There are two distinct Jerry's - in me! Now some of you are concerned. Relax, good friend. I am not suffering from a schizophrenic illness or a dissociative personality disorder. I am a normal human being with a spiritual nature, made alive to God by the Holy Spirit, and a natural man, with an active sinful nature. The spiritual nature in me loves God, is empowered by faith, loves others, lives to serve eternal purposes, is gentle and kind. The sinful nature, with which I was born, loves the things of this present world, is prone to fear, and is resistant to the will of God.
Without receiving the life of Jesus Christ, by faith, we are incapable of overcoming our innate sinfulness. We are cut off from the power of God, a state that the Bible describes starkly as being 'dead in sin.' Don't read that to mean that without knowing Jesus we will all be social predators, rapists, murderers, and thieves. What the Bible teaches is that apart from Christ, we cannot live in faith, cannot respond to the Holy Spirit's direction, and when pressed by problems- we will revert to our instinctive self-preserving behaviors. Through Christ, we come alive to God, receiving the Spirit of God, who creates in us the possibility of living in a way that is responsive to the purposes of our Creator. When we make that choice, our lives will be characterized by the evidence of the "God-life," - "...the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23, NLT)
Dear believer, know this! The sinful nature does not die easily, nor is its defeat automatic. Too many times, preachers imply that with some religious experience, or through some program, or by some ritual means a person can become instantly and eternally holy. How I would like for that to be true, but it isn't. It is a deception that leads to disillusionment and despair in the lives of many who hunger for true holiness. The truth is that the sinful nature is overcome - day by day - by learning the Truth and by 'breathing in' the life of the Spirit.
Discussing this duality, the Scripture says - "Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy." (Ephesians 4:20-24, NLT)
We can come away from a 'mountain top' experience- a spiritual retreat, a great worship service, a week's vacation - and feel so full of God that we imagine that temptation will never touch us again. "The sinful is gone, forever!" We are filled up with love, suffused with joyful peace, overflowing in faith in those times. That is a good thing. Times of refreshing are exactly that - seasons in life. But we cannot live on the mountain all of the time. God calls us to serve Him in our neighborhoods, the office where we work, amidst the trials of daily life. And, we are drained, wearied; yes, even bruised and bloodied, by the power of sin and darkness which we encounter, sometimes in intensity approaching warfare. Does that mean we did not really meet God? Not at all. All it means is that we are not home in Heaven, yet! We are not victims. We are not helpless. We are not defeated. Why? Because, in Christ, we can overcome.
Believer, put on the new nature, created to be like God today. Let the truth of God change your way of thinking. In prayer, breathe in the life of the Spirit, which renews your hope and gives vision. Take up the cross of Christ, which is the high and holy calling of all who follow Him, and suffer the death of Self gladly.
"And that about wraps it up.
God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way.
This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own.
Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon.
In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." (Ephesians 6:10-18, The Message)
Amen
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