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Victory Over SinVictory over sin is quite misunderstood by Christianity today and unbelieved by most. Many say that living without sin is impossible. Many will reject it immediately even before hearing the matter. However God has a message and “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.”[Pro 18:13]. “To the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them”[Isa 8:20] “Prove all things, hold fast that which is good”[1 Thess 5:21]. Now, this message is not only true, but it is fundamental doctrine to the Christian faith. And it happens by faith alone. Mat 9:29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. By your faith it will be done unto you. The faith that we need in order to keep the commandments of God is “the faith of Jesus”. Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Without the faith of Jesus we will keep sinning or breaking God's law.(1 John 3:4) Paul said himself that he was dead. What Paul meant was that self no longer ruled in his body. But Christ worked in him mightily. He had the “faith of Jesus”. Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Paul saying that he is dead and “crucified” told us that Christ actually lived in him. Paul is being symbolic here. What he is expressing is the fact of what it is to be truly born again. “Christ our righteousness”. This is a very important concept. First Paul had to die to the flesh. Paul “reckoned himself dead to the flesh”.(Rom 6:11) Notice Paul talking about dying then being born again or in other words “walking in newness of life”. Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Dead to sin. Paul is equaling “Self” to “sin”. He also labels “Self” and “Sin” as “the old man”. Reckon your “self” dead. It is done according to your faith. Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. This “Old man” also known as“Self” and “Sin” Paul is saying was crucified to the cross as Christ took our sins as well as our penalty for sin upon himself. This study talks a lot of Romans chapters 6-8. These chapters are often misinterpreted and should be read as a whole and properly understood. Now what Paul is talking about is the Born Again experience. Paul also likens “Sin” “Self” and “the old man” to “the flesh”. Paul says they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh. Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. So we can see that “self”, “sin” “the flesh” and “the old man” were crucified to the cross. We are to “reckon ourselves to be dead to sin, self, the flesh, and the old man”. What does it mean to “reckon”? Reckon means to “count it done”. “Believe and think it”. Now we are able to walk in it. Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. John said this: 1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. It clearly says that those who keep sinning don’t know God. But the children that are God’s cannot sin. I will touch on what it means that “we cannot sin” shortly. How is this possible? Many do not believe and it is done according to their faith. Not only how is this possible? But this truth that we are being told is not found in nominal Christianity today and is a primary doctrine of the scriptures. 1Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. This message is going to offend those who say they have been walking in the truth for years. They will say “We know him”. And they will present objections. Each of which will be answered and dealt with in this study. First I would like to read Romans 6. Rom 6:1-23 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. That chapter has spoken quite loudly and there is much detail in regards to having victory over sin in that chapter. Many will present the objection that “the flesh overcomes us over and over again and we keep sinning until Jesus comes. And it’s really impossible to stop sinning until we get to heaven when many actually believe that they will be forced to keep the commandments by God.” And also that they know they shouldn’t sin right now. However even though they know they still sometimes do it. Basically saying that “the old man is dead, but he’s still comes back from the dead from time to time.” Ecc 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Ecc 9:6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in any thing that is done under the sun. The dead are not going keep talking. Paul also calls this “old man” who is dead is “unrighteousness”. Rom 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? We are not to serve this “old man” who is “Self” and the “flesh” and “sin”. However he is still alive in many who call themselves Christian. They have been self deceived. Jesus used the same language as Paul. Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. Jesus actually goes further as “selfishness” originated with Satan. Satan was one who wanted to be like the most high. Isa 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Isa 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: Isa 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Self. That’s what Lucifer was about. That is that caused his fall? In fact Jesus not only said “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.” But he went further than this by saying. Joh 8:41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus clarified who there father was whom they were serving by committing sin. Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. Notice how these men thought God was their father. But Jesus told them plainly that they were deceived. The children of God do not commit sin. John the prophet says exactly the same thing. This is how we know the children of God and the children of the devil. 1Jn 3:6 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. 1Jn 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 1Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. Now, many today are as deceived as the Pharisees were. They think that God is there father. But they don’t know that they are the children of the devil. To be overcome only once shows that we are children of the devil. These verses are quite clear. To be free in Christ and not a servant in bondage to sin is to be free indeed. Do you believe? Be it done according to your faith. Now this crucifixion process of “self” and “sin” and the “old man” is a painful process to us when we look at it through fleshly eyes. Some look at it as “impossible” just as the rich young ruler and the apostles. However Jesus told them “With God all things are possible”[Matt 19:26]. We have to let him do the work. Let him crucify us. Basically “GIVE UP”. Just like our example Christ gave up. Luk 22:42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Luk 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And it is the same for us if we do not seek our own will. Christ will strengthen us. Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. However after the fact we will rise again or be resurrect in “newness of life”, “born again”, like as Christ was raised up from the dead. Notice what Christ said about this process to Nicodemus. Nicodemus was not understanding this concept. Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Joh 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Joh 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Joh 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. Born again. Jesus makes the distinction of being “born of flesh” and “born of spirit”. The flesh first has to die. Than we can be born again of spirit. We who are born into this world are all born from birth of the flesh. However, we cannot be born of both flesh and the spirit at the same time. I want us to look at Romans 7. This is an often misunderstood chapter in modern Christianity. Notice that Paul starts the chapter with a parable. And he uses the concept of marriage this time. He says that first the “old man” must die. Then the woman can remarry. She cannot be married to two men at the same time. Paul is talking about the concept of “flesh” and “spirit” in this chapter as well as Chapter 8. And he is saying the same as Jesus did. Rom 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? Rom 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. Rom 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. Notice the concept. That the first man must die. Then we are not “under” the condemnation of the law. In other words the “flesh must be crucified”. The old man must be crucified. Self must be crucified with Christ. And notice that we should be married to another which is Christ. Christ now liveth in us. Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Self and the flesh dies. However we still live in the flesh, we reckon it dead. Self denial. It has no say in our life. Not our will but the will of our father. We have the “testimony of Jesus”[Rev 12:17] and therefore can say “I do always the will of my father in heaven” Then we live and walk in the spirit by the faith and testimony of Jesus. Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. We must be “born of spirit”, “born of God” “walk in newness of life”. With the seed of God in us which is none other than Christ in us. 1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever. Born again of incorruptible seed. 1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Christ is that incorruptible seed is that spirit. 2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Liberty and freedom from sin when Christ lives in you. No longer a servant to sin when we walk in the spirit. Now let’s look at the rest of this chapter of Romans 7. But first know that there are verses in this chapter that people use to deny the victory and often this is the very first place in which they go to deny that we can overcome. But please remember the beginning of this chapter and the concept of the first husband and the old man first having to die before the new man or Christ can come in. As well also note the context of verse 5 and the context in which Paul is talking. Paul starts the story in verse 5 and goes over a time past “when he was in the flesh”. Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. Rom 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter. Rom 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Rom 7:8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. Rom 7:9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. Rom 7:10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. Rom 7:11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. Rom 7:12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Rom 7:13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Now some are saying “Wow”. This doesn’t sound like victory over sin. And they are right. It’s not. Until the end of the chapter where Paul is delivered and Paul goes on to talk about this deliverance in Chapter 8. But first note Paul started off speaking in the past tense, and then tells the rest of the story in present tense. Some misunderstand this concept, however, let me give an example. When I was in the flesh, then he goes on to tell the story of his old man who walked after the flesh. This is exactly what Paul does in Romans 7. Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. Then Paul goes on to tell of “when he was in the flesh”. Now I’ve made the point earlier. However, look at the very next chapter. Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit. Now note and understand the following verses. This is in times past. Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. Paul is not contradicting himself. Paul is talking about when he was in the flesh, he was carnal, sold under sin, a slave and servant to a former master. Eph 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: Eph 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. He is talking about a time past when he did what he knew he wasn’t supposed to do fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. However the time came where he did what he knew to do good. Heb 10:26 For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, So after knowing or knowledge of the truth we are not going to do “that which we know we shouldn’t”. We were servants of sin in time past. We did walk after the flesh. We did do what we knew we shouldn’t do. After being born again we do not continue to sin knowingly or willfully. God forbid. How shall we that are dead to sin continue any longer therein. [Romans 6:2] Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Sin has a few different definitions. Paul said in Romans 7:7 “I had not known sin except the law said thou shall not covet”. John also said in 1 John 3:4 “Sin is transgression of the law”. So breaking God’s commandments is clearly sin. The bible also tells us: Rom 14:23 ….for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. We have to be convinced in our mind. And as Paul says in Romans 10:17 “Faith comes by the word of God”. So therefore sin is violation of God's word. Which in other words is breaking his law. However some have not learned all that the law teaches. The law is spiritual and has much to teach. We are accountable for our knowledge. If we know the truth on a point of doctrine the man of God will not walk contrary to that. The man of God also wants to be perfect and therefore on a daily basis continually grows. Php 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. God will reveal more light unto us daily but let us be perfect up to the light which we have been revealed. The true Christian may not have all the light on a certain subject. However he is “searching the scriptures with a ready mind”[Acts 17:11] so that he can be a better person, so that he can understand what he has yet to learn. So that he may not offend anyone. So that he can draw others to the love of God. Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psa 119:33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Psa 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. This is the heart of a real Christian. And like David we will observe it with our whole heart, or like Paul after coming to new knowledge we will not willfully violate one of God's principles. “He cannot sin”[1 John 3:9]. He cannot sin, because he would be lost. He cannot sin because it is against him. Christ was in our flesh tempted in all ways. It was possible for him to sin. However he cannot sin because it is against him. He has the spirit of God. It wasn’t like he couldn’t sin if he wanted to. Just as we could sin if we wanted to. However he and we “cannot sin” because he and we would rather die than sin. We in the same flesh have the “testimony of Jesus Christ”[Rev 12:17]. 1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. This is the victory. This is the power of God. This is what his grace does to the heart. Unfortunately many have a misunderstanding of who he is. And they cannot see this love. This love draws all men to real repentance. It breaks the heart. 1Jn 4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. A true knowledge of God will break the heart. When this heart is broken it will no longer follow after the flesh. When this happens the man is free from condemnation. The man who continues to willfully violate the word of God cannot be free from this condemnation. However when you are doing God’s will there is no condemnation. Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Rom 8:3 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: Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom 8:5 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. Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Rom 8:9 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. Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. Rom 8:11 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. Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Christ in you. The spirit of adoption whereby we cry Abba, Father. The deeds of the flesh have been mortified, crucified. This is the victory. This is the newness of life that comes after we have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. The born again life. Now Romans 7 as we just looked at Paul is speaking about when he walked in the flesh are often quoted by the willful sinner who is attempting to justify himself in the deed. Here are some other objections to this victory.Peter denies his LordSome will point to the denial of Christ by Peter. They will say Peter denied Christ. He knew the truth. He knew it wasn’t right. Some may not know this. But Peter wasn’t converted before the cross. Luk 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: Luk 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Peter did many things in the name of Christ. However, Peter was not yet converted. He still had pride in self when he said to Jesus “They might deny you, but I won’t”. Many are deceived by this. However, Jesus told Peter plainly. And Peter came to a point of conversion at Pentecost. Peter talks about the children who cannot cease to sin. Or have turned back into sin after knowing the truth. And he says it is a fearful thing. 2Pe 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: a heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Peter called children who cannot cease from sin cursed children. 1Pe 4:1 Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 1Pe 4:2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 1Pe 4:3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles Satan has desired to have many. And really we can only pray that like Peter they will turn from that old man of slavery who would deny Christ and like the new Peter proclaim Christ to the world.[Acts 2]. Php 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:Paul the chief of sinnersThis verse is found in 1 Timothy 1:15. Many will quote this verse, but fail to note the context surrounding it. Paul is not saying I’m still a murderer, blasphemer etc. 1Ti 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 1Ti 1:14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 1Ti 1:15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1Ti 1:16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Christ saved him “the chief of sinners” who was “Before” a blasphemer, persecutor and injurious. What did Christ save him from? Mat 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Paul didn’t walk by faith before. He did it ignorantly in unbelief. And therefore would have missed out on being justified, as the just live by faith. Jesus saves us from our sins in entirety.I die DailyThis verse is found in 1 Corinthians 15:31. Paul is not saying the flesh comes back to life everyday. Every day his will and his desires conflicted with duty and the will of God. But instead of following inclination, he did the will of God, however unpleasant and crucifying to his nature. He didn’t give in as many falsely assume. If we would press forward to the mark of our high calling in Christ Jesus, we must show that we are emptied of all self, and supplied with the golden oil of grace. Paul reckoned his body dead. Paul did what he knew to do good. Paul put God always before him. It is still a daily process. The sanctification process. However, we do not fall back into that which God has cleansed us from. We move from glory to glory. We don’t fall back into something that we have already been shown not to do. 2Co 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. Jud 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, 2Pe 1:10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: Some flatter themselves that they are doing God's will while they go and do there own will after knowing the truth. Then they have to be cleansed of that same sin that God has already cleansed them from. In this they prevent not only growth but leave the covering of God's grace and if judgment were to fall on them they would be “found wanting” rather than be as the justified Christian who is changed into the same image of Christ from “Glory to glory” in his walk with Christ. In all honesty, these men are not yet walking by faith. The Christian is not dead to sin today, but alive to sin tomorrow. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us[1 John 1:8, and 2:1] 1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us The man of God no matter how earnestly he has striven for the faith cannot say he is without sin. Here is a commentary on this verse as well as verse 2:1. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” This statement must be so read as to harmonize with the statement that if we are born of God, we shall not commit sin; for “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him.” John says, “I write no new commandment unto you, but an old commandment which ye had from the beginning.” “Whoso abideth in him sinneth not,” that is, does not wilfully transgress the law of God; for “sin is the transgression of the law.” But what conclusion are we to draw from the profession of those who claim to be sanctified, to be living without sin, and yet who openly cast contempt upon the law of God? They claim to possess advanced piety, and at the same time, by thought, and word, and deed, they transgress the law, and teach others by precept and example that they may sin with impunity. John tests their pretentious claims, and says, “He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not; whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.” Those who claim to be sanctified, and who at the same time openly defame the law of God, are in terrible deception, and are blasphemers of the God of heaven. John says, “Let no man deceive you; he that doeth righteousness [keeps the commandments of God] is righteous, even as He is righteous. He that committeth sin [transgresses the law] is of the devil.” God has placed the transgressor of the law in the ranks of the powers of darkness, in the company of the first great apostate. “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” Even those who are striving in sincerity to keep the law of God, are not always free from sin. Through some deceptive temptation, they are deceived, and fall into error. But when their sin comes home to their conscience, they see themselves condemned in the light of the holy precepts of God’s law; but they do not war against the law which condemns them; they repent of their sin, and seek pardon through the merit of Christ, who died for their sins in order that they might be justified by faith in his blood. They do not avoid confession and repentance when the neglected law of God is brought to their attention, by exclaiming, as do the self-righteous pretenders to holiness, “I am sanctified, I am holy, and I can not sin.” This is the class whom the apostle rebukes; for he says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” It is evident that where a claim to sinlessness is made, there the law of God has not been written in the heart; for the commandments of God are exceeding broad, and are discerners of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The apostle speaks words of encouragement to those who realize that they are sinners, and says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” “If we say we have no sin,” when our thoughts, words, and actions, reflected from the law of God, the great moral mirror, reveal us as transgressors, we make God a liar, and prove that his word is not in us. {ST, April 30, 1896 par.3-5} So these verses can be understood in context. No matter that we may not be sinning willfully. It might be unknown to us that we are in error. When this knowledge comes however we do not put off repentance. But we thank God for showing us our unknown sin which he has brought to our conscience and let it go no matter how much the flesh wants to justify it. Because God has our best interest in mind. Though his word might conflict with the feelings and our eyes. “we walk by faith not by sight”[2 Cor 5:7] Faith is not based on feelings, but faith comes by the word of God. Many times we have to walk contrary to our feelings however “all things work together for good to those that love God Abraham had the feeling that it wasn’t a good idea to sacrifice his son. However, God's word was spoken. So Abraham trusted God's word having the promise that Isaac was to be “his only begotten son of who the promise was given, that in Isaac thy seed shall be called”[Heb 11:17,18]. Abraham by faith trusted that though he would offer his son as a burnt offering that God was able to raise him up again and keep both of his promises. 2Pe 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 2Pe 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Faith against faith we have to believe the promises. God says “go and sin no more”. Should we argue and say that it is impossible? Or should we believeand trust in him that he is able to “keep us from falling”[Jude 24]. This is what Jesus meant when he said “believe in me”[John 14:1]. It means have complete trust in him. It’s not just to “believe as the devils believe”[ Jas 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. David sinned willfully David did many wicked things that he had to learn from. David repented of his deeds. However David had lost his salvation. In his prayer after his wickedness with Bathsheba he prayed. Psa 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; The reason that someone needs it restored is because they have lost it. David needed to be born again. He was walking after the flesh and need to be saved. He needed God to “Restore unto him the joy of salvation”. David did many abominable acts. Some of them knowingly, some unknowingly. However their came a point in David’s life where he could again say. Psa 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Like a lost sheep David went astray. But now after all these wicked sins he has kept God's word. We cannot obey on any power of our own. We must completely deny self. Look to the cross and see his love for us and why he kept his fathers commandments. We must like David say: Psa 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. This act of “creation” can only be performed by the word of God. If you allow his word to speak and do in you what it says it will do, you can walk away in this very instant saying I have the victory in Christ Jesus. God has spoken and his word is true. Christ worketh in me mightily. It is not the old heart evolving over a hundred years. But it is a new heart created in an instant by the word of God. God has said “let there be light”. 2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. A new creation. Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. This is not an evolution process. The new birth is now. To be born is the beginning of our walk with God. As a baby Christian born again of God. 1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. This is not something that happens when we become an old Christian. This is the birth. The beginning of our walk with God. Some will present the objection that we sin if we have been tempted. They believe that temptation is a sin. The bible does not say that. Heb 4:15 For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. We have a high priest who was tempted in all points like us. He didn’t sin. Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. God will help us when we are tempted. 1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. God allows us to be tempted. But no temptation can take us as God has given us the way of escape. If a thought has entered our mind we must turn from it immediately and go to Christ. 2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; Yes every thought. Trusting him always. He knows what’s best for us. Don’t doubt it. Have faith. Believe the promises. It is when you give into the thought that it becomes sin. Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Jas 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren Psa 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. If we have him before us sometimes we will be moved sometimes. If we have him always before us we will not be moved. Rev 14:5 And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.Rev 15:2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. Rev 15:3 And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Comment and/or Like our Facebook Page
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