CHOOSE TO GO THROUGH THE STRUGGLE TO MAKE "THAT" SIN STOP!

 

GO THROUGH THE STRUGGLE FIRST AND IT WILL STOP!

“...Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he (she) that hath suffered (STRUGGLED) in the flesh hath ceased from sin...” (1 Peter 4: KJV).

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When things are new the beginnings are always exciting. Diligence, being uncompromising, and becoming who we already are in Christ is a cinch UNTIL the struggle comes and it always will. There is a THRESHOLD where the daily excitement becomes greatly reduced, but the process STILL continues and what motivates you toward a NEW CREATION in Christ lifestyle is CHOICE. CHOICE is the power of the human will. 

You CHOOSE day after day, with or without excitement, to STAY on the PATH toward VICTORY, which WILL BE a struggle, but the person who STRUGGLES to overcome their old, dead, crucified sinful nature in certain areas of their life will CEASE from SIN in those same areas. “...Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin...” (1 Peter 4:1 NIV).  “...So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin...” (1 Peter 4:1 NLT). “...Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he (she) that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin...” (1 Peter 4: KJV). “...Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin...” (1 Peter 4:1 NASB).  

“...Who in the days of his (Jesus) flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect (mature), he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). 

Living within human flesh was challenging to Jesus too. “… He withdrew about a stone's throw beyond them and knelt down and prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). Jesus also made it clear that flesh and SPIRIT have two distinctly different origins even if they co-exist together.  "...That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit...” (John 3:6 KJV). 

God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus had a real human body, which empowered him to demonstrate to HIS people the indwelling POWER of God OVER the flesh nature. The human experience, in the flesh, wasn’t easy for Jesus’ either, but, nonetheless, he KEPT God, the Holy Spirit’s, commandments. “…And being made perfect (mature), he became author of eternal salvation unto all them who obey him…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 J+KJV). Regardless of his flesh, Jesus willingly submitted day after day to HIS Father’s sovereign will and voluntarily kept his commandments. 

His obedience SAVED many LIVES. “… my righteous servant (Jesus) ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he... [bore]... all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “… [God, the Holy Spirit, sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus suffered (we suffer when we struggle to overcome) through obedience. Jesus said: “ ...[I am]…not [here to do] My will, but [my Father’s]…" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). 

The bible describes Jesus’ experience with suffering: “...Then 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. 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). “..After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost” (John 19:28-30 KJV).“…For I have come down from heaven  ... TO DO ...THE WILL of him who sent me…” (John 6:38 NIV). “…The ... works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father has sent me...” (John 5:36 KJV).  

Jesus’ submission, humility, and obedience revolutionized the whole world. Jesus is now “highly exalted” with a “name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). “...a WORD which is ABOVE every WORD...” In addition,“…at .the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father...” (Philippians 2:10-11 KJV). Many of God’s people are suffering or struggling to overcome a sinful habit, attitude, behavior, thought life, or negative self-image. 

Nonetheless, the sufferings or struggles of God’s people, upon earth, is not necessarily a negative condition. If they follow after the leading of the indwelling Holy Spirit, Jesus said “...Verily, verily, I say unto you, He (she) that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he (she) do also; and greater works than these shall he (she) do; because I go unto my Father...” (John 14:1 KJV).   

God’s people go through many different kinds of trials and tribulations in their life upon earth. Those trials and tribulations could last for hours, days, weeks, months, or years and the details of what is happening, in the situation or circumstance, can get disappointing, challenging, hard, boring, wearisome, or extremely stressful. 

They can begin to FEAR, get DISCOURAGED, or BELIEVE they will NEVER have the VICTORY over their issues. “...In the world ye shall have tribulation...” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Here on earth [God’s people]... will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). “...[God’s people]... must [go]...through much tribulation [to]...enter into the kingdom of God...” (Acts 14:22 KJV). Yet, “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is [thei]rs ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). 

When God, the Father, allows seasons of suffering or struggle it usually is not about what is actually happening TO his people as much as it is about what is happening withIN his people. God cares about the condition of their HEARTS. “...God sees not as man (woman) sees, for man (woman) looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). God looks at the “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). It is“… from within, out of the heart of man (woman), proceed evil thoughts … [PRIDE] … these … come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV). The HEART “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). The “…hidden man (woman) of the heart…” is ALWAYS revealed through trails and tests that require LONGSUFFERING or intense patience (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). 

God purposely took Israel through the wilderness (tests, trials, etc.,) to humble them, to test them, to see if they would keep his commandments or not, and to “….know (reveal to them) what was in [their OWN]…heart…” (Deuteronomy 8:2 KJV). It wasn’t so much that the physical journey that took forty years, but it was the mental, emotionally, and spiritual journey that took forty years. It sometimes takes people a long time to see or FACE their own intrinsic, sinful condition. God’s truths hurt even though those truths are kind and loving. Some of God’s people have claimed to walk with God for years, yet still walk in MANY areas of DARKNESS.

 “… Many deceivers have gone out into the world…” (2 John 1:7 NLT). “…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT).  “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (like a demon), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).  “... the devils also believe...” (James 2:19 KJV). “... except your righteousness (your ethical or religious behavior) shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven...” (Matthew 5:10 KJV). God’s says. “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways…I WILL HEAL....” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). 

God, the Holy Spirit, doesn’t placate, approve, overlook, or mollycoddle his people’s ongoing PRACTICE of a sinful lifestyle. “... Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...  the one who practices sin is of the devil ...  No one who is born of God practices sin...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).“...By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB). “... Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,  idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB). 

“...Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin...” (1 Peter 4:1 NIV).  “...So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too. For if you have suffered physically for Christ, you have finished with sin...” (1 Peter 4:1 NLT). “...Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he (she) that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin...” (1 Peter 4: KJV). “...Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin...” (1 Peter 4:1 NASB).

 The bible says Jesus Christ suffered in the human flesh and that his people would too. Our suffering also includes our STRUGGLE to overcome the old, dead, crucified sinful nature. The STRUGGLE to overcome the old, dead, crucified sinful nature is NOT easy, but it is obtainable.

 It is both a CHALLENGE and a BLESSING to suffer or STRUGGLE in the flesh, because it EMPOWERS you to CEASE from SIN in that area of your life.“...RESIST THE DEVIL AND HE WILL FLEE FROM YOU...” Resist his lies, resist the tempting images he puts in front of your face, resist the past memories, resist living by the old indentity, resist the sinful nature’s influential voice, and resist the sinful natures’ attempt to continue to control what you say or do.  The ENEMY THROUGH THE SINFUL NATURE, wants to SABATOGE YOUR NEW life in Christ. God, the Holy Spirit, through JESUS WANTS “YOU” TO BE PROPEROUS AND IN GOOD HEALTHY IN “EVERY” AREA OF YOUR LIFE!!   

If God’s WORD says RESIST the devil and he will FLEE. You willfully choose to RESIST him and trust the OUTCOME, which is the devil FLEEING, to God, the Holy Spirit. RESISTING is not a RESULT of self-effort, but of FAITH or of trusting and depending upon God, the indwelling Holy Spirit to ENABLE you to DO IT. When God leads his people to OVERCOME certain lingering, sinful habits it WILL BE a struggle, but NOT one they will have to DO alone. God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus, HELPS his people through his WORD, his indwelling Spirit, by DESTROYING the devil’s works in your life, cleansing you through the blood, and freeing you from the power of sin. 

Trusting and DEPENDING upon Jesus’ finished work, through the process, will make his people CEASE from sin in those areas! “…He helps me…” (Psalms 28:7 NLT). “…the Father that dwelleth in me (through Jesus), he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “...For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil...” (1 John 3:8 KJV). “...[God’s people can stay] .... holy and clean, washed by the cleansing [power]...of God’s Word ...” (Ephesians 5:26 KJV). “… I la[id]... down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “…[Jesus] ... [made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT). “...God’s free gift ...[comes] ...through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT).

" …His DIVINE POWER hath given unto [HIS people]... ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3 KJV). “…[God]...will supply all [HIS people’s]... NEED…” (John 12:32 KJV). ). “...He careth for [them]...” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…God is the one who provides...[for his people] …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV).  “…God will generously PROVIDE all [his people]...need (through his Word)…” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “...Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he (she) that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin...” (1 Peter 4: KJV). 

As this verse relates to Christ, the “ceased from sin” implies being “made to rest” from suffering or perhaps from the struggle with sin in that particular area of your life. The STRUGGLE can actually result in a REST, from that particular sin and its former temptation. “...In the world ye shall have tribulation...” (John 16:33 KJV). “... Here on earth [God’s people]... will have many trials and sorrows..." (John 16:44 NLT). “...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid...” (John 14:27 KJV). Yet, “...despite all these things, overwhelming victory is [thei]rs ...” (Romans 8:37 NLT). 

When God’s people have “overwhelming victory” over particular sins, that sin will NO LONGER prevail over them, as before, to destroy their lives, sabotage their goals, or derail their walk with God. She or he learns, through the struggle, obedience and that they NO LONGER have to live according to the flesh. “…So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves …” (Galatians 5 NLT). “…So letting your sinful nature CONTROL YOUR MIND leads to death. But letting the Spirit CONTROL YOUR MIND leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature 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 8:6-9 NLT). “...Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered…” (Hebrew 5:7-8-9 KJV). 

When God’s people suffer or struggle to OVERCOME particular sins that SIN will NO LONGER govern your behavior in “that” area because the indwelling Holy Spirit has EMPOWERED you to LEARN obedience, to renew the mind, and has taught you how to CONFORM to the image of Jesus Christ. “...for he (she) that hath suffered (struggled) in the flesh hath ceased from sin...” (1 Peter 4: KJV). 

TRANSFORMATION and CONFORMITY to Jesus’ image are HOLY changes made in one’s heart, mind, and conduct toward God’s sovereign will. “…Christ …entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). JESUS SAID: “… I lay down my life [for God, my Father]... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord …” (John 10:17-18 KJV). “…"Father... not My will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42-43 NIV). 

God’s people  have NOT always been diligent, or uncompromising, or new creations in their STAND against the old, dead, crucified sinful nature, because they have NOT chosen to willfully STRUGGLE, with the HELP of the indwelling Holy Spirit, to OVERCOME sinful conduct in certain areas of the lives. 

God’s people STRUGGLE to OVERCOME their sinful behaviors or they SETTLE on continuing to PRACTICE those sinful behaviors. HERE is the consequence: “... Everyone who practices sin (including Adam and Eve) also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness ...  the one who practices sin is of (with) the devil ...   anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of (with) GOD...” (1 John 3:7-10 NASB).  

 “... Everyone (no exceptions) who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. And you know that Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in him. Anyone who continues to live in him (ABIDE WITH HIM) will not sin. But anyone who keeps on sinning does not know him ... [or] who he is. Dear children, don’t let anyone deceive you about this: When people do what is right, it shows that they are righteous, even as Christ is righteous....” (1 John 3:7-10 NLT). 

“...God SEES NOT as man (woman) sees, for man (woman) looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD LOOKS AT THE HEART…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “…No one needed… to tell him (God, the Holy Spirit) about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT).

 “…[The] ...Lord (God), which knowest the hearts of all men…” (Acts 1:24 KJV). “… He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth. The Lord examines both the righteous and the wicked…” (Psalm 11:4-5 NLT). Therefore, “... Stand fast (brothers, sisters, God’s redeemed people, etc.) ... in the liberty (freedom FROM sin) wherewith Christ hath made ...[YOU]... free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage..” (Galatians 5:1 KJV). 

“...For if, after ...[God’s people]... have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ... [and THEY]... are again entangled in them...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB). “...it would be better for them... not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away (by choice) from the holy commandment ...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB). “...WHAT HAPPENS to those who have KNOWN the WAY and TURN AWAY from it? “...It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “...A dog returns to its own vomit,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire...” (2 Peter 2:20-23 NASB). 

“…once again we have ABANDONED your commands!” (Ezra 9:10 NLT). “... I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God...” (Galatians 5:19-21 NASB). “…my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned away and ABANDONED me….” (JEREMIAH 5:23 NLT). “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). 

 God “….is ... NOT WILLING that any should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance…” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). However, “…EXCEPT YE REPENT, ye shall all likewise PERISH…” (Luke 13:3 KJV).

 In the LONG RUN suffering or struggling to OVERCOME our private sins is WORTH it! “... [God’s people] ... are kept by the (indwelling) POWER of God through faith (through trusting in and depending upon him) unto salvation ...” (1 Peter 1:5 KJV). “...HE (SHE) THAT “SHALL” (WILL) ENDURE UNTO THE END SHALL (WILL) BE SAVED...” (Matthew 24:13 KJV). 

God’s people BECOME accountable for CHOOSING to live by the TRUTH they know. It is God’s TRUTH that will SET them FREE to live the life of a NEW CREATION in Jesus Christ. “... he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil...” (Romans 2:5-13 NLT). 

 “…hypocrites ...This people honoureth me with [their] lips, but [their] heart is far from me...” (Mark 7:6 KJV).   “…If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person IS A LIAR and is not living in the truth…” (1 John 2:4 NLT).  “…If we “SAY” that we have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (without the display of spiritual fruit such as SELF-DISCIPLINE), WE LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).  “ … the deeds of the flesh are evident…” (Galatians 5:20-22  NASB). Jesus saith…I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6 KJV). 

“… The Spirit of truth (Jesus, God’s Word) …will guide [God’s people]... into all the truth. …” (John 16:13 NIV). “…Thy word is truth” (JOHN 17:17 KJV).“…The TRUTH shall MAKE YOU FREE…” (JOHN 8:32 KJV). “…If the Son (jesus, the truth) therefore shall make you free, you SHALL be free indeed (without a doubt!!)…” (John 8:36 KJV).