Wednesday, July 10, 2019

THE SINFUL NATURE & THE DEEDS OF THE FLESH


THE SINFUL NATURE: THE DEEDS OF THE FLESH

the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).
“... But if through the power of the Spirit (the indwelling Holy Spirit) you [choose to]... put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God (the indwelling Holy Spirit) are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
*
The PERSONALITY and the IDENTITY is formed from early childhood. All people are born with the same NATURE (sinful) with particular temperaments or propensities. Nobody is born with a  personality and identity, but they start FORMING in and through early life experiences. 
Personality and identity GROWS, DEVELOPS, and FORMS or SHAPES people into unique individuals as they repeat certain behaviors over and over within their life experiences.
The body of flesh and the FIVE SENSES were given to help mankind engage, interact, and experience being a “LIVING SOULS” who was meant to develop, grow, and form or shape them into healthy spiritual personalities and identities within God’s GOOD created world.
The EVIL ONE USED the body of flesh and its five senses to KILL, STEAL, and DESTROY the relationship between the LIVING SOUL and the Holy Spirit
The “LIVING” soul DIED spiritually, immediately, and was left to grow, develop, and form or shape their personalities and identities within a world that was NOW under the POWER of the EVIL ONE; without the indwelling Holy Spirit.
The personalities and identities, of mankind, became tainted and  DSYFUNCTIONAL.
Information, put into the heart, that is responsible for growing, developing, forming personality and identity was LEARNED from the things of the world - under the power of the EVIL ONE.
 Being in a world, under the power of the EVIL ONE, has completely impacted the character traits, decisions, and identity of mankind.
Most of a person’s daily activities form, shape and mold their personalities and identities which EMERGE within routine situations that one is consistently exposed to.
The routine situations that one is consistently exposed to allows them to learn formations of behavior that empower them to reach necessary or desirable goals.
The formations of behavior that empower people to reach necessary or desirable goals are usually repeated over and over again. It is the repetition of particular behaviors, within, various environments, stable or unstable, that personality and identity FORMS or SHAPES,
Under the power of the EVIL ONE ALL, formations of behaviors that are learned through the body of flesh and its five senses and are practiced over a lifetime become unchanging parts of the personality and identity.
 The unchanging parts of personality and identity will influence how a person internalizes values, makes decisions, develops character traits, and create individuality that eventually become amazingly stable over time.
Personalities and identities that grow, develop, and form or shape through the body of flesh and its senses not only produce formations of behavior, but also formations of mental processes too. 
Formations of mental processes is the consistent, stable way a person thinks, which is also a result of their early childhood experiences and has an POWERFUL influence over personality, identity, and the formations of behavior that empower them both.
Formations of behavior and formations of mental processes are POWERFULLY enduring and are uniquely second nature to every individual.  “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). 
These LEARNED ways of being and doing, which is heavily influenced by one’s NATURE/ temperament, are impossible to change. However, behavior can change or be modified, but one’s BEING, which involves one’s NATURE/ temperament, cannot.  “….I was born a sinner ….” (Psalms 51:5 NLT).  “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin (nature) (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…For all have sinned (all have the flesh nature)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…all have ... come short of the glory of God (all are born WITHOUT the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).
Formations of behavior and formations of mental processes are POWERFULLY enduring and you cannot CHANGE your NATURE/ temperament, but you can be DELIVERED from it.  “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN (nature)  (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
DELIVERANCE from the SINFUL NATURE is impossible without God. “…The things which are impossible with men are possible with God…” (Luke 18:27 KJV).“…I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good(Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by SIN  (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…(Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
God’s SOLUTION: “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).
“...letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT).
“…The sinful nature (flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants ...These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE to carry out your good intentions...” (Galatians 5 NLT).
The CONDITIONING of personalities and identities developed by the body of flesh, through the SENSES is when a lifetime of practice and shaping become habitual responses to life experiences.
This CONDITIONING that grew, developed, and formed personality and identity WILL continue to maintain and sustain its influence through the formations of behavior and formations of mental processes of God’s redeemed people. “…so you (the redeemed) are not FREE to carry out your good intentions...” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“…The sinful nature (is CRUCIFIED, but through its formations of behavior and formations of mental processes) wants to do evil ...” (Galatians 5 NLT).
the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these …” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).
The body of flesh and its five senses, without the indwelling Holy Spirit, is a SINFUL NATURE/temperament. 
The body of flesh and its senses, without the indwelling Holy Spirit, is a SINFUL NATURE/temperament totally UNDER the POWER (influence) of the EVIL ONE.
The body of flesh and its senses, without the indwelling Holy Spirit, is a SINFUL NATURE/ temperament, that leads MANKIND to commit many “deeds of the flesh” through their personalities and identities that are empowered, continue, and are influenced by the enduring and unchanging formations of behavior and formations of mental processes.
What about all the GOOD people in the world? Remember, the sinful nature/temperament is NOT simply what you DO, but it is who you ARE by NATURE or BIRTH.
Formations of behavior and formations of mental processes can include LEARNED kindnesses, decency, caring and moral ethics, but these too have been influence by the EVIL ONE. …There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “...there is “NONE” good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…[god, the holy spirit]... is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV). “…There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV). “…ALL HAVE SINNED and fallen short of the glory of God…” (Romans 3:23).
GOOD, without the indwelling Holy Spirit, comes from a world TOTALLY UNDER the POWER of the EVIL ONE and his LIES. “…he (the evil one) is a liar and the father of lies…” (John 8:44 NASB). “...there is “NONE” good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to do good is) as filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  
“…Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [mankind cannot]... do nothing [they cannot be GOOD]…” (John 15:5 NIV).
“…All he DOES (God, the Holy Spirit DOES) is just and GOOD...” (PSALMS 111:7 NLT).  One of “…The fruit of the Spirit is ... GOODness …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT). 
Formations of behavior and formations of mental processes are LEARNED from the EVIL ONE’s world and it teaches people to be “ETHICAL” and “MORAL” but NOT righteous or holy.
It is easy to THINK and BELIEVE a “ETHICAL” and “MORAL” man or woman would surely get into heaven; right?
What about the RICH MAN in the bible. He was an “ETHICAL” and “MORALLY” upright man. He was even religiously devote and behaved according to God’s commandment. He knew about the commandments, but ONE DAY he asked Jesus what he needed to do to be SAVED. “...As Jesus started on his way, a [rich]...man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” ... (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV).
Jesus complimented the rich man on his knowledge of the commandments. “...You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother...” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV).
The rich man boasted on his “ETHICAL” and “MORAL”  goodness in keeping on God’s commands.  “... “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy...” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV).
The rich man sounded like a “GOOD” man. Not many truly redeemed people could boast of keeping God’s commandment since they were a young child, but he did. Yet, in spite of his “ETHICAL” and “MORAL” behavior Jesus said he LACKED something. “...Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  At this the [rich]...man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth...” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV).
I don’t know if this is the same rich man or not, but he had great wealth too, and ONE DAY he died without SALVATION.“...There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented...” (Luke 16:19-22 NIV).
The rich man sounded like a “ETHICAL” and “MORAL” person who might have been considered a “GOOD” person upon earth, especially since he behaved according to God’s commandments.
Yet, he too, needed SALVATION, which PROVES it is NOT what you DO, his “ethical and moral deeds” were just “ethical and moral deeds.” His ethical and moral behavior didn’t earn him anything, make him specially deserving of anything, or make him worthy of anything particular. The reality is: …There is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV).
The rich man needed SALVATION because of WHO he WAS by NATURE. "…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).
“…all have sinned (all have been born with a sin nature)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV). “…all have ... come short of the glory of God (all are born missing or WITHOUT the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 3:23 KJV).
Thus, it was NOT what the rich man DID, but it was WHO he was by NATURE.  “….I was born a sinner ...” (Psalms 51:5 NLT). The consequences for having a SINFUL NATURE, even for the “ethical and moral” rich man is spiritual DEATH. “…the wages of sin (the payment for having a sin nature) is death…” (Romans 6:23 KJV). 
Formations of behavior and formations of mental processes LEARNED from the EVIL ONE’s world and teaches people to be “ETHICAL” and “MORAL” according to societal standards will NOT “SAVE” them. 
“ETHICAL” and “MORAL” actions are empowered by the ones “OWN” efforts whereas the “FRUIT” of “GOODNESS” is produced and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit.
It is “NOT” what people Do, it is WHO they are by NATURE; a lost soul. “…The Son of man (God’s PLAN of SALVATION) came to seek and to save THAT WHICH WAS LOST…” (Luke 19:10 KJV). 
The rich man DID many ethical and moral deeds, but Jesus pointed out that BEING truly “ethical and moral” was MORE IMPORTANT. “… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their o-called] righteousnesses (efforts to do good is) as filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  
“…Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [the rich man could not]... do nothing [he could “not” BE GOOD]…” (John 15:5 NIV).
One of “…The fruit of the Spirit is ... GOODness …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“…I can do all things (produce the fruit of goodness) through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “... For it is God who worketh in you..” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  
God’s commandments also said: “...If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord and he will repay you...” (Proverbs 19:17 NLT). “...Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor...” (Proverbs 22:9 NLT). “...Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed...” (Proverbs 28:27 NLT). “...If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions...” (1 John 3:17-18 NLT).
With a NEW NATURE what you DO and WHO you are will MATCH.“...Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  At this the [rich]...man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth...” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV).
the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).
“...Look here, you rich people: Weep and groan with anguish because of all the terrible troubles ahead of you... This ... treasure you have hoarded will testify against you on the day of judgment...” (James 5:1-3 NLT). “... And he (the RICH MAN) cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented...” (Luke 16:19-22 NIV).
The RICH MAN said: “... “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy...” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV). “…The flesh (ethical and moral behavior) profiteth nothing…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Human effort (ethical and moral behavior) accomplishes nothing….” (John 6:63 NLT). “…If I bestow all my goods to feed the poor (ethical or moral behavior), and if I give my body to be burned (ethical or moral behavior), but have not love (God is LOVE and SPIRIT), IT PROFITETH ME NOTHING” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3 ASV).
“… [ALL have become]…..unclean and [their so-called] righteousnesses (efforts to do good is) as filthy rags.” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  
One of “…The fruit of the Spirit is ... GOODness …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). "....The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“…Apart from [the Holy Spirit]… [the rich man or YOU could not]... do nothing [he or YOU could “not” BE GOOD]…” (John 15:5 NIV).
…There is not a just man (or woman) upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “...there is “NONE” good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).
Formations of behavior and formations of mental processes LEARNED from the EVIL ONE’s world also teach people to practice sinful lifestyles that are EVIDENT by what they DO.
the deeds of the flesh are evident” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).“... immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).
 “... immorality, impurity, sensuality ...and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).
“... idolatry, sorcery, enmities ...and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).
“... strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger ...and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).
 “... disputes, dissensions, factions, envying ...and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).
“... drunkenness, carousing, ...and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). “...This ... [behavior, you]... treasure ... will testify against you on the day of judgment...” (James 5:1-3 NLT).
... Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’...” (Matthew 22:12-14 NLT). 
“.... And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.  And he cried and said ...I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented...” (Luke 16:19-22 NIV).“...Those cities were destroyed by fire and serve as a warning of the eternal fire of God’s judgment...” (Jude 1 NLT). 
“... These things happened as a warning to us, so that we would not crave evil things as they did, or worship idols as some of them did ...These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age...” (1 Corinthians 10:9-11 NLT).
the deeds of the flesh are evident” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). “... I forewarn you ... that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).
 “... immorality, impurity, sensuality ...and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). These kind of sinful practices include adultery, fornication, and uncleanness. Formations of behavior and formations of mental processes LEARNED from the EVIL ONE’s world, justifies or condones  having sex outside of marriage, with a married person, single person, same sex person, bestiality, with the lusts of the eyes through pornography, prostitutes (male or female), lusts of the flesh, whore-mongering (male or female), incest, rape, sexually abusing another, or any other form of sexual perversion. It also includes apostasy or unfaithfulness to God with idols (people or things). In addition, all immoral behavior is anything in opposition of purity and holiness, including impure thoughts.
“... idolatry, sorcery, enmities ...and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). These kind of sinful practices include lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, and hatred. Formations of behavior and formations of mental processes LEARNED from the EVIL ONE’s world, justifies or condones improper actions or communications toward another that indicate lewdness or an expressions of lust. Improper communication could be expressed in how you dress, especially in ways that could induce impure or lustful thoughts and feelings toward you from another person.
The worship of idols, which is anything (object), or activity, or images, or persons you have excessive, blind or reverent devotion to or for other than keeping your focus upon God. This idol worship could include praying to empty statues, an obsession, an addiction, a family member, a friend, food, sex, drugs, self, fame, career, money, or your appearance. 
The practice of magic using demonic forces or evil spirits that engage you in the dark arts - such as sorcery, incantations, casting spells, enchantments, using charms, voodoo, or potions- whether the intentions are good or to hurt someone. 
Hatred is having an intense dislike or hostility toward a person or group of persons. Hatred causes people to be bitter, hold grudges, be unreasonably angry, have a desire to hurt or murder, and harbor ill-will against a person or a group of persons. Murder can be actual or within one’s heart. 
“.. strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger... and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). These kind of sinful practices include variance, emulations, and wrath. Formations of behavior and formations of mental processes LEARNED from the EVIL ONE’s world, justifies or condones being intentionally quarrelsome, argumentative, disagreeable, difficult to get along with, and the initiater of most conflict or strife (drama king or queen).
Unbridled rivalry in one’s private or social life is expressed in the way a person competitively strives to excel  at someone else’s expense, or how they copy off of someone in order to be like them or be better, or how they resent a rival, or their dislike of a person enjoying their success or advantages, or how they demonstrate jealousy with the intent to harm another person (malice) physically or emotionally.
Having a lasting, enduring, or fierce anger, against another, to the degree you act it out by getting revenge or harming this person. Whether your wrath is justifiable or a perceived wrong doing toward you, vengeance and punishment it all you can THINK about DOING.
“... disputes, dissensions, factions, envying ...and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). These kind of sinful practices include strife, seditions, heresies, and envying. Formations of behavior and formations of mental processes LEARNED from the EVIL ONE’s world, justifies or condones always being in opposition with one person or a group of people with the intention to hurt them using words or action to inflict emotional or physical pain. Hatred and wrath is a vital part of strife, especially when one competes with someone or a group of people for superiority, advantage, or selfish gain. 
Causing trouble or constant rebellious disorder of any kind at home, work, in the community, within the family, or among friends is sedition.
Intentionally creating division in the religious communities in order to hurt others or to elevate one’s religious position, intelligence or knowledge over others. Heresies, also reject established doctrine by replacing it with false doctrine that severely conflict with biblical views of the faith.
Being discontent to the point of coveting (envying) another person or group of people’s successes, advantages, material possessions, spiritual possessions, or prosperities and wishing them ill-will, especially if you think you are more deserving than they are.
“... drunkenness, carousing ...and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB).These kind of sinful practices include drunkenness and revellings. Formations of behavior and formations of mental processes LEARNED from the EVIL ONE’s world, justifies or condones excessive drinking or drug use to the point of altering, the mind, losing judgement, demonstrating improper actions, losing self-control, self-destructing, or hurting others physically (drunk driving) or emotionally (words, vulgar gestures, etc.).
Becoming rowdy, unruly and loud during events or festivals just for the heck of it by indulging in rioting, partying to an offensive extreme, possibly breaking the law, going on drunken rampages, destroying property, or letting loose of all morals or inhibitions regardless of how it affects one person or a group of people.
“.. and things like these” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). “... “Teacher,” he declared, “all these (ethical and moral rules and regulations) I have kept since I was a boy...” (Matthew 10:17-22 NIV). This kind of sinful practice includes thinking more highly of yourself than you should. Formations of behavior and formations of mental processes LEARNED from the EVIL ONE’s world, justifies or condones that being “ETHICAL” or “MORAL” is a sign you are better than others who are NOT ethical or moral, because you are VIEWED as one of the “GOOD” people, upon earth, compared to others.
“… Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!  I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’  I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (Luke 18:9-14 NLT).
…There is not a just man (or woman) upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not…” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). “...there is “NONE” good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).
“…do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” (Romans 12:3 NIV).  there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).
the deeds of the flesh are evident” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). “... I forewarn you ... that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB).
“... Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...  the one who practices sin is of the devil ...  No one who is born of God practices sin...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).
the deeds of the flesh are evident” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). 
“...By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD..” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).

No comments:

Post a Comment