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, APETITIES, AND DESIRES THAT ARE THAT “NOT” GOOD FOR YOUR WELL-BEING OR HEALTH. ALSO DISCUSS WHY YOUR STILL DO THEM. ASK YOURSELF IS IT BECAUSE YOU 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.
CONDITIONED CRAVINGS, APPETITES, AND DESIRES
1. WHAT IS A CRAVING? WHAT IS AN APPETITE? GOD GAVE MANKIND AN APPETITE IN ORDER TO EXPERIENCE HUNGER. WHY WAS THIS MEANT TO BE A GOOD THING FOR MANKIND? WAS HUNGER AND APPETITE ORIGINALLY CREATED TO BE “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? “...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. “…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? “…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? “…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? WHY IS THE REDEEMED SOUL STILL CONTROLLED BY 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? HOW? “…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 continually LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM?. “…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? “…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? HOW DID THE REDEEMED SOUL GET THE GIFT OF THE INDWELLING HOLY SPIRIT? “… 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? “…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? “...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 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? WHY OR WHY NOT? “…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? “…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)? “… Be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” (Romans 12:2 KJV). WHAT DOES THE REDEEMED SOUL NEED TO RENEW THEIR MINDS? WHAT WILL THE WORD OF GOD DO FOR THE REDEEMED SOUL IN ORDER TO RENEW THEIR HEARTS(MINDS)? “...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? Is god spirit? Would the word be spirit too? 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 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 CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE INFORMATION, STORED IN THEIR HEARTS(MINDS), BY THE SINFUL FLESH? “….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? “… 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)? “...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 themselves or their flesh to help THEM LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM FROM SIN OR DO THEY CHOOSE TO 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? “…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? “…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 TIME “IT” 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? “….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? why or why not? “…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). “...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 FOR THE REDEEMED SOUL TO LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM FROM THE SINFUL NATURE, WHAT WILL BE THEIR SOURCE OF SUCCESS? “... [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? “... 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? “…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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4. IF THE SINFUL NATURE, OF THE REDEEMED SOUL, IS CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST, WHAT ABOUT ALL “ITS” CRAVINGS, BAD HABITS, SINFUL PASSIONS AND DESIRES? “...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? “… 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? “…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? “...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? “...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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5. ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD DOES THE EVIL PASSIONS AND AFFECTIONS FROM THE OLD SINFUL NATURE HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER THE REDEEMED SOUL? “…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? 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? “…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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6. WHAT DOES THE INDWELLING SPIRIT “DO” IN THE HEART OF THE REDEEMED SOUL TO EMPOWER THEM TO LIVE AND WALK IN FREEDOM? “…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)? “…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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7. IS THere A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ETHICAL BEHAVIOR AND RIGHTEOUS BEHAVIOR? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE. “…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 THEy MOVING FORWARD OR 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? “...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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8. WHAT WILL THE SINFUL NATURE PREVENT THE REDEEMED SOUL FROM DOING? WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT MAKING THE DEVIL FLEE? “…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? “...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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