Study to shew thyself approved
unto God, a workman that
needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth.
Before we can forgive ourselves of our sins we must understand the war that goes on between our carnal mind and our spirit. We must understand that we have been set free from the law of sin and death and have been given the spirit of reconciliation. We are no longer under the law of the ten commandments but are covered by grace to perfection. Our flesh and blood bodies can not ever be perfect being subject to this world. But, our spirit which is made perfect in Christ is strengthened according to our faith and studying of God's Word and learning to apply God's Word to our every day lives. Colossians 2:13-15 (13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (14) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (15) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
How does our mind war against our spirit you might ask? We find in the Holy Bible the great commandment. Matthew 22:36-40 (36) Master, which is the great commandment in the law? (37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great (most important) commandment. (39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Does your heart often disagree with your mind? Do you do things knowing that your 'gut' is telling you not to? Do you hold a grudge against your neighbor when you should forgive? Do you put people or things ahead of God? Do you judge others when you are also a sinner? Do you ask for forgiveness when you do not accept someone's apology? Do you think your sins aren't as bad as someone else's and hold yourself higher than them? I am here to tell you that we are all sinners. We do and say things unknowingly and involuntarily and sometimes voluntarily. But as we strengthen our spirit we are able to live by the spirit and through the spirit and the spirit is able to overcome the flesh. We are carnal when we are born into this world. But when we accept Jesus the Messiah as our Lord and Savior we are born again of God's seed and filled with the Holy Ghost. Then with the help of Christ the spirit can mortify the deed's of the flesh. Colossians 3:9-17 (9) Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; (10) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him; (11) Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. (12) Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; (13) Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel (complaint) against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. (14) And above all these things put on charity (love), which is the bond of perfectness (unity). (15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (17) And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
When you ask God for forgiveness, do not let your mind tell you that you are not worthy. When you ask God to heal you, do not let your mind tell you that you are not worthy. When you ask God to bless you financially, do not let your mind tell you that you are not worthy. When you ask God to increase your knowledge of His Word, do not let your mind tell you that you are incapable. When you ask God to give you wisdom, do not let your mind tell you that you are a stupid sinner. When you ask God to lead you and guide you, do not let your mind tell you that you can not follow Him. But have faith in Him who loves you unconditionally. Paul said in Romans 1:15-17, (15) So, as much as is in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. (16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (17) For theirin is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
We learn by example from Abraham, who being in old age had faith in God and believed the promises that God gave him, that he would be the father of many nations. Romans 4:13-22 (13) For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. (14) For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void (empty), and the promise made of none efect (no use): (15) Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. (16) Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (17) (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. (18) Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, acording to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. (19) And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb: (20) He staggered (did not doubt) not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (21) And being fully persuaded (convinced) that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. (22) And therefore it was imputed (counted) to him for righteousness.
We are no longer condemned to death by our own sin because we believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We who were condemned to an eternal damnation stand righteous before God by faith. We have been set free from the law of sin and death and have been given the gift of grace and everlasting life. We are justified by faith. Romans 3:20-26 (20) Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (21) But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested (clear), being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (22) Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference (distinction): (23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (24) Being justified freely (without cost) by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (a mercy seat) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission (passing over) of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Now that does not mean that we can sin willingly. But, when we by the flesh do sin, we are forgiven and justified by faith because we choose to live after the spirit and not after the flesh. Romans 4:22-5:19 (22) And therefore it was imputed (counted) to him (Abraham) for righteousness. (23) Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed (counted) to him; (24) But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed (counted), if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; (25) Who was delivered (given up) for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (1) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (3) And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; (4) And patience, experience; and experience, hope: (5) And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed aroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (6) For when we were yet without strength (helpless), in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (7) For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure (perhaps) for a good man some would even dare to die. (8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (10) For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being recondiled, we shall be saved by his life. (11) And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Wherefore, as by one man sin enterned into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (13) (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. (14) Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude (likeness) of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. (15) But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. (16) And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the fee gift is of many offences unto justification. (17) For if by one man's offence death reignbed by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) (18) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness (by one act of righteousness) of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Therefore, we understand that by the sin of Adam we were all condemned to death but by the crucifixtion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are all men given the gift of grace and made to stand righteous before God and given life eternal. Romans 5:20-21 (20) Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: (21) That as sin hath reighned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
As long as we are in this world we will experiece persecution from our flesh. Our carnal mind which can not understand grace is enmity against God. But by faith we are filled with the Holy Spirit who trains us in the way of God unto holiness. We who are in Christ do by faith embody the Holy Spirit and have faith in Jesus Christ who makes intercession for us to God. Remember Jesus words, "No man cometh unto the Father but by me." We are longer subject to the bondage of sin but have been set free. Romans 8:1-17,26 (1) There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are (who live in union) in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (2) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (3) For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (4) That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (9) But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (10) And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (11) But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. (12) Therefore, brethren, we are debtor (owe a debt), not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. (13) For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify (put to death) the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (14) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. (15) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage (slavery) again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. (16) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. (17) And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Who has the right to call God a lier? Who can say that God's word is a lie? Who can deny the gift of grace or the ability to stand righteous before God? God freely gave us his spirit when we accepted Jesus as our Savior and believed that he has forgiven us of our sins? Who can condemn us and say that we are worthy to damnation when Jesus Christ has given us life unto holiness and eternal life? Who can question the power in the blood of Jesus or the power in the name of Jesus Christ who says that he makes intercession for us to God? Do not allow your negative thoughts or the negative words of any man or woman make you doubt your worthiness to God. God loved you before the foundations of the world. Your name is engraved in the palm of his hand. Romans 8:37-39 (37) Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (38) For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Put on the whole mind of Christ. Study to make yourself approved unto God. Remember 2 Corinthians 9:8 (8) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: God equips us with gifts of the Spirit to help us on our journey to reach others and spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. God gives us everything that we need to be strong in him. Sometimes we find ourselves weak in the flesh or in a battle in our mind to do one thing when the spirit is leading us to do something else. Do not despair or count yourself unworthy to be forgiven or covered by grace because we are none worthy and it is a gift that is freely given to us all who believe. Have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and all that he has done for us and all that God has freely given to us. God is a loving, compassionate and merciful God. He judges us according to our hearts, not according to our flesh. 1 Corinthians 12: 1-14 (1) Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant (without information), (2) Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. (3) Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed (is anathema): and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. (4) Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. (5) And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. (6) And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which workth all in all. (7) But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. (8) For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; (9) To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; (10) To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: (11) But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (12) For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. (13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized onto one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into the Spirit. (14) For the body is not one member, but many.
Remember earlier in this article when I told you the great commandment? We read about love in 1 Corinthians 1-7 (1) Though I speak with the tongues (languages) of men and angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing. (3) And though I bestow(give) all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (love), it profiteth me nothing. (4) Charity (love) suffereth long, and is kind; charity (love) envieth not; charity (love) vaunteth not itself (does not push itself forward), is not puffed up, (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil (is not ready to suspect evil); (6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth (with the truth) in the truth; (7) Beareth all things, endureth all things.
My brothers and sisters in Christ, if you have not already given your heart to God and believe in the crucifixition and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ I urge you to search your heart and to pray to the God who is the creator of the heavens and the earth and all that are in them. John 3:14-18 (14) And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: (15) That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn (judge) the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. We are shown in God's word how to believe unto salvation and to believe unto righteousness. Romans 10:8-13 (8) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; (9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, that shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (11) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (12) For there is no difference between the Jew or the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Faithful in Christ, do not wake in the morning faint in your heart; how shall I face this day with boldness in faith knowing how hard it is to stand? Know with assurety that God has already given us everything we already need to face every person, every obstacle, every obstruction to our faith. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us and greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world. He has overcome the world. We are filled with His Holy Spirit. He is our sufficiency in everything. In everything go to him in prayer and believe that he is faithful to fulfill his word in us. Ephesians 6:10-18 (10) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (11) Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (12) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (13) Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all (overcome all), to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt (girded) about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the peace of preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench (put out) all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
I leave you with these final words to help you on your journey with Christ. Galatians 5:16-26. (16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.(18) But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. (19) Now the works of the flesh are manifest (plain), which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleaness, lasciviousness, (20) Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations (jealousies), wrath, strife, seditions (divisions), heresies, (21) Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (24) And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (passions). (25) If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. (26) Let us not be desirous of vain glory (pride), provoking one another, envying one another.
Christian Prayer
Ephesians 3:14-21
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
