Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)
There are those who preach that Jesus is somehow sympathetic with our struggles against self and sin. I've even heard those struggles called a "beautiful mess!" Nothing could be more foolish! Our "mess" is not attractive or beautiful to God, and we only need to look to the tragedy of Calvary to see what God thinks of our "mess." Jesus dealt with sin ruthlessly on the Cross, where He set us free from the law of sin and death. Therefore, we must never tell the Lord that He is not able to sanctify us and make us holy, or we are too broken and helpless for Him to perfect us. If He is not able to do that, He is not God. But He is God, and God Almighty. He has sanctified us wholly; and, now, we must put the mess of selfishness and sin to death in our members. That is the supreme effort we put forth daily -- to glorify God, and prove He is more than able to do what He promised.
If the Lord has challenged you with difficulty, it is because He loves you. He wants you to learn to be satisfied in Jesus alone, looking only to Him. He is freeing you from all dependence on man's company and approval, as you learn to be His disciple. Now you understand what Paul is after with his instruction to "cleanse yourselves." God wants complete and unfettered access to you. Remember, you have His promises, and you belong to Him.
Let's Pray - Father, it is imperative that I make my life completely open and available to You. Therein is my joy and health. I love You. Amen.
AMEN!!!! AMEN!!!! This such a Precious Word. Just because my natural eyes can't see all of what He has done for me and how free I am; doesn't mean it isn't sooohhhh. His death and resurrection is real. I am set free and free indeed. My old nature along with its humanism just tries to keep me in unbelief. My flesh keeps warring against my spirit daily. ONE HAS TO KNOW that there is a battle that Jesus already won....but the enemy doesn't want me to walk in that freedom. I thank God because the Holy Spirit is here to not only lead and guide me but also to be a comforter whenever I will become discourage. Jesus knew we would need help along the way as growth is taking place. Glad the burden of saving my own self ain't on my neck & shoulders. Praise God!!!!
ReplyDelete