GOD SUPPLIES EVERYTHING YOU WILL EVER NEED, BUT ITS "STILL" YOUR CHOICE TO STAY WITH HIM.
“…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)
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This is the KEY to using the human will to CHOOSE: God’s people are FREE from SIN, which doesn’t mean they were FREED to continue to SIN – they were always free to sin, - but they are NOW free to LIVE holy and righteous. “….Apart from … [the Holy Spirit] … you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…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).
JESUS makes the difference in the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit. It leaves God’s people without the old excuses for forsaking and him. “…Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant…” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV). “…In him (Jesus, the Word) ALL THINGS (including YOU and God)…hold together…” (Colossians 1:7 NIV). “… [God is]…sustaining ALL THINGS (including the covenant relationship YOU have with HIM)… by his powerful word…” (Hebrews 1:3 NIV). “….Apart from Me (Jesus, God’s WORD), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).
In the past, “….They ABANDONED the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods …” (Judges 2:12 NLT).
“…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal …” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT). “… [They] became proud and FORGOT [God]….” (Hosea 13:6 NLT). “…Does a young woman forget her jewelry, or a bride her wedding dress? Yet for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT).
Therefore God fixed the “covenant unity” between his people, through Jesus. “… Jesus..[becomes]... the AUTHOR (originator) and FINISHER (sustainer) OF [God’s peoples]… FAITH (trust and dependency upon God)…” (Hebrews 12:2a KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in [them]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant…” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV). He will“…never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).
“…Because you [are his children], God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into [y]our hearts...” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). "…[He put his indwelling Spirit within them]... and cause[d them]... to walk in [HIS]... statutes, and [enables them to]... be careful to observe [HIS]... ordinances…” (Ezekiel 36:27 NASB). “…HE (Jesus) WHICH HATH “BEGUN” A GOOD “WORK” IN [HIS PEOPLE and] WILL “PERFORM” IT until the day of Jesus Christ…” (Philippians 1:6 KJV). “…it is God who worketh in [his people]…” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).
God has said: “…Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. …” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NASB). Therefore, “…I AM WITH… [YOU] and … I WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV).
The covenant CAREGIVER, the INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT supplies “all” the needs of his dependents. God’s people have everything they need that pertains to life and godliness. “…God shall supply ALL YOUR NEED according to his riches in glory [through the indwelling Spirit of] Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 4:19 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV).
“…God will generously PROVIDE all … [the supplies] … you need…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “…His DIVINE POWER hath given unto us ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).
In addition, the DIVINE CAREGIVER, the INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT provides “all” the power and strength his dependents NEED to do the things they were sent to earth to do. God’s people are “…strengthened with might by his [Holy] Spirit in ...[their]... inner man (woman)…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). They “…can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]….” (Philippians 4:13 KJV. “….Apart from [the indwelling holy spirit], [they]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).
“…may [God] work in [them] what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…That great Shepherd of the sheep, EQUIP (supply) [them] with everything good [through the working power and strength of the indwelling Holy Spirit]… for doing his will …” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…It is God which worketh IN [them] both to will and to do …” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).
“…The (working) power of the Holy Spirit … lives within [them, so they can] carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to [them]…” (2 Timothy 1:14 NASB).
THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). THE MIRACLE OF THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT IS THAT IT MEANS “GOD IS (TRULY) WITH his dependents (children).” “…God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).
“…The [HOLY] Spirit of God dwell in [his people]…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwelleth in [his people]...” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in [my people]…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).
“…God has said “Never will I leave [my people]; never will I forsake [them]…” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). “…I AM WITH [my people] ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). “…he remains faithful, …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).
“…Jesus Christ is in [them]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant…” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV). He will“…never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).
SO “…[God’s people]... are not under the law (trying to live free from sin without God’s help), but under GRACE (empower to live free from sin through the unmerited favor of God’s indwelling, powerful help)…” (Romans 6:14 KJV). “…When you are directed by the [holy] Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses (trying to live free from sin without God’s help). …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…You are controlled (empowered) by the [holy] Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you…For all who are led (empowered) by the Spirit of God are children of God…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT).
This is why the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT is SO miraculous. The indwelling HOLY Spirit is “IN” God’s people. “…The [Holy] Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “…Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people…” (2 Corinthians 6:16 KJV).
“...you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “… if any man (woman) be in Christ, he (she) is a new creature…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I WILL GIVE [them] a new heart (Jesus, the Word is sown in your heart making it new), and I will put a new spirit in you (the indwelling Holy Spirit is “IN” you)…” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “ ….. THE WORD …was sown in THEIR HEARTS…” (Mark 4:14-15 & Luke 8:11 KJV). “…Jesus Christ (his Word) is IN [his people]…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[god’s people] … have this treasure (god’s word) in [their]…earthen vessel (body of flesh)...” (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 KJV). “… It is God which worketh in [them] …” (Philippians 2:13 KJV). “… [Therefore, God’s people]… are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). “…by the grace of God ... [God’s people are what they are]…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV). “... a living soul (again!) …” (Genesis 2:7 KJV). “... free indeed …” (John 8:36 KJV).
“… [they] are not (no longer) controlled by your sinful nature. …” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “... [they] have no obligation (anymore) to do what [their] sinful nature urges [them] to do…” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “...[God’s people are]... FREE indeed.” (John 8:36 KJV).
God SPOKE his instructions to Eve. “…in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).
In the beginning, Adam and Eve were FREE INDEED, but they choose to act independently against God’s Word. “…At that moment their eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).
God’s Word was true and they DIED spiritually. God told them BEFOREHAND what would happen. When you choose independent from God’s truth, you are also choosing the consequences. “…thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).
God, the INDWELLING Holy Spirit SEPARATED from mankind. “… [They were immediately] … separated from the LIFE of God…” (Ephesians 4:18 NIV).
Mankind DIES the only DEATH that matters. “…And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground (Body) … [but] … the breath of life (Holy Spirit) … [separated] … and man (woman) became a … [dead] … soul (Soul) …” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV). “…the body without (apart from) the [holy] spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “… MUCH GOOD … [was destroyed]…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).
God left Adam and Eve, will he leave New Testament believers too? NO, GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT, IS FAITHFUL AND KEEPS EVERY PROMISE HE’S MADE TO HIS PEOPLE. YET THE BIBLE SAYS: “… For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the power of the age to come— and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame. …” (Hebrews 6:4-8 NLT).
“... SEEING, they CRUCIFY to themselves (BY WILLFUL CHOICE) the SON of GOD (Jesus) afresh and put him to open shame...” (Hebrews 6:6 KJV).
LEAVING God, the Holy Spirit is to REMOVE, by choice, your OWN self from God’s “plan of salvation” THROUGH Jesus Christ.
There is salvation in NO ONE else. “…SALVATION is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved…” (Acts 4:12 NIV).
When PEOPLE choose to LEAVE God’s plan of SALVATION; there is no other WAY to be SAVED. “... THE WAY is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).
“ ... Jesus (THE WORD OF GOD) saith…I am THE WAY …” (John 14:6 KJV). “….Apart from Me (Jesus, the WORD), you can do nothing (YOU CANNOT BE SAVED)…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…This makes it clear that our great power (TO EXPERIENCE SALVATION) is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV).
The only thing left is spiritual death. .“...Take heed, BRETHREN, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief (CHOOSING NOT TO TRUST AND DEPEND UPON GOD ANYMORE), in departing from the living God (OR BREAKING FAITH WITH HIM)...” (Hebrews 3:12 KJV). “…You have (by your OWN choice) been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…”
This DEPARTURE from God, the Holy Spirit, is equivalent to crucifying Christ ANEW. “... SEEING, they CRUCIFY to themselves the SON of GOD afresh...” (Hebrews 6:6 KJV).
This DEPARTURE from God, the Holy Spirit, is NOT a literal crucifixion, but based on the conduct of leaving it is AS IF they have crucified him again. “... When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. …” (John 19:1-16 KJV).
“…Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe. And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands….Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man! When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. …” (John 19:1-16 KJV).
“....Pilate saith unto them, Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no fault in him. But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away…” (John 19:1-16 KJV).
LEAVING God, the Holy Spirit RESEMBLES the ACT of crucifying Christ afresh when he was publicly REJECTED, SHAMED, and CONDEMNED to die. “...They cried out, saying, Crucify him, crucify him. …” (John 19:1-16 KJV). “…And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him…” (John 19: 17-18 KJV).
“... SEEING, they CRUCIFY to themselves the SON of GOD afresh and put him to open shame...” (Hebrews 6:6 KJV). Those choose to LEAVE God, the Holy Spirit would be GUILTY of crucifying him again through their personal REJECTION of him.
The personal REJECTION of God, the Holy Spirit, implies that they would have been one of the ones crying, “...Crucify him, crucify him. …” (John 19:1-16 KJV).
“... SEEING, they CRUCIFY to themselves the SON of GOD afresh...” (Hebrews 6:6 KJV). Those LEAVE God, the Holy Spirit, do this willfully and voluntarily BY CHOICE. Jesus saith…I am the way ....and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). “… I have set before you LIFE and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…you have been cut off (by choice) from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…” (Galatians 5:4 NLT). “...hardened by the deceitfulness of sin...” (Hebrews 3:13 NASB).
“... SEEING, they CRUCIFY to themselves the SON of GOD afresh and put him to open shame...” (Hebrews 6:6 KJV). Those who LEAVE God, the Holy Spirit, are actually PUTTING and SHUTTING Jesus OUT of their OWN hearts.
God, the Holy Spirit was SEALED and CONNECTED to them by his SPIRIT, but their CHOICE to LEAVE literally CUTS OFF or EXTINGUISHES his PRESENCE from their lives. “...and put him to open shame...” (Hebrews 6:6 KJV). “…He [or she]… that is joined unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT….” (1 Corinthians 6:17).
Therefore, “... Do not grieve (sadden) the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption...” (Ephesians 4:30 NASB). “... Do not quench (extinguish, put out, cut off, remove, etc.) the [Holy]... Spirit...” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 NASB). If you do; “…you have been cut off (by your own choice) from Christ! You have fallen away from God’s GRACE…”
God, the Holy Spirit’s, commitment to HIS PEOPLE is IMMUTABLE, and the BELIEVER’s SECURITY is dependent upon HIS IMMUTABLE, HOLY LOVE. “…he remains faithful, …” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).“…[God’s] love …is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…[Nothing]…shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of God which is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV). “….the…faithful love of the Lord, never ends...” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).
The SECURITY of SALVATION is BASED on GOD’S IMMUTABLE LOVE, GOD’S IMMUTABLE GRACE, GOD’S IMMUTABLE CHARACTER, GOD’S IMMUTABLE WORD, AND GOD’S IMMUTABLE HOLINESS. He has “….loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “…There is no greater LOVE …” (John 15:13 NLT). “…My GRACE is sufficient for you….” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). “… [God is] … watching over [his]… Word to perform it…” (Jeremiah 1:12 NASB). “…So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). He is “…majestic in holiness…” (Exodus 15:11 KJV). “… His … [Holiness] … is above earth and heaven…” (Psalms 148:13 NASB).
“… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I, the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). And, “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “….The Lord is “my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…Thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour …” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).
Those who LEAVE God, the Holy Spirit, are FREE to choose to serve HIM or NOT. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “...You will succeed in whatever you choose to do...” (Job 22:28 NLT). ). “...[You will, however, put [jesus] to open shame...” (Hebrews 6:6 KJV).
This “OPEN SHAME” is a personal and public REJECTION of God, the Holy Spirit. It is an outward REPROACH which demonstrates an inward abandonment of the intimate, covenant relationship. “... Do not quench (extinguish, put off, cut off, remove, divorce, etc.) the [Holy]... Spirit...” (1 Thessalonians 5:19 NASB).“... I hate divorce!” says the Lord, the God of Israel. “…” (Malachi 2:16 NLT).
“…[MY PEOPLE] ... broke [THEIR] ... covenant ..[WITH ME], though I (GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT) loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord…” (Jeremiah 31:32 NASB).
“…If we are faithless, he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV). The public or secret and continual, sinful practices will harden the heart. “...hardened by the deceitfulness of sin...” (Hebrews 3:13 NASB).
“…God...[is]...with [his people]…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). Though God is WITH his people always; their personal freedom is NEVER compromised. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore…[you]… choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV).
God’s people REMAIN free to CHOOSE to STAY in the covenant relationship with God or LEAVE - without judgment, condemnation, or shame. “…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. ….” (John 3:18 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).
The believer’s commitment to the covenant relationship is ALWAYS by CHOICE just like God’s commitment is by choice. “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). However, “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…God...[is]...with [his people, even if they choose to LEAVE him]…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).
Adam and Eve USED their HUMAN will to CHOSE death. “…thou shalt surely die…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV). They could have also chose LIFE, which is God’s Word. “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19). God “…does whatever pleases him…” (Psalms 115:3 NIV). “….let us make man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
There are really ONLY two CHOICES THAT MATTER: LIFE or God’s way/will and DEATH or the human WAY/WILL. “...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). “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH...” (Proverbs 14:20 KJV). “…and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT). “… I have set before you life and death … therefore choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19).
When HUMAN WILL was first CREATED, along with everything else, it was VERY GOOD. “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).
What MADE human will GOOD was its connection with God, the Holy Spirit. “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).
“…The fruit of the Spirit is goodness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “…Renew my life (my human will) with your goodness…” (Psalms 119:40 NASB).
Apart from God, the Holy Spirit the human will is NOT GOOD. “...there is none good but ...God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “….there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not?” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV). Again, “… there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Mark 10:18 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “ … We are all infected and impure with sin. When we display our righteous deeds, they are nothing but filthy rags…” (Isaiah 64:6 NLT).
What can MAKE human will WHOLE and GOOD again? It can be RESTORED or CONNECTED to God, the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT, again? “….LET US MAKE man … after our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26 KJV). “…in his OWN image…..male and female created he them…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV). “…And the LORD 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). “…May God himself, … make you holy and whole, put you together … [again]—spirit, soul, and body …” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 MSG). “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV).
Who can return human will BACK to God’s original, created “image” and “likeness” that was ONCE so VERY good? “….God saw every thing he had made……and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV).
The ANSWER: “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV). “…If any man be in Christ, he is … [MADE] … a NEW creature …” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “… [because] … all things are … [MADE] … NEW…” (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). “…I will put a new spirit “in” you …” (Ezekiel 36:26 NLT). “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God...” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “.the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV). “…the Spirit of [GOOD]...God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).
From this perspective, it is safe to say mankind has a human “will” and it is FREE to choose whatever it wants, but not God or his holiness. For instance, Lydia’s human will was free to choose to worship the Lord, but God, the Holy Spirit, had to OPEN her heart to understand and respond to his HOLY Word. “...A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul...” (Acts 16:14 NASB).
“...a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul...” (Acts 16:14 KJV).
“...On the Sabbath, we left the city and went down along the river where we had heard there was to be a prayer meeting. We took our place with the women who had gathered there and talked with them. One woman, Lydia, was from Thyatira and a dealer in expensive textiles, known to be a God-fearing woman. As she listened with intensity to what was being said, the Master gave her a trusting heart—and she believed!...” (Acts 16:13-14 MSG).
God’s Spirit liberates and true freedom is God’s work and not man’s at all. “... [the redeemed have been] made free from sin….” (Romans 6:18 KJV). “... If the Son therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed...” (John 8:36 KJV). “…Where the Spirit (indwelling Holy Spirit) of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom)...” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwelleth in [God’s people]…” (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV).
“...I want to do what is right, but I can’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).
All throughout scripture God frees, liberates, and opens “… [the] eyes…[the] understanding…the scriptures…” (Luke 24:31, 32, &45, Mark 7:34-35).
“… BY FAITH (trusting and depending upon God) we understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “…The person WITHOUT the [Holy] Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the [Holy] Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).
When God opens the life-giving way, like he did for Lydia, then people are enabled to respond to and follow Jesus, the way, God’s truth, and HIS spiritual life. “… Jesus opened a new and life-giving WAY ... into the Most Holy Place (which is God, the Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “...Jesus saith…I am THE WAY, [the truth and the life]…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…"This is the WAY; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV). “…THE WAY is narrow that LEADS TO LIFE…” (Matthew 7:13-14 NASB).
To use the human will to freely respond to God and his holy righteousness originates with Jesus (his Word), who is the true liberator, and NOT mankind at all. “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free me (or liberate me) from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).
“...the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul...” (Acts 16:14 NASB).
“...whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul...” (Acts 16:14 KJV).
“.... As she listened with intensity to what was being said, the Master gave her a trusting heart—and she believed!...” (Acts 16:13-14 MSG).
God, the Holy Spirit OPENS the human heart to ACCEPT Jesus and Jesus OPENS the path to the LIFE-giving way to God, the holy of holies. “...the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul...” (Acts 16:14 NASB). “… Jesus opened a new and life-giving WAY ... into the Most Holy Place (which is God, the Holy Spirit or holy of holies)…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT).
Freedom of the human will was a God-given gift, beginning in Genesis, and it was empowered by the Holy Spirit of liberty. “…Where the Spirit (indwelling Holy Spirit) of the Lord is, there is liberty (freedom)...” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).
Adam and Eve had the liberty to use their human will to choose anything they wanted in the natural or supernatural realms until they yielded themselves to obey the serpent and became SEPARATED from the Holy Spirit of LIBERTY. “…Know ye not, 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).
“.... At that moment their eyes were opened…” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “…[their] ...INIQUITIES … separated … [them from] ... God (the Holy Spirit of LIBERTY)…” (Isaiah 59:2 KJV). “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man (woman), but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH...” (Proverbs 14:20 KJV). “…and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).
They had been CUT-OFF from the Spirit of LIBERTY, which is God, the Holy Spirit. “…Where the [Holy] Spirit ...is, there is liberty (freedom)...” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). “…It’s YOUR SINS that … [will] ...cut you off from God (the Spirit of LIBERTY)…” (Isaiah 59:2 NLT). “…the body without (apart from) the spirit is dead…” (James 2:26 KJV). “...I want to do what is good, but I don’t …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
One important thing about freedom and human will must be made clear, EVERYONE is born enslaved to sin; therefore, their “freedom(s)” are enslaved too.“….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 this 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).
If freedom is enslaved; it is FREEDOM? What this means is, apart from God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit; mankind has LIMITED freedom or enslaved freedom. ??? “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin (through the sinful nature). I don’t really understand myself …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). Is this FREEDOM or enslaved freedom?
“...I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). Is this FREEDOM or enslaved freedom?
“...So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). Is this FREEDOM or enslaved freedom?
“...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). Is this FREEDOM or enslaved freedom?
“..…I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me (within my sin nature) …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). Is this FREEDOM or enslaved freedom?
“…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).
Lydia was able to DO worship, but she could not truly worship in SPIRT or in TRUTH without God, the Holy Spirit of TRUTH opening her heart. “...the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul...” (Acts 16:14 NASB). “...whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul...” (Acts 16:14 KJV). “.... As she listened with intensity to what was being said, the Master gave her a trusting heart—and she believed!...” (Acts 16:13-14 MSG).
“...the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth...” (John 4:23-24 KJV). “...Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration...” (John 4:23-24 MSG). “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“... APART FROM [God, the Holy Spirit]... [mankind]... can do nothing [not even worship] …” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “… [they]... are not free to carry out...[their]... good intentions. … ” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“...A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul” (Acts 14:16 NASB).
Mankind’s “freedom are enslaved freedoms ONLY. “...We know that the law is spiritual; but I am carnal, sold under sin. I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. So then it is no longer I that do it, but sin which dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin which dwells within me So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand...” (Romans 7:14-21 RSV). “… [they]... are not free to carry out...[their]... good intentions. … ” (Galatians 5 NLT).
In other words, mankind’s human will, ONLY has the FREEDOM to SIN
I had a brain injury in 2014 which impacted my taste buds. I could no longer eat anything I wanted and had to become a vegan. I wanted to become a vegan years before, but I was enslaved to my old eating lifestyle.
Presently, I can only eat things on the vegan diet. I can’t eat anything from the old eating lifestyle such as processed sugar, meat, and dairy, because the taste buds I have left makes all those things taste horrible!!!
I never understood “free” human will until it was no longer available to me. What this reality showed me is that the freedom to choose, is more often than not, limited by DICTATES of the sinful nature.
Once the sinful nature establishes sinful habits or strongholds it will dominate the human will and you will find yourself doing what you don’t want to do. “...I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT)
In this scenario, freedom is obviously not an option. In most cases, where sin is in control, through the sinful nature, freedom is enslaved to its dictatorship. “...The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin (through the sinful nature). I don’t really understand myself …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin (through the sinful nature)? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
Even if it’s something you want; you can’t choose it on your own volition. Freedom to choose to do what is right or do what is good fails over and over. “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “... APART FROM [God, the Holy Spirit]... [mankind]... can do nothing [not even worship] …” (John 15:1-11 NASB). “… [they]... are not free to carry out...[their]... good intentions. … ” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“….God saw everything he had made……and, [said] … it was VERY GOOD…” (Genesis 1:31 KJV). “… ONE sinner destroy[ed]… MUCH GOOD…” (Ecclesiastes 9:18 NASB).
Sin destroyed the spiritual freedom of human will and it became in bondage or enslaved to the sinful nature. “…God asked the woman, “What have you done?” (Genesis 3:7-13 NLT). “…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 and fallen SHORT of the GLORY of God…” (Romans 3:23).
Mankind’s ability to choose to do what is righteous and good and pleases God, the Holy Spirit is destroyed through their permanent enslavement to the sinful nature. “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
FORCED to become a vegan when my sinful nature hadn’t granted me permission, challenged me to see my own limitation. My so-called freedom was not true freedom at all. I couldn’t completely stop eating from the old diet, on my own, even though I wanted to.
I didn’t have the true freedom to stop eating the old way on my own volition even with the miraculous help I’d been given. In reality, I didn’t really have freedom at all, except for the wrong thing.
God’s intervention helped me to begin choosing a healthier eating lifestyle and I have actually become a vegan.
However, without God’s help I couldn’t freely do the things which were healthy for me long term. Like with Lydia, God opened a way for me to respond to a healthier eating lifestyle. “...A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul...” (Acts 14:16 NASB).
Your inability to freely use your human will to choose to change a sinful habit may not be with food, but something altogether different. I just used this as an example. “...I want to do what is right, but I can’t. …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).“… [they]... are not free to carry out...[their]... good intentions. … ” (Galatians 5 NLT).
I want to add one more thing, God’s intervention helped me tremendously. I healed, I got to a healthy weight, I looked youthful, and I felt awesome. I followed the vegan lifestyle to the bone, until I begin compromising with a few foods from the old diet. It wasn’t long before I was ALMOST back where I was before. I STOPPED and had a long talk with God.
God told me two things: 1. NEVER compromise with the DEVIL. 2. NEVER move forward while looking BACK or you’ll end up going back.
My cousin Gayle and I shop at Sprouts every couple of weeks or so. I was sharing with her that I’d picked back up some of my old, unhealthy habits again. While I was explaining it to her I heard, LOUD and CLEAR, what I said. I said, “...I compromised, too much, with bad foods...”
What I meant was that I would allowed a little sugar here, a little dairy there, until a little became too much. The unhealthy slowly crept back up.
What I LEARNED is you can’t compromise. You can’t give the devil any place AT ALL. I always say a little bit of sin is STILL “some” sin and “some” sin is TOO MUCH. A little compromise is STILL settling for the WRONG unhealthy habits in one way or another.
I asked God for a scripture, since HIS WORD has the WORKING POWER to put demands on our behaviors. “...Neither give place to the devil...” (Ephesians 4:27 KJV). “...Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you...” (JAMES 4:7 KJV).
“...Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth...” (3 John 1:2 KJV). “...I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your everyday affairs prosper, as well as your soul!...” (3 John 1:2 MSG).
“…He helps [his people]…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… I, the Lord, am [also] your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). “…[God will DO this] … so you will know that [HE is]... the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT).
“… [Jesus, the Word of God will empower] ...you, according to the riches of his glory (of his indwelling presence, goodness, and power), to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man…”(Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…May ...God ...equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us (in the heart and mind) what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “...For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).
The devil DESIRES to break up the covenant UNITY and break FAITH between God and HIS people by convincing them have to disobey or live independently from his God’s Word.
The enemy’s intention, with any opportunity God’s people CHOOSE to GIVE to him, is to cause CONFLICT between what God desires to empower his people to do and what the DEVIL desires to CONVINCE them to do. “…The sinful nature (body of flesh) wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the [indwelling 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).
“...you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT). Why not? “… my people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
“…TRUST in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto 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). “… my beloved brethren (Pensacola), be steadfast, immovable, (fixed, steady, permanately determined, etc) always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord…” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB). “...Neither [choose to]...give place to the devil...” (Ephesians 4:27 KJV). “...[Choose to]...submit yourselves ... to God. [Choose to]...resist the devil, and he will flee from you...” (JAMES 4:7).
If the devil GETS an opportunity, usually through compromise, to have a place in your life, he will use that opportunity to TAKE over in “that” area. Instead of God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, WORKING “in” and “through” you the DEVIL begins to influence you and put demands upon your behavior.
God’s people should take HEED to everything that puts demands upon their behavior and leads them away from God’s truths.
God wants his people to be HEALTHY, by empowering them, through his indwelling Holy Spirit to make their OWN choice to be HEALTHY.
The devil wants to continue to convince God’s people to CHOOSE to give him the opportunity to be a dictator over their HEALTH (emotionally, mentally, spiritually physically, and financially), which will KEEP them unhealthy in one or all those areas.
“...A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones...” (Proverbs 17:22). LAUGHTER IS HEALTHY.
“...What? know ye not that 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). A HEALTHY BODY IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT’S ALSO A TEMPLE FOR THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT.
“...Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth...” (3 John 1:2 KJV). GOD’S DESIRES HIS PEOPLE TO BECOME HEALTHY, IN “ALL” AREAS, ABOVE ALL ELSE.
“...Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (as a witness to the presence, goodness, and working power of God)...” (1 Corinthians 10:31 KJV). HEALTHY EATING LIFESTYLE CAN BE A WITNESS TO GOD’S GLORY.
“...Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones...” (Proverbs 16:24 KJV). OUT OF A HEALTHY MIND WILL COME HEALTHLY CONVERSATIONS.
“...If any man (woman) defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are...” (1 Corinthians 3:17 KJV). HEALTHY HABITS PREVENT YOU FROM DEFILING YOUR BODY, WHICH IS GOD’S TEMPLE.
“...And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee...” (Exodus 15:26 KJV). LISTENING TO GOD, FOLLOWING HIS WORD, AND APPLYING THEM TO YOUR LIFE WILL HELP MAINTAIN AN OVERALL HEALTHY LIFE.
“...fear the LORD, and depart from evil. It shall be HEALTH to they navel, and marrow to they bones...” (Proverbs 3:7-8 KJV). TRUST IN AND DEPEND UPON GOD AND STAY HEALTHY.
“...My son (daughter), attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them (my words) NOT depart from thine eyes; keep them (my words) in the MIDST of thine heart. For they (my words) are LIFE unto the, that find them and HEALTH to all their flesh...” ( Proverbs 4:20-22 KJV). LISTEN TO AND APPLY GOD’S WORD TO YOUR LIFE AND STAY HEALTH.
“...And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee...” (Exodus 23:25 KJV). FOLLOWING OR SERVING GOD’S WILL IS ONE WAY TO STAY HEALTHY.
“...Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed...” (1 Peter 2:24 KJV). JESUS CHRIST DIED UPON THE CROSS TO FREE GOD’S PEOPLE TO LIVE HEALTHY IN “EVERY” WAY.
God’s people don’t choose HIS provisions, but are CONVINCED to continue to USE the devil’s provisions they won’t “...be in good health...” as God desires. “...Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest... be in health...” (3 John 1:2 KJV).
When God’s people allow the DEVIL to convince them to choose independently AGAINST God’s instruction it GIVES the enemy opportunities to kill, steal, and destroy their health. .“…The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” (John 10:10 KJV).
Making chooses independent from God’s Word can destroy your overall HEALTH. “...You will succeed in whatever you choose to do...” (Job 22:28 NLT). “… I have set before you LIFE and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose LIFE …” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose you this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
When God’s people YIELD to, by willfully LETTING the DEVIL have an opportunity to DICTATE their behavior in “any” AREA, it leads to spiritual death. “...letting your sinful nature ...[CONTINUALLY]... control your mind leads to death (continual spiritual death in that area)...” (Romans 8:5-7 NLT).
The devil will take EVERY chance and opportunity to make suggestions and provide ample temptation to convince God’s people to forfeit THEIR HEALTH for his UNHEALTHY TRICKERIES. “…The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who CHOOSE that way. …” (Matthew 7:13-14 NLT). “...Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour...” (1 Peter 5:8 KJV).
The heart is deceitful above ALL THINGS, especially in areas where God’s people desire to BE FREE from BAD HABITS, but the DICTATORSHIP of the sinful nature keeps their MIND in bondage. The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). The “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). It is “…from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness…All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).
“… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind….” (Romans 12:2 KJV).
The sinful nature is busiest when God’s people begin to trust and depend upon God’s indwelling Holy Spirit to empower to walk in FREEDOM from bad habits, strongholds, and the bondages of the sinful nature. “…The sinful nature wants to do ... the opposite of what the Spirit wants …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…[god, the holy spirit]... is GOOD…” (Psalm 107:1 KJV). “...so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
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