If you are in Christ, then you are also a new creation. The Holy Spirit is now in you and you can now do God’s will upon the earth. There is nothing you could do on your part alone, but through your desire to get right with God this has allowed the Lord to do a work in your life unto salvation. This has brought you to your knees, in order to come fully surrendered to Jesus. For this reason, have you submitted to Jesus in repenting of your sins and being baptized. It is in baptism that we put on Christ and rise with Him, even in His resurrection. Paul continues to say this and more in Colossians, chapter 1, starting with verse 1. It reads, “if ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4) Isn’t this such good news? That Jesus has redeemed us and forgiven us our sins? It sure is, that is to everyone who would let down different things that are drawing them away from Him, but trust in Him alone. In so doing, He helps us live a life pleasing to God and no longer for our flesh. Even our lusts are put away for Christ’s sake, through His help. This only happens when we seek the Lord daily. But the question is, are you giving God your time? Spend time with Him daily in prayer and reading the Bible, and you will be blessed.
Paul also said, “mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” (Colossians 3:5-10) What is taught here is what true repentance means. I mentioned the need to repent before baptism, but we continue this also after baptism. So we ask God to help us put aside anything that causes us to sin against Him. That can be sex outside of marriage, pornography, adultery, coveting what other people have and also what you see on TV, and more. These things and many others, including anger, cussing, lying, blaspheming, and more, are all done away through Christ Jesus in our lives. We are incapable of living up to God’s standards, but with the Holy Spirit in us after baptism, we are capable of doing all things through God who strengthens us. Do you believe this to be true? If not, then come to Jesus today and allow Him to cast out all the darkness, that His light may dwell. Seek His hand often, and He will be there for you and save your soul also.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will help me and others live for You. We are incapable of doing this on our own. Even Your ten commandments are out of our reach of keeping without Your mighty hand in our everyday lives. Our flesh is weak and we are easy targets for the enemy when we are not protected. Therefore, build us up in Your armor, that way the fiery darts of the enemy will be deflected and have no place in our lives. Temptations are often given especially for us and what our flesh desires, but they always lead to guilt and shame in the end. As my flesh is gratified in the moment, my relationship with You is shattered and tainted in darkness. I am unable to see You clearly after that until I finally reach for You in all my confessions. This is what I deal with on a yearly basis and I am so sorry. I wish that once and for all, the enemy would no longer come to my door. That He would no longer infiltrate my life, or the lives of my family, friends, and fellow Christians. But only You can put me in a strong tower that nobody can enter. My flesh may be weak, but I am made strong with You. May my eyes be fixed upon the prize of eternal life and never let it ever slip from my grasp. Forgive me for not always living up to Your standards. I want to live differently, so make me different, Lord. May there no longer be a struggle with sin, but a fight. In this life, I will run from the enemy and to You instead. I trust in You, Jesus. Give me strength. Lead me from temptation. I love You. Amen.
