| BE NOT COMFORMED TO THE WORLD |
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Many times beneath surface appearance an unseen, but very real, spiritual battle rages. We have three enemies: the flesh, the world and the devil. The three form a coalition, and Satan is the mastermind. This calition was formed when Adam & Eve listened to the serpent in the Garden of Eden. The world became our enemy and wants to mold us to what it wants us to be. God says we are not to be "conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of of our minds" 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. We deal with the world by knowing God's Word and refusung to comform to it. Before we were saved, we walked according to our flesh, indulging in its desires. 2:1 And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. However, when we take up the Holy Spirit to reside within us, the battle begins.How is the battle won? 5:16 [This] I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. It doesn't say that the flesh will not lust. Flesh is flesh and has not been redeemed. It will always lust. However, when the Holy Spirit is in control, he enables us to override those desires. Satan governs the world and, you must resist him. READ Ephhesians 4-6 In the first 3 chapters, Paul explains the relationship and position of a person saved by grace.When we are saved, wwe become a member of Christ's body.....forged with resurrection power. Nothing can alter our position. It is forever set in heaven. We still live on earth in bodies of flesh...bodies with the appetites that we are not to succumb to. We are to walk in a manner worthy of God's calling upon our lives. We must remember ...WE HAVE PUT OFF THE OLD SELF & CLAIMED A NEW. We are not to participate in its unfruitfuldeeds. The days are evil ....and short. We must be very careful how we walk. As persons who belong to the Lord Jesus Christ, we shoulld be filled with the Spirit and treat one another according. Finally friends, although we are seated above the enemy, we are in a ever present warfare. So, we need to...stand firm in the Lord and put on the whole armor of God so that we can resist the devil. |
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