Walking in the Spirit by being Led

If you read my other blog, you'll know how much I love sheep and lambs. I've just always had an affinity for the babies. The look of their sweet faces and the trust that they convey. Purity, gentleness, helplessness. I follow several blogs of sheep owners, and if in another time in my life I could have had sheep, I would have done so.

The images of Jesus as a shepherd are especially dear to me in that He is Our Good Shepherd. Jesus' gentleness and kindness has always been manifest to me in the thought of Him being the Shepherd.  Living in the Middle East in Jesus' day, sheep and shepherding was a way of life. There were not farms or ranches like we have today, but smaller flocks herded for a family or community. There was always a shepherd "on duty" to watch over their safety and keep the predators at bay.

In the Bible there are many references and analogies pertaining to sheep and lambs. They were destined for martyrdom in that they were called to be the sacrifice at the temple for remittance of sin. The number of sheep and lambs killed for sacrifice upon the Israelites' alters would be mind boggling. It always bothered me that something so gentle would have the dubious honor and calamity of being the sacrifice. So also, Jesus was known as the Lamb of God as He too became our sacrifice.


Isaiah 53:61.
All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.


Jeremiah 50:6
"My people have become lost sheep; Their shepherds have led them astray. They have made them turn aside [on] the mountains; They have gone along from mountain to hill And have forgotten their resting place.


Matthew 9:36
And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.


1 Peter 2:25
For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.



When I sat down to do this post it made me wonder about what sheep were really like. I know I love them, but not having been around them much I guess I really don't know much about them. The following came from a Christian site and I thought it was very telling why Jesus used the analogy of "sheep". Not only were they very common in Jesus' day, most people had come into contact with them up close and personal. So don't be offended, but read these characteristics and think of us, as human beings. These sort of sound like a few of us out here, me included.


Characteristics of Sheep

1. timid, easily panicked, fearful

2. dumb stupid, gullible


3. very vulnerable to fear, frustration, pests, hunger


4. easily influenced by a leader, by the shepherd


5. stampede easily, vulnerable to mob psychology


6. little or no means of self-defense; can only run


7. easily killed by enemies


8. the shepherd is most effective, calming influence


9. jealous, competitive for dominance


10. constantly need fresh water, fresh pasture


11. have very little discernment in choosing food or water


12. best water source is early morning dew


13. perverse, stubborn - will insist on their own way , even eating poisonous
      plants or drinking dirty water


14. easily "cast" - flipped over on their back, unable to right themselves
       will die of starvation if not turned over by shepherd; helpless


15. frequently look for easy places to rest


16. don't like to be sheared, cleaned


17. too much wool can cause sheep to be easily "cast"


18. creatures of habit; get into "ruts"


19. need the most care of all livestock


20. need to be "on the move"; need a pre-determined plan, pattern of grazing


21. totally dependent of shepherd for every need


22. need "rod and staff" guidance
 
 
Hmmm... I saw a few characteristics that I share. Now let's look at what a Good Shepherd is about.
 
 
Characteristics of A Good Shepherd



1. loves his sheep and develops a close, intimate relationship with them so that they know his voice and trust him.


2. understands the needs of the sheep better than they do


3. understands what threatens sheep and what makes them sick


4. works tirelessly to provide protection, security


5. leads them to fresh pastures and fresh water


6. searches out sheep when they stray


7. defends sheep against all their enemies


8. provides protection while they sleep


9. shears them and examines each one for injury or disease


10. goes ahead of sheep and prepares the path


11. disciplines and corrects them


12. comforts sheep when they are hurt or fearful


13. keeps sheep "on the move" so they don't get into a rut


14. Liberally anoints them with oil to prevent disease or to heal an injury


15. keeps sheep from fighting, from hurting each other


16. cares for, loves sheep and sacrifices his life for them.


17. rejoices in health, well-being and prosperity of his flock


18. will leave the flock to search for lost sheep and


19. experiences great joy in finding lost sheep


20. carries the lamb s close to his heart,


21. gently leads those with young


22. gets deepest satisfaction from seeing that sheep are contented, well-fed, and safe

 
Psalm 23
1. Psalm of David]. The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. 4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. 5. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. 6. Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
 

(Taken from the website of Calvary Chapel of Fredricksburg, Virginia)
What Our Good Shepherd Provides



Psalm 23


Perfect Protection— "The Lord is my Shepherd"


Perfect Satisfaction — "I shall not want. "


Perfect Rest— "He maketh me to lie down. "


Perfect Nourishment— "In green pastures "(pastures of tender grass)


Perfect Guidance— "He leadeth me."


Perfect Peace— "Beside the still waters"


Perfect Restoration— "He restoreth my soul"


Perfect Walk— "The paths of righteousness"


Perfect Confidence— "I will fear no evil"


Perfect Companionship— "Thou art with me."


Perfect Discipline— "Thy rod,"


Perfect Support — "Thy staff,"


Perfect Consolation— "They comfort me."


Perfect Fellowship— "Thou preparest a table before me"


Perfect Triumph— "In the presence of mine enemies."


Perfect Strength— "Thou anointest my head with oil."


Perfect Joy— "My cup runneth over."


Perfect Love -- "Goodness and mercy shall follow me"


Perfect Habitation— "I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever

 Now, thinking about this scripture in light of our speaking about Walking in the Spirit, in the East the Shepherd stays with his sheep, even sleeping with them. He is a companion. He talks to them. When it is time to leave he lets them hear his voice, gives a command, then they follow him. In the West we treat sheep like we treat cattle, "driving" them. Many times dogs barking at their heels. Rounding up and "driving them", no personal contact, and no speaking in a calm voice; no guidance or direction, just orders.
 
John 10:27
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

Romans 8:14
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

I like to think of Jesus as my Good Shepherd, and then also in Walking in the Spirit,  I sure prefer the Holy Spirit's kindness and gentleness; that He is with me leading, guiding and directing. He's not a cowboy, racing with a lasso, dogs nipping at me. He's the loving shepherd, that will search until He finds each one, and lays down His life for his flock.

Blessings for this Holy Week

as we prepare for Easter and all that it signifies.

love,

Debra

Set Free

Last time we talked about our "old man", that is our "old nature" before salvation. We have seen that upon the moment of salvation our old nature is nailed to the cross with Jesus. We have been "crucified with Christ".
We become a new creation in Christ Jesus. But there still remains one big question...why do we still sin? The apostle Paul really addresses this in the 7th chapter of Romans:

Romans 7:15-24
15. For that which I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I [would] like to [do], but I am doing the very thing I hate. ...19. For the good that I wish, I do not do; but I practice the very evil that I do not wish. ...23. but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind, and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24. Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?

And what are some of these deeds that can keep us in a life of sin?

Version: NAS

Galatians 5:19-21
19. Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20. idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21. envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

An unbeliever cannot help himself in these areas. They may find a temporary solutions or help, but as a rule an unbeliever can stay in this lifestyle for most of their life. They cannot help but live "in the flesh", but we as believers, no longer have to live this way.

Getting rid of our old fleshly nature was God's job and gift to us at the cross. He changed our nature, supernaturally, but it is our responsibility to change our "behavior", by putting to death the "deeds of our body".

I, and all of us for that matter, exhibit certain bad habits, sinful actions, and problematic behaviors, even as a born-again child of God. All we have to do is take a look at that scripture from Galatians 5 to see some of the biggies.

I had a problem with anger. It wasn't so much a problem with being angry "at" people, but I exhibited anger because of my frustration with situations, and then it came out as anger. You know, the old "short fuse" syndrome. I'm not a jealous person, or like to pick fights. I hate strife and want it no where in my life. But I could go off in a split second, then you better watch out. I would be over it in 5 minutes, but by that time the damage was done, and I was left feeling horrible for my behavior and wishing that I could just undo what had been said and the actions I had just exhibited.

OK, you want another one? I seem to be letting all the cats out of the bag, so here is another one. I cannot drink. When I do, I turn into someone else. Someone who I don't care to be. I cannot hold liquor and I frequently made a fool of myself. Actions, words... oh my, I was a mess. So, I don't drink.

I love the taste of wine, and a variety of other alcoholic beverages, but I cannot just have one and be done. Nope, I just keep going. There are other reasons I don't drink: medications, and a promise I made to God when our daughter was going through a tough time. I know it's just not something I need to do.

Now, having said that, I don't have any problem with anyone else, so this is not about you all out there. It's my way of confessing my own problems. If you can enjoy yourself with a great glass of wine, or find a drink at a get together is a social indulgence, then I find nothing wrong with it, but for me... I couldn't control it. I wanted one or two drinks everyday. Then it got to be a bottle of wine, you get the picture? For me, it didn't work.

The same principle would hold true if it were 5 candy bars a day, a pack of cigarettes, or 2 liters of soda. It's not a moral thing with me, but a health and behavior issue. I don't want to be controlled or dominated by any thing. And there are certain things that for me are just not worth jeopardizing my relationship with God. I know it's wrong for me, so I don't do it.

After what I know now these many years later, could I drink responsibly? Probably. I think I could use discernment and maturity to my advantage, but I just don't want to go there again. So, as I said, I make no judgement on others, I just know it's not the best for me.


Romans 8:12-13
12. So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh-- 13. for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

There are two main elements involved in gaining victory over "walking according to the flesh".

1) The first is that we need to learn to condition our behavior to our "new skipper", our new self which is infused with Jesus Christ.

Galatians 5:16
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

2) The second is that we allow our old patterns for thinking and responding to our sin-trained flesh, be transformed by the renewing of our mind.

Romans 12:1-2
1. I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship. 2. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

My question about these matters was always, "OK, I understand this, but what is the practical application to changing my behavior? How do you "walk by the Spirit", and how do you "transform and renew" the mind."?


This is where we find the disconnect. We hear these truths of scripture but we don't know how to make it a reality in our lives. We will begin talking about the practical application of these scriptures, but first put yourself in a place with me to ask The Holy Spirit to reveal any issues, behaviors, or attitudes that are standing between you and Him. That's the first and most important step.

Love in Jesus,

Debra

(concepts taken from Victory Over the Darkness

by Neil Anderson)

Crucified With Christ

Quoting from the book Victory Over the Darkness by Neil Anderson:

"Generally speaking, all unbelievers are partakers of the old nature characterized by sin. Personally speaking, before you came to Christ you were one of those individuals. You were a sinner because it was your nature to sin; that is known as our old self, or as the King James Version says, the "old man"."

The New American Standard Version says it like this:

1 Corinthians 2:14
But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.

So what happened to our "old man", or "natural man" at salvation?... He died. Not physically of course, but the old nature we had in our inner man, the one we inherited from Adam. And what was the method of our old man's execution?

Version: NAS

Romans 6:6-7
6. knowing this, that our old self was crucified with [Him], that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; 7. for he who has died is freed from sin.

Colossians 3:3
For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the [life] which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.

Galatians 6:14
But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

At salvation we are placed "into Christ", the one who died on the cross for our sins. Being "in Christ", our old self, our old nature, died with Him there. And why did it have to die? Romans 6:6 tells us that the old self was independent and disobedient to God, so it had to die in order that "our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.

"Death is the ending of a relationship, but not of it's existence. Sin hasn't died; it is still strong and appealing. But when your old self died with Christ on the cross, your relationship with sin ended forever. You are no longer in the flesh, but "in Christ". Your old self - the sinner - and your old nature- characterized by the sin which was inevitable since you were separated from God - are gone forever because you are no longer separated from God."

Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

This doesn't say that we are sinless, The death of our old self formally ended our "relationship" with sin, but it did not end sin's existence. Sin and Satan are still around, but sin's power over you has been broken.

Romans 6:7-14
7. for he who has died is freed from sin. 8. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9. knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, is never to die again; death no longer is master over Him. 10. For the death that He died, He died to sin, once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God. 11. Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. 12. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, 13. and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness to God. 14. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.


There has been a lot of scripture that basically says the same thing to us. At salvation our old nature dies, and we become a new creature "in Christ".

We are no longer under any "obligation" to serve sin; to obey sin, or to respond to sin. We must realize this and incorporate it into our identity. Yes, we may sin, but we are no longer compelled to by our nature.

This is part of our new Identity In Christ. A simple statement, but a life-changing TRUTH. 

Sin's power over us is broken!

You may say, OK, this is good, but how does this affect my everyday life?
Have you ever said, "I know that this is wrong, but I just can't help myself?" Have you ever felt like you are powerless to quit a bad habit? Do you have problems with your mouth, the things you say, a bad attitude, nagging thoughts and little sins? I had these kinds of things in my life that I just could not get past. I thought it was just "me" and that I would never be able to get beyond them. Not until I realized that God's Word declared me dead to sin was I able to realize that, yes, it would be possible for me to quit them. Life changing and freeing.
Click on  Crucified With Christ as sung by Phillips, Craig and Dean. A powerful song, with a powerful message.

May we all remember this,

love,

Debra


(concepts and quotes taken from
Victory Over the Darkness )

Before and After

Friday we looked at the idea of having two natures living within us; good and evil, the "black dog" versus the "white dog". We saw scripture that disputed this idea for the born again Christian. Let's look at the word "nature" pertaining to our spirit and soul and see what the Bible has to say about our "nature" after we have accepted Jesus as our Savior.

Version: NAS

Ephesians 2:1-3
1. And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2. in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

2 Peter 1:3-4
3. seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of [the] divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
 
The verses from Ephesians speak about our "old" nature, before we knew Jesus. It clearly says we were dead, living in the lusts of our flesh, and children of wrath. The verses from 2 Peter tell us that we have escaped the corruption and are now partakers of the "divine" nature of God. Comparing these two verses show us that we didn't add a new nature on top of the old, but we exchanged our nature.
 

I have a great example, that all of us moms can appreciate (dad's too, or anyone else who has been around a baby). As babies go there is the obligatory dirty diaper to deal with. What if instead of taking off the diaper in question and doing a clean up, we just decided to put a new fresh diaper on top of the old dirty one? Well, that would solve nothing, huh? Dirty, stinky, messy, and uncomfortable. Putting a fresh clean diaper on over the filthy one would do nothing to change us, only "appear" fresh on the outside. But it wouldn't take long for the "stink" to find it's way out, and some other unsavory "matter" also.

Salvation and putting on the "new" nature of Jesus Christ is a "change" in the best way of thinking. The old dead, stinky life we used to lead is exchanged for the new fresh clean "nature" that God will give us.

Ephesians 5:8
for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light

This scripture that we looked at on Friday really says it. We were not IN darkness, but we WERE darkness. At salvation we don't walk into the light, we BECOME light. Just as Jesus is light, we are in Him and He is in us, so we become light. God has changed our basic nature from darkness to light. We aren't just thinking about improving our nature, our nature is already changed. We need to learn how to walk in harmony with our new nature.

We need the nature of Christ within us so we can BE like Christ, not just ACT like Christ. We were not given the power to imitate Jesus, but to really BE like Him. Becoming a Christian is not a matter of acting like one until you become one, it is a matter of becoming a Christian, then we learn to walk as one. We are not based on performance to become a Christian. "Measuring up" and doing good deeds will never get us to heaven. To address the idea of "gaining our way to heaven" with good intentions and good deeds doesn't fit the Biblical criteria for salvation. We could never be good enough or do enough good deeds. Our salvation is based on our acceptance of Jesus Christ and nothing else. 

God knows we cannot solve our problems of our "old nature"; our old sinful self by simply improving our behavior. He doesn't say "Here are my standards, now you need to measure up to all the rules and regulations." In fact He did allow that for a time, and that was known as the dispensation of "the Law". (the Old Testament during the time of Moses until the time of Jesus.) And by the way, we didn't do a good job. He knew He would have to change our nature. He has to give us an entirely new self, the life of Christ in us, which in turn provides the grace to allow us to change.

This fact that we have a new nature is really exciting to me. Years ago when I was struggling with wrong behaviors and bad habits the knowledge of this radically changed my thinking. "You mean I'm not trapped in the sin cycle?" That one piece of information was enough to wake me up. It was a long road, and I'm still not "there" but finding out that I wasn't on a treadmill of sin operated by the enemy was absolutely liberating.

We are starting to get into the "meat" of this study. Hope the new schedule will be easier to keep up with. Thank you everyone. I know that many of you take time out of your super busy schedules to meet here everyday. You cannot know how much I appreciate each and every one of you!

love, in Jesus,

Debra

(concepts taken from Victory Over the Darkness

by Neil Anderson)