Last night, we learned about harmatology (the study of sin) in class at Downline. AWESOME lesson- so convicting, yet encouraging. As we learn about God and sin, we begin to truly see how offensive sin is in the sight of God.
One thing Jamie said really hit home for me; he said that “We are free from the power of sin, but we aren’t free from the presence of it.” That’s heavy! As I’ve explained in earlier posts, I’m really trying to take this month examine what provisions for the flesh I am making on a daily basis; how am I allowing sin’s presence in my life? I am striving to live a life as free from the presence of sin as possible! John Bryson said it well- “It is easier to avoid the temptation than to resist the temptation.”
What does that look like in my life?
What are things that bring out the sin, what points out the sin in me, and what fights the sin in me?
I need more activities and thoughts that wage war on sin, less activities that offer its presence. We can see this process in Scripture- in Judges, we see the Israelites progress from living among sin, to taking part in sin, to serving sin. That’s a progression I have no desire to be a part of. That means I must wage war well. I must learn Truth in order to recognize lies. Scripture is the only offensive weapon mentioned in the Armor of God (Ephesians 6). I see two huge applications from that:
1) My defense is SUPER important. I must first defend against attacks from the devil. Many battles will involve “standing firm” and “do not be moved.” By the grace of God, He may enable me to take the offensive, but I am only able to have success over the enemy through the power of God.
2) I can only fight the Enemy with the Word of God. Satan is the father of lies, so I must fight him with Truth. God is the opposite of everything Satan is, but Satan will masquerade as an angel of light. That means it is of utmost importance that I recognize the True Light; if I can’t identify the real deal, how will I recognize a fake?
Needless to say, I have a lot of things to think over. This month of spiritual cleansing has already rearranged a whole bunch of things in my life, and exposed a lot of sinful motives in my heart. However, it is also training me in righteousness in ways I never would have anticipated. God is so gracious, and it is such a privilege to be disciplined by Him. I pray He would continue to shape me and enable me to see the things in my life that I need to change in order to be transformed more into His likeness.
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