that moment their eyes were opened (to an existence WITHOUT the Holy Spirit)…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  “…they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked (uncovered, unprotected, without the Holy Spirit, etc.).”  “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it...” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT).

“…When lust hath conceived (is acted out or born), it BRINGETH FORTH SIN: and SIN when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

 Adam and Eve experienced the immediate death of their SPIRITUAL LIFE. “... SIN when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

They became conscious of SIN from breaking God’s Holy commandment. “…At that moment their eyes were opened (to an existence WITHOUT the Holy Spirit)…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

They were no longer joined to the Holy Spirit. “…Your [SIN/sin nature will SEPARATE]  … you and God (the HOLY Spirit)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

They became aware of physical nakedness (on the outside) as a result of losing their spiritual covering (on the inside). “…canst thou… Deck thyself now with majesty and excellency; [or]... array thyself with glory and [holy]…BEAUTY …” (Job 40:9-10 KJV). They were “…DEAD in [their] trespasses and sin” (Ephesians 2:1 KJV). AND “….Apart from … [God’s Holy Spirit, his GLORIOUS presence], [they could]… do nothing (about it)…” (John 15:5 NIV).

The relationship between God, the HOLY SPIRIT and man’s SOUL was ONCE “VERY GOOD!” “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

The LOST union between God, the Holy Spirit and man’s SOUL destroyed “MUCH GOOD!” “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner (through the FALL) destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

HOW? “…Through one man SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).

Adam and Eve died spiritually, they also begin to die physically, the Holy Spirit separated from them, and they were left with ONLY a fleshly (sinful) nature and a dead soul.

“… ONE sinner (through the SEPARATION from the Holy Spirit) destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

It seems UNFAIR that the rest of the WORLD is burdened with ADAM’S SIN, but they REALLY are not burden with his particular SIN. It is HIS SIN nature that they have inherited. "That which is born of the FLESH IS FLESH...” (John 3:6 KJV).

For instance, when you have children they inherit physical characteristics from you. “...All have sinned (all have been born with a sin nature) and fallen short of the glory of God… (fall short of the indwelling Holy Spirit)...” (Romans 3:23).

They may not like the characteristics they inherit, but they have no choice over the genetics that are passed on to them through their parents. “….I was born a sinner (I was born with an inherited sin nature and without the indwelling holy spirit)—yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

It is also obvious, WHY the sin nature, which is FLESH and “NOT” the spiritual nature, was transmitted to Adam’s children, during breeding, as well. "That which is born of the FLESH IS FLESH; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6 KJV).

What other nature could ADAM have passed on to his children? ADAM and EVE could “NOT” pass on something they, themselves, did not have. “…Through one man SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).

"That which is born of the FLESH IS FLESH; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6 KJV).

Thus, everybody BORN with a SIN nature, which originates from the FLESH – “IS” FLESH. "…That which is born of the FLESH IS FLESH…” (John 3:6 KJV). “….I was born a sinner —yes, from the moment my mother conceived me….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).

 “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner (through the SEPARATION from the Holy Spirit) destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

“…Through one man SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).

NOW “…ALL HAVE SINNED (been born WITH a sin nature) and fallen short of the glory of God (been born WITHOUT the indwelling Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23). Unfortunately, “…ALL unrighteousness IS SIN…” (1 John 5:17 KJV).    “…There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV). “… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their] righteousnesses are as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV). “….not having a righteousness of [their] own … but that which [can come only] through faith in (or dependency upon) Christ…” (Philippians 3:9 NASB). “...the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith (dependence upon god)…” (Philippians 3:9 NASB). “…the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV). “…The Father (the HOLY SPIRIT) that dwelleth in [you] he doeth the works (of righteousness)…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…I am the Lord who …brings …righteousness to the earth…” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT).

Man’s SOUL became or remains a SLAVE to SIN in TWO ways: by NATURE and by CHOICE. “… I know that in me (that is, in my sin nature) dwelleth no GOOD thing: ….” (Romans 7:14-23 KJV). “… [You do not have] … a righteousness of [your] own …” (Philippians 3:9 NASB). “…There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV).  “… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their] righteousnesses are as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  “…ALL unrighteousness IS SIN…” (1 John 5:17 KJV).  “…ALL wicked actions ARE SIN…” (1 John 5:17 NLT). “…every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. …” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

Man’s SOUL was once a “LIVING” SOUL before it became a DEAD SOUL with a SINFUL NATURE. “...LET US MAKE man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (body), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (Holy Spirit); and man became a living soul (soul)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).  “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV).

The Jewish account of “The Fall” is traditionally known as the “original sin.”

Presenting another perspective, original sin is basically the VERY first INFLUENCE of the FLESH, which has become the SINFUL NATURE and SHOWS certain steps mankind makes to FOLLOW the path of SIN.“…The woman was convinced (a step toward sin). She saw (a step toward sin) that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked (a step toward sin) delicious, and she wanted (a step toward sin) the wisdom it would give her. So she took (a willful act toward sin) some of the fruit and ate it (a fulfillment of sin). Then she gave (influenced another toward sin) some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

“…Every man (woman) is tempted, when he (she) is drawn away (or takes steps that lead to sin) of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived (is born, acted upon, fulfilled, etc.), it BRINGETH FORTH SIN: and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

Following after the FLESH/SINFUL NATURE will NEVER lead to OBEDIENCE to God’s HOLY instruction. “…The [flesh/body]... is ALWAYS hostile to God. It NEVER did, [from the beginning] obey God’s laws (instructions), and it NEVER will. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

The FLESH influenced, by the EVIL ONE, led Adam and Eve AWAY from God and caused their spiritual DEATH.  “…Then when lust hath conceived, it BRINGETH FORTH SIN: and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).  “…..to be carnally minded [is] DEATH…” (Romans 8:6 KJV). “…For if ye live AFTER THE FLESH, ye shall die…” (Romans 8:13 KJV). “…The WORKS OF THE FLESH are manifest, which are [these]; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness…” (Galatians 5:19-21 KJV). “…They that are AFTER THE FLESH do mind the things of the flesh…” (Romans 8:5 KJV). “….They that are IN THE FLESH cannot please God...” (Romans 8:8 KJV). “…Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the LUST OF THE FLESH…” (Galatians 5:16 KJV).

The FLESH led Adam and Eve AWAY from God, caused their spiritual DEATH, and REDUCED and CHANGED their NATURE. “…All have sinned (all have a sin nature) and fallen SHORT of the GLORY of God(all do not have the Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23). “… [their] … iniquities (sin) …separated [them]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

The reduction and change in nature was the result of a CHOICE made by human will. It also resulted in the SEPARATION of the SOUL from the HOLY SPIRIT.

God said, “….Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV).  “…..God created man in his own image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (BODY), and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (SPIRIT); and man became a living soul (SOUL)…” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). When “….God saw every thing he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).

 “… It was very good….” However, after the fall God’s “very good” creation was NOT so good any more. WHY? The bible tells us, “… ONE sinner (through the FALL) DESTROY[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).

It is important to NOTE, the FLESH is the physical substance or material part of man’s nature that interacts with the WORLD. “….God formed man of the dust of the ground (BODY), …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “…The [flesh/body]... is ALWAYS hostile to God. It NEVER did, [from the beginning] obey God’s laws (instructions), and it NEVER will. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

The body, flesh, physical substance, or material part of man’s nature interacts with the world through the senses: eyes, ears, smell, taste, and touch.

TOGETHER, the HOLY SPIRIT and man’s SOUL controlled the WAY the FLESH interacted in the world. “…I discipline my body (FLESH) and make it my slave…” (1 Corinthians 9:27 NASB).

However, God had ONE instruction for Adam and that was NOT to eat of “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil...” (Genesis 2:16-17). Remember, “…The sinful nature (also the FLESH) is ALWAYS hostile to God. It NEVER did, [from the beginning] OBEY God’s laws (instructions), and it NEVER will. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

God’s Holy INSTRUCTION was: “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou  SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).

PAY ATTENTION to “HOW” the EVIL ONE comes along, lies, appeals to the senses of the BODY, and draws or leads the SOUL of man, through the flesh, away from God. “…Every man (woman) is tempted, when he (she) is drawn away (or takes steps that begin to lead them away from God) of his own lust, and enticed…” (James 1:13-15 NLT). “…The woman was convinced (a step toward sin). She saw (a step toward sin) that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked (a step toward sin) delicious, and she wanted (a step toward sin) the wisdom it would give her. So she took (a willful act) some of the fruit and ate it (birth of a sinful act). Then she gave (influenced another toward sin) some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

The EVIL ONE (disguised as usual) “USED” the serpent to gain control over the SOUL of mankind “THROUGH” the FLESH. “…Know … that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey (to follow), his servants ye are to whom ye obey (follow); whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).  ”.. if you live by its (the FLESH) dictates, you will die (a spiritual death)…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…For if ye live AFTER THE FLESH, ye shall die (a spiritual death)…” (Romans 8:13 KJV).

The EVIL ONE through a disguise or masquerade (the shrew serpent) beguiled and enticed Eve’s flesh through her senses. “…Satan himself masquerades …It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade [as serpents]…” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15 NASB). “...The woman was convinced (HEAR). She saw (SIGHT) that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious (TASTE,), and she wanted the wisdom (LUST, PRIDE) it would give her. So she took (TOUCH) some of the fruit and ate it (SINNED). Then she gave (INFLUENCED ANOTHER TO SIN) some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it (SINNED), too. At that moment their eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes (LUST OF THE FLESH) will be opened as soon as you eat it (LUST OF THE EYES), and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil (PRIDE OF LIFE)...”  

 “…ALL that is in the world, the LUST of the flesh, and the LUST of the eyes  AND THE PRIDE OF LIFE...is NOT of the Father, but it is of the world (which is under the power of the EVIL ONE)….” (1 John 2:16-17 KJV).

The EVIL ONE, through the serpent, appealed to the FLESH with a LIE. “…he is a liar and the father of lies…” (John 8:44 NASB). God actually say? “…THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). The EVIL ONE said: “…You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

 “…Every man (woman) is tempted, when he (she) is drawn away of his (her) own lust, and enticed…” (James 1:13-15 NLT). “….So she took some of the fruit and ATE IT. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too…At that moment their eyes were opened (to existence WITHOUT the Holy Spirit)…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).

“…At that moment…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB). “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “…[Their] INIQUITIES (sin)  SEPARATED [them from] God (the Holy Spirit) …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey (to follow), his servants ye are…” (Romans 6:16 KJV).  

Therefore, “…Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. Don’t even think about it don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving (in the direction of God’s holy instructions)…” (Proverbs 4:14-17 NLT). “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT).

“… I have set before you LIFE and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose LIFE, that both thou and thy seed may LIVE (be SPIRITUALLY alive)…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).

MAN’S SOUL WENT FROM THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE TO THE BONDAGE OF SIN.

“…The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to [the sin nature] … I want to [choose righteousness) … [which]… is right, BUT I CAN’T…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

Man’s SOUL went from HAVING dominion over ALL of God’s WORLD to BEING dominated by the EVIL ONE through the SINFUL NATURE. “…Know … that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).  

“… the whole world lies under the power (BONDAGE, slavery, mastery, DICTATORSHIP) of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV).

“...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [sin, which is dictated by the EVIL ONE]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

“…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

“...If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed…” (John 8:36 KJV). “….Apart from [the indwelling spirit],.. [you]… can do nothing (you cannot be free from sin)…” (John 15:5 NIV).  

THE FALL to the FLESH, or original SIN, or the beginning of the domination of sin “IS” the REALITY of an existence SEPARATED from God, the HOLY SPIRIT. “...Who will free me from this life that is dominated by [sin dictated by the EVIL ONE]?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). 

Adam and Eve were IMMEDIATELY “…SEPARATED from the “LIFE” of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV). “…It is the [HOLY] SPIRIT who gives “LIFE”; the flesh (noW THE SINFUL NATURE) profits nothing…” (John 6:63 NASB). “… [their] … iniquities (sin) …separated [them]… from God… …” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV).

The FALL is called the Original Sin. The Original Sin was, in essence, SEPARATION from God, the HOLY SPIRIT, which is also absolute Spiritual DEATH. “…Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:  But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it BRINGETH FORTH SIN: and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH (spiritual death)…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

“…The sinful nature (also the FLESH) … NEVER did, [from the beginning] OBEY (FOLLOW) God’s laws (HOLY instructions), and it NEVER will. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).

The EVIL ONE, through the serpent, GAINED control and dominion over man’s SOUL by enticing them to follow the FLESH. “…Know … that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” (Romans 6:16 KJV).  

Man’s SOUL, exercising the freedom of CHOICE, GAVE in to the DICTATES of the FLESH and DIED an immediate spiritual death. ”.. If you live by its (the FLESH) dictates, you will die…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…For if ye live AFTER THE FLESH, ye shall die…” (Romans 8:13 KJV).

“…The woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise…” (Genesis 3:6 NLT). “…through one man SIN entered into the world, and DEATH THROUGH SIN, and so death passed to all men—“(Romans 5:12 KJV).

“…At that moment their eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”  “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it...” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT).

“…When lust hath conceived, it BRINGETH FORTH SIN: and SIN when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).

“…THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).