EMPOWERED
TO ENDURE
“…that they might KNOW…..the only true God and Jesus Christ…” (John 17:3)
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The struggle is between using the FREED human will to make a choice between following the sinful nature or the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…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. … Oh, what a miserable person I am!…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “…Who will free me from this life that is dominated by... [my own weaknesses]...?” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“…Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” (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).
God’s people CAN choose righteousness and good NOW, because they are EMPOWERED by Jesus (the indwelling power, the LIGHT, the good SEED, the LIVING Word, etc.). “…Jesus Christ is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…[You] CAN DO all things (live righteous, endure, make it through, & do Holy good) THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [you]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
In the beginning of one’s journey with God, it seems easier and more familiar to follow the sinful nature, however, the sinful nature continually leads God’s people right back into sinful practices over and over and over again. “…The sinful nature wants to do ... the opposite of what the Spirit wants …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “...so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…[God’s people]... kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts. They went backward instead of forward...” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
The solution is to trust and depend upon the indwelling Holy Spirit to strengthen you and empower you to choose to RESIST the devil. “…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 (the old sinful nature and its unhealthy habits) SIN? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). “… The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord (the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“…I can do ALL THINGS through Christ which strengtheneth me…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…apart from Me (Jesus) you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB). “…He will keep you strong to the end…” (1 Corinthians 1:8 NLT). “…When [you are] weak, then [Jesus, the empowering, indwelling Holy Spirit is]... strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 KJV). “…[God’s] strength is made perfect (matured, empowered) in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).
God’s people cannot restrain themselves from sin through the sinful nature, without the empowering HELP of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…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).
Even when God’s people CHOOSE to trust and depend upon God, the indwelling Holy Spirit, they are often concerned whether they will return to INDULGING in the habits, they enjoyed, through the sinful nature. “…The Lord who made you and helps you says: Do not be afraid …my servant …my chosen one…” (Isaiah 44:2 NLT).
God WILL heal them and help them. “...O LORD my God, I cried to You for help, and You healed me(you healed me from weaknesses)...” (Psalms 30:2 NASB). “…Jesus Christ (the HEALER) is IN YOU…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “… [God] … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer …" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… your healer…” (Exodus 15:26).
“…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).
God’s people can CHOOSE to ENTRUST their WEAKNESSES to God, the Holy Spirit. They don’t need an agenda, a plan, or rules or regulations. “…The LORD will accomplish (take care of)…that which concerns [his people]…” (John 14:31 NASB). “…The steps (to being strong) 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 (and “healer”)…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
All, his people, need is to keep the faith and to submit themselves to HIS CARE for their STRENGTH needs by following his instructions: “...He said to him, "Follow Me!" And he got up (he chose) and followed Him (action)....” (Matthew 9:9 NASB). “…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).
God loves each of us and desires to restore our “freedoms,” God gave mankind freedom, in the beginning, and he returns those FREEDOMS to HIS people through Jesus. “... It was for FREEDOM that Christ set us FREE...” (Galatians 5:1 NASB). “... Stand fast ...in the liberty...” (Galatians 5:1 KJV).
Even though God knew, free human will, could potentially lead them away from him - which is what happened with Adam and Eve – he still gifted them with it. “...It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?...” (Galatians 5:13 MSG). “...brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another...” (Galatians 5:13 KJV).
“...Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order. It is God’s will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you’re a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government...” (1 Peter 2:16 MSG). “...As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God...” (1 Peter 2:16 KJV).
Adam and Eve didn’t simply choose between right and wrong per se, but they used their FREE human will to respond to Satan’s lies.
GOD SAID: “…of every tree of the garden THOU MAYEST FREELY EAT: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou SHALT NOT EAT of it; for in THE DAY THAT THOU EATEST thereof THOU SHALT SURELY DIE…” (Genesis 2:16-17 KJV).
The EVIL ONE SAID: “…ye shall not surely die.…” (Genesis 3:4-5 KJV).
THE WOMAN WAS CONVINCED BY THE EVIL ONE: “…The woman [became] ... convinced to eat from the tree, anyway... She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it ...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).
THE WOMAN used her human will to act independently of god’s word and freely “choose” to eat the fruit. “...So she took some of the fruit and ate it ...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).
Think about it, God allowed Adam and Eve to “freely choose” between his truth about the tree of life and Satan’s lies. God is in control, but God is not controlling. “...So she (FREELY) took some of the fruit and ate it ...” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT). “...Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and HE (FREELY) ATE IT, too …” (Genesis 3:1-7 NLT).
God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM ’ …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
Godly love is not controlling. “…Love ...does not dishonor others….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…God honors [his people]…” (Psalms 37:34 NLT). “…you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you…” (Isaiah 43:4 NLT).
God is an honorable God. He gifted you with human will to choose the life you want, even if you DON’T choose HIM. “…Choose you (MAKE A CHOICE with your human will) this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).
“… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “Jesus saith…I am ...the life…” (John 14:6 KJV).
God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. … …love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “… “I AM WHO I AM ’ …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
“… I have set before you life and death ... choose life...” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). If NOT, “…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).
God GRANTS, RESPECTS, and HONORS his people’s CHOICES. “…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. “…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).
The bible is full of stories that reveal how God’s people abandoned him and forgot all about HIM. “….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).
“…I called my son (children) out of Egypt. But the more I called to [them[, the farther [they] moved from me, offering sacrifices to the images of Baal and burning incense to idols. I myself taught Israel how to walk, leading [them] along by the hand. But [they don’t] know or even care that it was I who took care of [them[. I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from [their] neck, and I myself stooped to feed [them]. “But since my people refuse to return to me, they will return to Egypt (a type of bondage) and... [The bondage] will destroy them, trapping them in their own evil plans. For my people are determined to desert me. They call me the Most High, but they don’t truly honor me. “Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you …My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. No, I will not unleash my fierce anger. I will not completely destroy Israel, for I am God and not a mere mortal. I am the Holy One living among you, and I will not come to destroy. For someday the people will follow me. I, the Lord, will roar like a lion. And when I roar, my people will return …And I will bring them home again,” says the Lord….” (HOSEA 11 NLT).
THEY SAID: “...We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires...” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
“…. Again and again he rescued them, but they chose to rebel against him, and they were finally destroyed by their [own] ...sin. …” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).
“...Even so, he pitied them in their distress and listened to their cries. He remembered his covenant with them and relented because of his unfailing love…” (Psalms 106:42-48 NLT).
“…[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). “…[God has] loved [you]...with an EVERLASTING love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). A “…Love …[that] … never FAILS….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).
CHOICE, through human will, is a POWERFUL thing. People have, continually, chosen to abandon previously held beliefs (vows) made to each other and God. When they do, they have decided to defy or rebel against the practice of those same beliefs or vows.“...dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving (not trusting in and depending upon God), turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God...” (Hebrews 3:12-13 NLT).
“...God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it...” (Hebrews 4:1 NLT).
The reason for ABANDONING GOD, varies, but could entail anything from a desire to continue to practice a sinful lifestyle to spiritual infidelity. “... They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT). “...They will reject the truth and chase after myths...” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 NLT). “…For years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord to serve Baal (other objects of faith)…” (Judges 2:13 NLT). “…Ever since I brought them from Egypt they have continually ABANDONED ME and followed other gods (other objects of faith)…” (1 Samuel 8:8 NLT). “…For my people have ABANDONED ME and offered sacrifices to pagan gods (other objects of faith)…” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT).
In the instant of ABANDONMENT, God, the Holy Spirit, does NOT want to forsake the covenant relationship. "… I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel..." (Malachi 2:16 NASB). “…[Yet]...GOD GAVE THEM OVER to a reprobate mind to do those things which are convenient...being filled with all unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:28 KJV). “…, …We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “… my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT).
God, the Holy Spirit may concede to his people’s willful CHOICE, but he will REMAIN faithful. “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful,…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “…[Nothing]…shall be able to separate [you]… from the love of God which is “in” Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV).
Many times God has said: “…my people have ABANDONED ME …” (2 Kings 22:17 NLT). BUT, “...he remains faithful,…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).
God’s faithful, HOLY love is forgiving towards his people over and over again. We witness it ALL throughout biblical history. “…once again we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT). “…And many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every man to his neighbour, Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this great city? Then they shall answer, Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord their God, and worshipped other gods, and served them…” (Jeremiah 22:8-9 KJV).
“… [Yet] … in your great mercy, you did not destroy them completely or abandon them forever. What a gracious and merciful God you are!” (Nehemiah 9:31 NLT).
“…The Lord says, “Then I will heal you of your faithlessness (abandonment); my (MERCIFUL) love will know no bounds, for my anger will be gone forever….” (HOSEA 14:4 NLT).
“... herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT).
“God’s “…love is patient, [God’s]…love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [God’s]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).
“…It is of the Lord's MERCIES that we are not CONSUMED, because his compassions FAIL NOT. They are NEW EVERY MORNING: great is thy faithfulness…” (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV).
Never get used to hearing about God’s love and never assume you’ve heard everything you need to hear about God’s love, because you haven’t. If God’s love has become common to you; you need to study it again. “….The…faithful love of the Lord, never ends...!”(Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT). “…[God has] loved [you]...with an EVERLASTING love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). A “…Love …[that] … never FAILS….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).
Someone or something only becomes common when you stop placing or seeing the VALUE of it or them. “...God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 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).
God’s love is your most valuable possession and without it, YOU HAVE NOTHING no matter what, miraculous or sacrificial, or talent you have or can do. “…If I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love (God is LOVE), IT PROFITETH ME NOTHING…” (1 Corinthians 13:2-3 ASV)."…
Nothing you possess or anybody else possesses IS more valuable than THE LOVE OF GOD!!! “...God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). .“…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
You will never exhaust the study of God’s love in your lifetime. “...God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...And this is the real and eternal life That they know you, The one and only true God, And Jesus Christ, whom you sent...” (John 17:3 MSG) “...And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent...” (John 17:3 KJV). Therefore, “...Grow in the GRACE and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ… Amen” (2 Timothy 3:18 NIV).
“...seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness...” (Matthew 6:33 KJV). “... You are my God; I shall seek You earnestly...” (Psalms 63:1 NLT).
Learn something about God’s love every day. It is a rich, engulfing, majestic, holy, bonding, unifying, and unconditional love bestowed upon HIS people from the depth of God’s heart. “…love, which is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).
We love because God first loved us. “...We love, because HE FIRST LOVED US…” (1 John 4:19 ASV). “… Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us ...” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “… he first loved us…” (1 John 4:19 ASV).
Because of his HOLY LOVE, God WILL KEEP from falling away or separating from HIM. “... Now unto HIM (Jesus Christ) that is ABLE to KEEP you from falling (away), and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy...” (Jude 1:24 KJV).
So, “…[YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV). “…[You choose to] ... abide in [jesus], and [jesus] in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine…” (John 15:4 KJV). “…If a man (woman) abide NOT in me (or chooses “not” to abide in me), ‘he(she) is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned…” (John 15:6 KJV). “…apart from Me you can do nothing…” (John 15:4-6 NASB).
“… The Holy Spirit helps [his people]... in [their]... weakness…” (Romans 8:26 NLT).
Thus, “…This makes it clear that [his people’s]... great power (TO ENDURE the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, TO THE END) is from God, not from ourselves…” (2 Corinthians 4:5-7 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in [his people], he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
“...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (WILL) ENDURE [the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit]... UNTO THE END SHALL (WILL) BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV).
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