Thursday, July 23, 2020

TRUTHS ABOUT THE SINFUL NATURE: A SHORT BIBLE STUDY.


       
THE SINFUL NATURE: CONDITIONED APPETITES, CRAVINGS, AND DESIRES
“…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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SCRIPTURE(S): “…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).  
 PURPOSE OR GOAL OF LESSON: TO LEARN THE ORIGINS OF ONE’S APPETITES, HUNGER, AND DESIRES.
 APPLICATION OF LESSON: TO ALLOW GOD TO EMPOWER YOU TO LIVE HEALTHY IN ALL AREAS OF YOUR LIFE, INCLUDING YOUR RESPONSES TO CERTAIN CRAVINGS, APPETITES, AND DESIRES.
TOPIC DISCUSSION: DISCUSS SOME OF YOUR OWN PERSONAL CRAVINGS, APPETITES, AND DESIRES THAT ARE THAT “NOT” GOOD FOR YOUR WELL-BEING OR HEALTH. ALSO DISCUSS WHY YOU STILL DO THEM. ASK YOURSELF IS IT BECAUSE YOUR WANT TO OR YOU FEEL CONTROLLED BY THAT CRAVING OR DESIRE OR IT IS BOTH? CRAVINGS are empowered by DESIRES or something the body of flesh or sinful nature longs for, lusts after, has a passion for, yearns, covets, or has an unnatural or dysfunctional hunger for. What is a CRAVING specifically? A craving is a POWERFUL and sometime “out of control” desire for something or someone. What is HUNGER? HUNGER, on the other hand, was meant to be the original desire or PHYSICAL need for food in order to nourish the body of flesh and keep it working and healthy. APPETITE was its partner, originally, created to provide an healthy DESIRE for FOOD, which was meant to motivate the behavior necessary to go get it. What is an APPETITE specifically? An appetite is the DESIRE to EAT or CONSUME something. An APPETITE to consume something is stimulated when something APPEALS to one’s DESIRES, through one or more of the five senses, for that thing or person. Appetites can POWERFULLY motivate a person’s BEHAVIOR to DO what is necessary to SATISFY its demands. The body of flesh and the FIVE SENSES were created, for example, to SERVE the SOUL and help them engage, interact, and experience appetite in a way that regulates their ENERGY INTAKE for METABOLIC purposes. HUNGER and APPETITE were created “GOOD” and were meant to work together to help KEEP the body of flesh properly fueled and healthy for the SOUL’S usage. HUNGER was a God-given need for food and APPETITE was the God-given desire for food. When “…God saw everything he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). The healthy “desire” for food (appetite) was meant to motive healthy behavior to consume food (hunger) necessary to maintain a healthy body of flesh. God created GOOD and HEALTHY food for them. “...I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat...it was VERY GOOD...” (Genesis 1:29, 31a KJV). The DESIRE for food comes THROUGH one or more of the FIVE SENSES. For example, the SOUL engages in EATING when it SMELLS certain foods and/or SEES certain foods. The DESIRE for food, when the body of flesh SMELLS or SEES certain FOODS can become a CONDITIONED response that motivates behavior. A CONDITIONED response is LEARNED through associations between something in the environment and natural responses to hunger and appetite. The smell of certain foods or the sight of certain foods is associated or paired with “natural” hunger and appetite in order to motivate behavior necessary to satisfy the need to consume something. The presentation of healthy FOOD was meant to naturally trigger a healthy hunger and appetite to motivate the appropriate behavior to seek after necessary nourishment for the body of flesh. However, the world is under the power of the EVIL ONE, and the EVIL ONE’s presentation of UNHEALTHY FOODS is meant to unnaturally trigger unhealthy hungers and appetites to motivate inappropriate behavior to seek after food NOT necessary for the body of flesh. The SMELL of certain, unhealthy foods and the SIGHT of certain, unhealthy foods NOW motivate behavior to satisfy those unnatural hungers and appetites. For example, after years of learning, engagement, exposure, and indulgence, the SMELL and SIGHT of certain UNHEALTHY foods begin to TRIGGER unnatural hunger and appetite that will motivate the behavior to GO after it! The CONDITIONED response to the smell and sight of certain UNHEALTHY FOODS becomes established and strengthen over years and years of engagement and can easily trigger unhealthy hunger and appetite patterns to motivate unnatural behaviors to seek after those foods. The original God-given and natural HUNGER and APPETITE totally disappears and becomes dysfunctional. The learned HUNGER and APPETITE, in the world under the power of the EVIL ONE, becomes the FAMILIAR and CONDITIONED response to the SMELL and SIGHT of certain FOODS. HUNGER and APPETITE linked together will MOTIVATE a person’s behavior to TAKE ACTION necessary to SATISFY the NEED (real or conditioned) for FOOD (healthy or unhealthy). It is HUNGER and APPETITE that the EVIL ONE perverts and uses it to MOTIVATE sinful behavior and influence one to TAKE ACTION to SATISFY the NEED, whatever IT IS. UNDER the POWER of the EVIL ONE, HUNGER is PERVERTED to satisfy the PHYSICAL body of flesh and its MANY sinful CRAVINGS. APPETITE is also PERVERTED to satisfy the DESIRE to CONSUME the MANY sinful CRAVINGS using one or more of the FIVE SENSES. When UNDER the power of the EVIL ONE, the body of flesh engages in consuming many things in the natural world by SMELLING them, or SEEING them, TASTING them, HEARING about them, or TOUCHING them. While the body is ENGAGED, or INTERACTING or EXPERIENCING the consumption of sinful things within the natural world, through the FIVE SENSES, the SOUL is learning something about what they are doing. Whatever the SOUL is learning, through the body of flesh and one or more of the FIVE SENSES, it SENDS that INFORMATION to the heart, which informs the mind that, in turn, form thoughts that direct or motivate behavior.  God created the heart (mind) to be the information center to help the soul observe, perceive, learn, experience, and make decisions about HIS CREATED WORLD. INITIALLY, the body of flesh, through the FIVE SENSES, helped the SOUL engage, interact, and experience God’s “GOOD” created world. For example, SIGHT helped with visual learning. HEARING helped with associating different sounds. TASTE helped with learning to discriminate one preferable thing from another. SMELL helped by providing memories. TOUCH helped with experimental learning. In the BEGINNING ALL of mankind’s FIVE SENSES were influenced by GOD’S GOOD CREATED WORLD. “….God saw every thing he had made… [he said], it was VERY GOOD” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). 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 healthy eating habits of 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 harmful things that won’t benefit them, especially physically or spiritually. Information within the heart, gleaned from the world under the power of the EVIL ONE, is responsible for associating specific, human, appetites with a reward system that satisfies the body of flesh in many carnal ways. Specific, human, appetites linked with a reward system that satisfies the body of flesh, most likely, provide an calming effect to the psyche. 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 an unhealthy habit, turns into a craving when a specific appetite is satisfied over and over again, followed by a reward (like calming). Thus, the desire, now an uncontrollable 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 soul the key is “NOT” simply to BREAK the habit, but to walk in totally FREEDOM and DELIVERANCE 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 the indwelling Holy Spirit into the HEART of the redeemed soul, in seed-like form, in order to empower them to live and walk in FREEDOM and DELIVERANCE. The redeemed soul is FREE and DELIVERED from the POWER of triggers, enticements, manipulations, or reinforcements conditioned by the EVIL ONE through long established behaviors. The problem with trying to rid oneself of established behaviors is experienced when demands or rules are placed upon the body of flesh that is incapable of conquering deep rooted habits or strongholds. 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 and it NEVER will. It is flesh. It is also a sinful 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 an “out of control” craving. The sinful nature is dead and crucified, but the information stored in the heart by the sinful nature, sends the same information to the mind that forms thoughts that respond to triggers, enticements, manipulations, and reinforcements. These triggers, enticements, manipulations, and reinforcements are everywhere in the EVIL ONE’S carnal environments, which makes 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 unhealthy 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, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, the redeemed soul to walk and live in FREEDOM from “out of control” cravings and 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 EMPOWER them to live and walk in FREEDOM from their cravings. Many, who have faith in God, have enjoyed overwhelming victory, from the cravings of the sinful nature, 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, for a while. However, the DIFFERENCE is the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS deliverance and HELPS the redeemed soul to LIVE and 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. For the redeemed soul, 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 soul is DELIVERED from “out of control” cravings and established habits the problem is NOT the body of flesh or its dictates anymore, but the struggle is “IN” the MIND (heart). “...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). Living and walking in DELIVERANCE and FREEDOM from the SINFUL NATURE requires exposure to the TRUTH. It is the TRUTH that sets you, the redeemed soul, 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).
CONDITIONED CRAVINGS, APPETITES, AND DESIRES
1.      WHAT IS A CRAVING? A CRAVING IS A POWERFUL AND SOMETIME “OUT OF CONTROL YEARNING FOR SOMETHING OR SOMEONE. CRAVINGS ARE DYSFUNCTIONAL AND CONDITIONED HUNGER. WHAT IS AN APPETITE? AN APPETITE IS THE NEED (REAL OR IMAGINED) TO EAT OR CONSUME SOMETHING. IT IS STIMULATED WHEN SOMETHING APPEALS TO ONE’S NEED TO EAT OR CONSUME AND CAN POWERFULLY MOTIVATE A PERSON’S BEHAVIOR IN ORDER TO SATISFY THAT NEED (REAL OR IMAGINED). GOD GAVE MANKIND AN APPETITE IN ORDER TO EXPERIENCE HUNGER. WHY WAS THIS MEANT TO BE A GOOD THING FOR MANKIND?  HUNGER AND APPETITE WERE MEANT TO HELP MANKIND REGULATE THEIR ENERGY INTAKE FOR METABOLIC PURPOSES, IT ALSO NOURISHES THE BODY, KEEPS IT ENERGIZED, FUELED, AND HEALTHY. HUNGER WAS THE GOD-GIVEN “NEED” FOR FOOD AND APPETITE WAS THE GOD-GIVEN “DESIRE” FOR FOOD. WAS HUNGER AND APPETITE ORIGINALLY CREATED TO BE “GOOD?” YES, IT WAS VERY GOOD. “…God saw everything he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).
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2.      God created mankind with a healthy desire or appetite for food which was meant to motive healthy behavior, through hunger, to consume what kind of “genesis” food? Vegetables and fruits. “...I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat...it was VERY GOOD...” (Genesis 1:29, 31a KJV). THE DESIRE OR APPETITE FOR FOOD COMES FROM ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE SENSES. NAME ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVES SENSES THAT MOTIVATED EVE’S BEHAVIOR TO “EAT” OR CONSUME THE FORBIDDEN APPLE. SIGHT, DESIRE TO TASTE.“…The woman [became] ... convinced (THROUGH SOUND) [to eat from the tree]... She saw (SIGHT) that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked (SIGHT) delicious (TASTE), and she wanted (LUST of the FLESH) the wisdom (PRIDE of LIFE) it would give her. So she took (TOUCH) some of the fruit and ate it (TASTE)...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “….She [choose to take] ... some of the fruit and [eat] IT (the information put into heart, informed her mind, which directed her behavior) ... Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE ATE IT, too” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). THE DESIRE OR APPETITE FOR FOOD HAS BECOME CONDITIONED AND SO HAS HUNGER. BEFORE EVE “TOOK” THE FRUIT TO CONSUME IT, THE BIBLE SAYS SHE SAW,” “IT LOOKED DELICIOUS,” AND SHE “WANTED” IT. DOES IT SAY EVE WAS ALSO HUNGRY? NO. “…She saw (SIGHT) that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked (SIGHT) delicious (TASTE), and she wanted (LUST of the FLESH) ...So she took (TOUCH) some of the fruit and ate it (TASTE)...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
3.  HUNGER HAS BECOME CRAVINGS AND APPETITES HAVE BECOME PERVERTED. THROUGH CONDITIONED RESPONSES, THE SINFUL NATURE CONTROLS MANKIND’S CRAVINGS, APPETITES, AND DESIRES. A CONDITIONED RESPONSE IS LEARNED THROUGH THE SINFUL NATURE. HOW DOES A REDEEMED SOUL GAIN FREEDOM FROM THE CONDITIONED RESPONSES OF THE SINFUL NATURE? BY TRUSTING AND DEPENDING UPON THE FREEDOM, FROM THE SINFUL NATURE, THEY’VE GAINED THROUGH JESUS CHRIST and allowing his indwelling holy spirit to empower them to live and walk in freedom. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by...[the conditioned responses learned from the]... SIN(FUL) [NATURE]? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (the WORD OF GOD)…(Romans 7:14-25 NLT). IS THE SINFUL NATURE CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST? YES. WHY IS THE REDEEMED SOUL STILL CONTROLLED BY THE SINFUL NATURE. THEY HAVE “NOT” CHOSEN TO TRUST IN AND DEPEND UPON THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT TO EMPOWER THEM TO LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM FROM THE SINFUL NATURE. “... 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).  “…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). …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). IS THE REDEEMED SOUL FREED FROM THE SINFUL NATURE? YES. HOW? JESUS SET THEM FREE FROM THE SINFUL NATURE. “…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).
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4.    WILL GOD HELP THE REDEEMED SOUL LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM? YES, GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL HELP THEM. “…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). HOW DOES GOD ACTUALLY HELP THE REDEEMED SOUL? HIS HOLY SPIRIT DWELLS WITHIN THEM AND EMPOWERS THEM TO LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM. “…It is God who WORKS IN YOU” (Philippians 2:13 NIV).  …That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP (empower) you with everything good for doing his will” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).…That great Shepherd of the sheep …may he work in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV)....God ...does the work IN and THROUGH ...[THE REDEEDMED SOUL]. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each ...[redeemed soul] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). DOES EVERY REDEEMED SOUL HAVE THE INDWELLING “POWER” OF GOD WITHIN THEM? YES. HOW DID THE REDEEMED SOUL GET THE GIFT OF THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT? GOD SENT THE SPIRIT INTO THE HEARTS of the redeemed souls WHEN THEY RECEIVED JESUS. “… AS MANY as received him, to them “GAVE” HE POWER TO BECOME THE “SONS” OF GOD (children of God)…” (John 1:12 KJV).  HOW? “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” ...[their].. HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “….[Redeemed souls received]... the GIFT of the Holy Ghost (Spirit)…” (Acts 2:38 KJV). . “…God has given [redeemed souls] his Spirit as PROOF that [they]… live (are alive) in him and he [dwells]…in [them]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT).  “…Jesus Christ is in you” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…God has …given ..[redeemed souls]... a spirit …of power…” (1 Timothy 1:7 NLT). “…[Redeemed souls]... can do all things (live and walk in freedom from the sinful nature) through Christ which strengtheneth..[them]... (empowers them) …” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.    If the whole world is under the power and influence of the evil one, where does the various lusts of the sinful nature come from? From the carnal world that is under the power and influence of the evil one. “…the whole world lies under the power (influence) of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV). “…Abstain from fleshly lusts ” (1 Peter 2:11). “…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. And the world passeth away, and the LUST thereof….” (1 John 2:16-17 KJV). THE SMELL OR SIGHT OF UNHEALTHY THINGS, PEOPLE, CONSUMPTIONS WILL MOTIVATE BEHAVIOR, EVEN IN THE REDEEMED SOUL. IN ORDER TO SATISFY UNNATURAL CRAVINGS, APPETITES, AND DESIRES. WHAT IS DOMINATING THE REDEEMED SOUL WHEN THEY WANT TO DO RIGHT, BUT don’T? THE SINFUL NATURE. “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t(Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “I [am] …a slave to the (conditioned responses to do wrong from the) sin(ful) (nature) (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“...I want to do what is good, but I don’t (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The ...[sinful]... nature ...never did obey God’s laws, and it never will...[if the redeemed soul follows the sinful nature, they will never obey god either]…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human (because of the sinful nature), ” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “….I was born a sinner (with a sinful nature) ….”
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6.    Hunger and appetite was meant to work together to motivate a person’s behavior to satisfy the need to nourish their bodies in a healthy manner. What happened to god’s original “good” intention for hunger and appetite? The sinful nature doesn’t want to do good and it won’t empower the soul to do good either, so god’s good intentions won’t be carried out “through” the sinful nature. “…The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [Holy] Spirit wants. And the [Holy] Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not FREE  to carry out your good intentions. …” (Galatians 5 NLT).“...I want to do what is right, but I can’t(Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “I [am] …a slave to ... (my conditioned responses to do wrong through the) sin(ful) (nature) (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“...I want to do what is good, but I don’t (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). IS THE REDEEMED SOUL CONTROLLED BY THE CONDITIONED AND LEARNED RESPONSES FROM THE SINFUL NATURE ANY LONGER? NO. WHY OR WHY NOT? THE POWER OF THE INDWELLING SPIRIT HAS SET THE REDEEMED SOUL FREE FROM ALL POWER AND INFLUENCE OF THE SINFUL NATURE. “…The sinful nature is always hostile to God (therefore, the old information, stored in the heart(mind) and is affected by the sinful nature, is also hostile to God). It (the sinful nature) never did obey God’s laws, and it (the sinful nature) never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature (through the old information stored in the heart(mind)) can never please God. But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “… (Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the [indwelling Holy] ... Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God (reunited with God, the Holy Spirit). The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “…Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit (the indwelling Holy Spirit, you) ...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).
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7.     The redeemed soul is affected and polluted by information, stored in their hearts (minds), by the sinful nature. What can they “choose” to do to live and walk in freedom from the sinful nature? Trust in and depend upon jesus, the word and the indwelling power to strengthen them to live and walk in freedom. “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by (the information, stored in the heart(mind) and is affected and polluted by the) SIN(FUL) NATURE? (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (the Word and the indwelling Holy Spirit too)…(Romans 7:14-25 NLT). HOW DOES THE REDEEMED SOUL CHOOSE TO CLEAN OUT THE OLD INFORMATION, STORED IN THE HEART(MIND)? BY RENEWING THEIR MINDS(HEARTS).“… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” (Romans 12:2 KJV). WHAT DOES THE REDEEMED SOUL NEED TO RENEW THEIR MINDS? THE WORD OF GOD. WHAT WILL THE WORD OF GOD DO FOR THE REDEEMED SOUL IN ORDER TO RENEW THEIR HEARTS(MINDS)? CLEAN AND WASH AWAY THE OLD INFORMATION STORED THERE THROUGH SANCTIFICATION.  “...the will of God (his heart’s desire.), [is]…your SANCTIFICATION …” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NASB). “…God (the Holy Spirit) ... Himself SANCTIFY you entirely…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB). “...You [redeemed souls]... were washed (freed from sin), you were sanctified (restored), you were justified (made right with God again) [through JESUS and with the [gift of the indwelling Holy] Spirit of our God...” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 NIV). “.... [Redeemed souls, therefore, keep] ...holy and clean, washed by the cleansing [power]...of God’s Word ...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV).
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8.    Who is the word? God is the word. Is god spirit? yes. Would the word be spirit too? Yes. What will the word do to the information, stored in the hearts(minds) of the redeemed soul, and put there by the sinful nature? The word will clean and wash the heart in order to renew the information and transform behavior. “…the Word was God (speaking through Jesus)… (John 1:1-4 NASB). “…THE WORDS  ...they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The [word] ...is perfect (matures, develops, grows, etc.), restoring the soul; The [WORD]... is sure, making wise the simple. The [WORD is] ... right, rejoicing the heart; The [WORD]... is pure, enlightening the eyes. The [WORD]... is clean, enduring forever; The [WORD is]... true; they are righteous altogether. [The Word is]... more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them You [redeemed souls are]... warned. In keeping them there is great reward …” (Psalm 19:7-11 NASB).  “...[Redeemed souls]... are clean through the WORD which I (Jesus) have spoken unto [them]...” (John 15:1-10 KJV). WHAT HAPPENS TO REDEEMED SOULS WHO CONTINUED TO FOLLOW THE INFORMATION(WORDS), STORED IN THEIR HEARTS(MINDS), BY THE SINFUL FLESH? THEY WILL CONTINUE TO ACT LIKE SLAVES TO THE SINFUL NATURE, BECAUSE THEY OBEY THE INFORMATION, STORED IN THEIR HEARTS(MINDS), BY THAT NATURE AND DON’T “CHOOSE” TO RENEW IT. THEY WON’T TRANSFORM INTO THE IMAGE OF JESUS EITHER. “….you [will become] ... slaves of the one [whom words]... you obey (follow)…” (Romans 6:16 NIV). “... discipline [your] ... body and make it [your]... slave...” (1 Corinthians 9:27 NASB). “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and TURN FROM their wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
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DELIVERED FROM EVIL CRAVINGS, APPETITES, AND DESIRES
9.    HOW WILL THE REDEEMED SOUL ENJOY THEIR FREEDOM FROM THE SINFUL NATURE? BY RENEWING THEIR MINDS(HEARTS).  “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). WHAT IS A GOOD PRACTICE THAT CAN ENCOURAGE THE REDEEMED SOUL TO RENEW THEIR MINDS(HEARTS)? FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER REDEEMED SOULS. “...And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near...” (Hebrews 10:25 NLT).  “... Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching...” (Hebrews 10:25 KJV). DOES THE REDEEMED SOUL TRUST AND DEPEND UPON ANOTHER PERSON TO HELP THEM LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM FROM SIN OR DO THEY CHOOSE TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO EMPOWER THEM? THEY TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD TO EMPOWER THEM.  …God ...does the work IN AND THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).
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10.                      WHEN THE REDEEMED SOUL SPENDS TIME OR ABIDES WITH GOD THROUGH PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY, WILL GOD FILL HIS OR HER HEART(MIND) WITH NEW INFORMATION? YES. “…abide in me, and I in you…” (John 15:4 KJV). GOD IS, “.. A Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB). “...that they might know [have intimate, revelation knowledge of] thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ...” (John 17:3 KJV). WHO IS A NEW CREATION? THE REDEEMED SOULS WHO HAVE A NEW IDENTITY THROUGH JESUS CHRIST. “…Therefore if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a NEW creature ” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “...For in him we live, and move, and have our being (identity); as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring...” (Acts 17:28 KJV). WILL RENEWING THE MIND(HEART) OF THE REDEEMED SOUL BE FORCED UPON THEM, OR WILL IT HAPPEN BY MAGIC, OR SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE SAVED, OR WILL IT HAPPEN BY THE WILLFUL AND VOLUNTARY CHOICE OF EACH INDIVIDUAL PERSON? IT IS  A CHOICE TO RENEW “YOUR” MIND(HEART). “…Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). “be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV). “…the will of God (his heart’s desire, his choice, what he wants, etc.), [is]…your SANCTIFICATION …” (1 Thessalonians 4:3 NASB).   ... in the PROCESS of TIMEIT” CAME TO PASS…” (Genesis 4:3 KJV).
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1.      WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE DICTATORSHIP OF THE EVIL ONE, THROUGH THE SINFUL NATURE AND THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CHRIST, THROUGH THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT? THE DICTATORSHIP OF THE EVIL ONE, THROUGH THE SINFUL FLESH “FORCES” YOU TO SIN. The lordship of Jesus Christ, through the indwelling spirit allows you to “choose” righteousness. “….you [will become] ... slaves of the one [whom]... you..[willfully choose to obey]... (follow)…” (Romans 6:16 NIV). “... [CHOOSE to]...discipline [your] ... body and make it [your]... slave...” (1 Corinthians 9:27 NASB). “…If My people which are called by My name shall...[choose to]... humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and TURN FROM their wicked ways…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “…Choose you (willfully and freely) this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
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2.      Can the redeemed soul live and walk in the freedom from the sinful nature apart from the indwelling holy spirit? no. why or why not? Apart from jesus, the indwelling spirit, they could do “nothing” holy or truly righteous. “…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 (even during “acts” of ethical gestures) . …” (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). “….Apart from Me (Jesus, the Word, the indwelling Spirit), you can do nothing(especially holy or truly righteous)…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). … God  work[s] … in … [HIS people] … what is pleasing to him [to him]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS within them]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). HOW CAN THE REDEEMED SOUL HAVE “OVERWHELMING VICTORY” IN THEIR HEARTS(MINDS) OVER THE SINFUL NATURE? BY TRUSTING AND DEPENDING UPON THE DELIVERING “POWER” OF GOD’S WORD AND THE EMPOWERMENT OF HIS INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT. “...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). “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). … God  work[s] … in … [HIS people] … what is pleasing to him [to him]…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…the Father... [that DWELLS within them]… he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
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3.      IN ORDER TO GROW SPIRITUALLY AND ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4.      IN ORDER FOR THE REDEEMED SOUL TO LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM FROM THE SINFUL NATURE, WHAT WILL BE THEIR SOURCE OF SUCCESS? THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SOURCE OF IT ALL.  “... [God’s] …Holy Spirit …is the SOURCE [of  it ALL]…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). THE REDEEMED SOUL TRIES TO “FIX” OR “REPAIR” THE SINFUL NATURE BY FOLLOWING “HUMAN” RULES AND REGULATIONS TO OVERCOME STRONGHOLDS OF THE FLESH. WHY WON’T THAT WORK? BECAUSE GOD DIDN’T SEND JESUS TO “FIX” OR “REPAIR” THE SINFUL NATURE. IT CAN’T BE FIXED OR REPAIRED. HE SENT JESUS TO TOTALLY DELIVER THE REDEEMED SOUL FROM IT. “... 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). EVEN WITH “GOOD” HUMAN RULES AND REGULATIONS, WHO SHOULD THE REDEEMED SOUL TRUST AND DEPEND UPON? GOD, HIS WORD, HIS SPIRIT, ETC. …Trust in (DEPEND UPON) the Lord (THE WORD( 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(THE WORD)” (Psalms 37:23 KJV). “… THE LORD(THE WORD) … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
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5.      IF THE SINFUL NATURE, OF THE REDEEMED SOUL, IS CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST, WHAT ABOUT ALL “ITS” CRAVINGS, BAD HABITS, SINFUL PASSIONS AND DESIRES? THEY ARE “DEAD” TOO. “...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).  WHAT WILL WEAKEN THOSE PASSIONS AND DESIRES FROM THE OLD SINFUL NATURE? RENEWING THE MIND(HEART) BY THE “POWER” OF GOD’S WORD. “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind (through the WORD of God)….” (Romans 12:2 KJV). JESUS IS THE WORD. THE WORD IS GOD’S TRUTH. WHAT WILL THE TRUTH DO FOR THE REDEEMED SOUL? IT WILL SET THEM FREE FROM THE SINFUL NATURE. “…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). DOES THE REDEEMED SOUL CHOOSE TO FOLLOW RELIGIOUS RULES AND REGULATIONS OR DO THEY CHOOSE TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD’S WORD AND POWER? THEY CHOOSE TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD’S WORD AND POWER. “...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). HOW DOES GOD’S WORD AND POWER HELP THE REDEEMED SOUL CONQUER THE EVIL DESIRES OF THE OLD SINFUL NATURE? GOD’S WORD SAYS THOSE EVIL DESIRES ARE NAILED TO THE CROSS TOO. GOD’S INDWELLING SPIRIT EMPOWERS HIS PEOPLE TO LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM FROM THE SINFUL NATURE THAT IS ALREADY CRUCIFIED. “...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).
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6.      ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD DOES THE EVIL PASSIONS AND AFFECTIONS FROM THE OLD SINFUL NATURE HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER THE REDEEMED SOUL? NO, THEY DO NOT. “…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). WHAT WILL GOD’S INDWELLING POWER DO TO HELP THE REDEEMED SOUL LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM? GOD’S INDWELLING SPIRIT WILL EMPOWER THEM WITH “HIS” STRENGTH. He will “…strengthened ... [you] … with might by his Spirit in the inner man (woman)…” (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). WHERE EXACTLY IS GOD’S SPIRIT? IT IS WITHIN THE HEART OF THE REDEEMED SOUL. “…God … SENT forth the Spirit of His Son (Jesus, the Word) “INTO” [Y]OUR… HEARTS…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…God has given [you] HIS Spirit as PROOF that … he [dwells]…in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT “…The Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…Christ (the Holy Spirit) liveth in [you] …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…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).
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7.    WHAT DOES THE INDWELLING SPIRIT “DO” IN THE HEART OF THE REDEEMED SOUL TO EMPOWER THEM TO LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM? HE USES THE “WORKING POWER” “inherent” in HIS WORD (JESUS) TO STRENGTHEN THEM. “…The …HOLY SPIRIT …is the SOURCE of [empowering the redeemed soul]It is …God who does the work IN and THROUGH...[every redeemed soul]… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…He helps me (his people)…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in [redeemed souls], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “[redeemed souls]…have this treasure in [their]…earthen vessel (body)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “...[the]... body...[of the redeemed soul]... is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in [them]...” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NASB). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep work[s] in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…The God of peace … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s] you with everything good for doing his will” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “… [God] grant[s]… [the redeemed OR righteous]… to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…the Father ....doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). JESUS WAS SENT TO THE REDEEMED HEART IN SEED-LIKE FORM, WHAT DOES A PERSON CHOOSE TO DO IN ORDER TO HELP THE SEED GROW OR DO THE STRENGTHENING WORK WITHIN THEIR HEARTS(MINDS)? READ, LISTEN, AND APPLY THE WORD OF GOD, WHICH CAUSES THE SEED TO GROW AND EMPOWER REDEEMED SOULS. “…THE WORDS ... they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit represents a type of water and refers to himself as “...spring of living water...” (Jeremiah 2:13 KJV). The SEED is WATERED by the HOLY SPIRIT, so it can GROW and produce fruit in the life of the redeemed.  “…The seed is the WORD OF GOD …” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). The bible says, “....I (God, the Holy Spirit) will pour my Spirit upon THY SEED...” (Isaiah 44:3 KJV).
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8.      IS THere A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ETHICAL BEHAVIOR AND RIGHTEOUS BEHAVIOR? YES. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE. One can be done through self-effort and the other is empowered by the indwelling holy spirit.  It is …God [the indwelling Holy Spirit] ... who does the work (of righteousness) IN and THROUGH all of us who are his… (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “…The [indwelling]...HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH [redeemed souls] … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “... For it is God who worketh in you, both to will (to desire to be righteous) and to do (to actually walk in righteousness) of His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).  “…I can do all things (become righteous) 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). WHEN REDEEMED SOULS “STOP” LISTENING TO GOD AND CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE SINFUL NATURE, ARE THE MOVING FORWARD OR GOING BACKWARDS? GOING BACKWARDS. “…But my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). But the people replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAYS ARE THE “DISTINCT” CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REDEEMED SOUL OR GOD’S DISCIPLES? YOU WILL KNOW THEM BY THEIR SPIRITUAL FRUIT. “...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 redeemed soul]… 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 redeemed people)...” (John 15:8 NIV).
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9.      WHAT WILL THE SINFUL NATURE PREVENT THE REDEEMED SOUL FROM DOING? LIVING RIGHTEOUS. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT MAKING THE DEVIL FLEE? IT SAYS O RESIST THE DEVIL. “…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).WHY IS FOLLOWING RULES AND REGULATIONS “NOT” THE SAME AS TRUSTING AND DEPENDING UPON THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT’S EMPOWERMENT? ONE IS DONE THROUGH SELF-EFFORT. THE OTHER IS HAVING FAITH IN THE FINISHED WORK OF CHRIST UPON THE CROSS.  “...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)
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ONE MORE THING
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). However, trusting          and depending upon God’s deliverance through the powerful indwelling Holy Spirit makes the redeemed soul “free” from the sinful nature and its cravings, appetites, desires, 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 sinful nature)” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin(ful nature)? (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord(Romans 7:14-25 NLT). The sinful nature MAY follow human rules and regulations for a while, but it will NEVER follow God’s righteous and holy instructions. “…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). Following rules and regulations, through the effort of the sinful nature will make one believe they CAN control “that” nature. However, following human rules and regulations won’t deliver them from or help them actually conquer the sinful nature’s “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” to be truly “free” from the sinful nature 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). jesus came to set you totally “FREE” from the 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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