"According to the Flesh"

If asked to describe our "Spiritual Walk" how many of us would find ourselves using the words inferiority, insecurity, inadequacy, guilt, worry, or doubt? I think a lot of us might find one or all of these feelings being part of the description. A great number of born-again believers are still having a problem with finding day to day victory in their personal lives due to the fact that we are still having trouble realizing our "Identity in Christ" and then applying it.

                                                                               

(click to enlarge)

Carnal or Fleshly Christian

diagram by Bill Bright,

Campus Crusade for Christ

Do you have feelings of inferiority?

Ephesians 2:4-6

4. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5. even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6. and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly [places], in Christ Jesus...

Spiritually speaking, we are in a place with Jesus that is above the hands of the enemy, we are in a place of "ruling and reigning" with Jesus. We are God's children and heirs to the Kingdom.


Do you feel insecure or afraid?
Hebrews 13:5-6
5. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never fail you nor forsake you." 6. Hence we can confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid; what can man do to me?"

There are many opportunities for insecurity and fear to overtake us, but if we put our trust in Jesus, He will be with us to overcome.


Do you have feelings of Inadequacy?
Philippians 4:12-13

12. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

No matter what kind of situation we are in or no matter what we may be facing God will give us His strength to do whatever He calls us to do.


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

Jesus is not laying blame on us or pointing a finger at us, He is loving and forgiving, and wants us to move forward.


Are you worried?
Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.


1 Peter 5:7
casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.


John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.


God says give Him our fears and anxiety. He is bigger than all our problems.



Are you plagued with doubt?
James 1:5
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

God says "ask" and He will give us wisdom and understanding. We don't have because we don't ask. I used to make a lot of immature and unfortunate mistakes. I still mess up, but I try to ask God now for wisdom and understanding of people and situations. He helps me put myself in their place to view their thinking, which in turn helps me make better qualified and more sensitive decisions.

But still the question: why do so many of us believers live so far below our potential in Christ? Why are we not enjoying the abundant, productive life that God has promised and that we have inherited?

Part of the answer is that so many of us have not taken these spiritual truths to heart. We have not appropriated and applied them to our spiritual identity, or to our day-to-day experience. So many of us have been born again for years yet we fail to have victory over sin. This is a victory clearly given to us by Jesus and God's Word.

Another reason we don't gain ground in our daily victory over sin is that we are ignorant of how the kingdom of darkness is impacting our progress to maturity. We have a living personal enemy that actively tries to block our attempts to grow into spiritual adulthood. We have to learn how to stand against him.

1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

2 Corinthians 2:11
in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes.

Paul wrote this to the church in Corinth. Maybe they weren't ignorant of the schemes of the enemy, but today too many of us Christians are; we don't acknowledge Satan or his ability to influence and impact or lives. We at times live in denial of the role he can play in our daily life.

Next time we'll talk about the parameters of the Spirit-filled Walk.

love, in Jesus,

Debra

(concepts taken from

Victory Over the Darkness

by Neil Anderson)

3 Types of Man: the Natural Man

Monday we looked at some scripture that speaks about the Holy Spirit, who He is, and why He came. Living a life void of God's presence, represented by the Holy Spirit, will result in a life without power for change. Walking in the Spirit is marked by the fruit of the Spirit. A life in touch with God and directed by Him.

Paul talks about 3 types of people in the following scripture passage: the natural man, the spiritual man, and the "fleshly" man. Let's look at the three types of men and how they relate to the Holy Spirit. We will see the critical differences pertaining to spiritual life which exist between these three kinds of individuals.


1 Corinthians 2:14-3:3
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. 15. But he who is (a) spiritual (man) appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man. 16. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1Cor 3:1. And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to babes in Christ. 2. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able [to receive it]. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, 3. for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?

Let's take a look at this diagram to get a little better understanding of what the Natural Man is like.

(click to enlarge)

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.

This is a pretty concise description of a person before salvation. They are spiritually dead and living a life apart from God. This person sins as a matter of fact. He has a soul of course in that he can think, have emotions and choose. His mind, will, and emotions are not directed by God, but by his own flesh, his "old man".

The Natural Man's spirit is dead, living apart from Jesus. He cannot fulfill the purpose for which God has placed him here on earth.

This person is independent of God, and if affects his will. This independence from God gives sin the opportunity to dwell in this person's body and mind. He may try to find purpose in life apart from God, but it will be futile and temporary. He may wander from "place to place" physically and emotionally without ever finding happiness and satisfaction in life. He makes wrong choices and decisions out of habit. He cannot get off the cycle of sin.

Toxic emotions take over this person, envy, bitterness, anxiety. Obsessive thoughts and fantasy life, strife, anger, immorality; anything that rules your life and controls your thinking. Inability to forgive, love, or have sympathy. These are all attributes of a person that does not know God. As believers we still have some of these traits, but hopefully they do not dominate our lives.

He has a body that because it is not directed by God can be completely dominated by illness and disease. Now I want to give my own opinion here out of experience. I've had to adjust my thinking and ideas about "health" and healing, from this book. I have some physical ailments, yet I walk by the Holy Spirit. Do they influence me, yes they do at times, but the difference is that they do not "dominate" me. You and I may have some physical issues but the key is to not let them "define" who you are. Now, I still believe in healing, but I am not healed yet. A controversy? No. Not for me.

There are many hard line Christians who say if you're sick, well then something is definitely wrong with your spiritual life. Sin can of course affect our physical life. It's in our attitude and trust in God. I may not be completely healed, but I'm believing that God is in control, and I'm moving forward. I'm not living in fear or dread or unbelief. I believe that God wants me well and that when His timing is perfect I will be walking in it. It's not black or white. "The Healing Doctrine" can be simple, yet at times it is multi-layered and personal.

It is clear that living a lifestyle that is controlled by stress, abuse, and neglect, a person can easily become ill and then later disease ridden. "Possessing peace of mind and the calm assurance of God's presence in our lives positively affects our physical health".

Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who indwells you.

If you are affected by illness or physical disease, do what I do; seek God for His healing touch and thank Him in advance, everyday, that you are getting better and better.

Next time we'll look at the "Spiritual Man"; how we relate to God, after being born again. Remember, if you have questions or comments we would all love to hear them. Just say "Hey!" and let us know you're here. Hope you're having a great week.

love, in Jesus,

Debra

(concepts and quotations taken from

Victory Over the Darkness

by Neil Anderson)

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)

Tug of War

"You may have heard the illustration of the two dogs. Some people say we have two natures within us vying for control of our lives. They claim that our old sin nature, which we inherited from disobedient Adam, is like a big black dog. Our new nature, which we inherited through Christ's redemptive work, is like a big white dog. These two dogs are bitter enemies, intent on destroying each other. Whenever you involve yourself in worldly thoughts or behavior, you are feeding the black dog. Whenever you focus your mind and activities on spiritual things, you are feeding the white dog. The dog you feed the most will eventually grow stronger and overpower the other."

This may be an interesting analogy to explain our sinful behaviors, but let's see if this is truly a Biblical way of looking at our lives. Let's look at the following scripture verses to see if the theory of the two natures inhabiting our lives sounds like what God has to say about us.

Version: NAS

Colossians 1:13
For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.

Romans 8:9
However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.

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

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore if any man is in Christ, [he is] a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

This idea of the two natures and the power we allow them, may be an idea about an "unregenerate" or unsaved person. But once we accept Jesus into our hearts things change. We are "delivered from darkness", "we are not of the flesh, but of the Spirit". We were "formerly darkness, but now we are children of light", and we are a "new creature". So in looking at these scriptures we can see a big difference in the concepts.

To me this sounds like a tug-of-war; an opportunity to have a split personality in our spirit. Brings to mind the idea of the little man in the red suit with horns and a pitchfork, on one shoulder and the little angel with a halo and wings on the other. Both whispering in our ear the advantages of their influence.

The author states, "If we see ourselves part light and part darkness, part saint and part sinner, you will live in a very mediocre manner with little to distinguish you from the non-Christian."

All this goes back to our Identity in Christ. We need to have a strong belief in who God says we are. We need to believe the scripture verses about us being "IN CHRIST". This is why I have spent so much time on knowing our "identity". If that concept is not fully believed and accepted in our way of thinking we cannot move on in our Christian growth. We get caught in the quicksand of failure and stagnation.

"Satan knows he can do nothing about who you really are, but if he can get you to believe you are not different from the natural (unsaved) person, then you will behave no differently from the natural (unsaved) person."

But you may be thinking, all this "new creation" stuff sounds good, but why do I still behave like an unsaved person? Here are the words of Paul, speaking about his old life. Ever feel like this? Why do I still do things that are not godly or Christlike?

Romans 7:15
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.

Because we don't really KNOW our true identity in Christ. The fact that we are changed from saint to sinner by Jesus atonement, His death on the cross for our sins, and resurrection, may be understood and acknowledged, but we have not allowed it to penetrate our heart and spirit.

Many pastors and preachers tell us from the pulpit, we are still "sinners", (and yes, we all still sin) but that is not our identity in Christ.  Here again, we cannot be confused with what we do versus who we are. This goes back to the last lesson where we discussed our "words", not only to others but to ourselves.  If we continually call our children, stupid, losers, a person who will never amount to anything, etc. Will they not believe it? Even if they are good solid kids with a high IQ and motivated; will our words not, over time, begin to tear down their self esteem?

The same holds for our consideration of ourselves. We have been born again, but if we continually call ourselves "sinners", "just barely hanging on", or any other negative description will we too not be in danger of believing it? Negativity in our thoughts and words concerning ourselves and others, shape our opinions and begins to create an atmosphere of defeat.

The "inner change" that the previous scripture verses describe is the result from our "justification"; what happens the moment of our salvation, in our spirit. The outer man's change of our personality, thinking, and emotions occurs throughout our lifetime and that is "sanctification".

Let's look at the diagram from chapter 1 of the study.

Our spirit is changed from darkness to light at salvation, justification, and our outer man is changed over the course of our lifetime by studying the Word of God, prayer and an attitude of willingness and submission to the Holy Spirit.

So let's think of ourselves as that new creation In Christ, and not get caught up in an idea of good dog, bad dog tug of war. We are in Christ and He is in us.

love, in Jesus,

Debra

(quotes and concepts taken from

Victory Over the Darkness

by Neil Anderson.)

Chapter 2, Forever Different

As Christians, many of us feel like the "first" Adam, camped outside the Garden of Eden with a sign around our neck that says "Failure". We know we have blown it and forfeited paradise. And like Adam, we repeat his mistakes over and over. Instead, we should see ourselves like the "last" Adam, Jesus Christ. We are not locked outside of God's presence, but are seated with Christ in the heavenly realm.

Version: NAS

Ephesians 2:6
"and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly [places],  in Christ Jesus..."

The difference between these two Adams in our history is profound. We need to make sure we are identifying with the right one. Jesus came as the "last Adam" to pay for our sins. The first Adam sinned and left the Garden to die spiritually. His "Zoe" life had been severed with God. Jesus' death on the cross made a bridge that united us with Father God once more. Our "zoe" life could be regained through Jesus Christ. The chasm that had been created relationally because of Adam's sin was bridged by Jesus.

Jesus Depended on God the Father

The first thing we notice about Jesus is that He was totally dependent upon Father God. Adam was dependent at first, but later decided to believe the lie of the enemy. Jesus spent His entire life and ministry totally trusting in and depending on His Father.

John 5:30
"I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

John 6:57
"As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats (takes communion) Me, he also shall live because of Me.


John 8:42
Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love Me; for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me.

John 14:10
"Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.

Even after Jesus had been in the desert for 40 days and Satan came to Him to tempt Him to turn the stones into bread, Jesus said:

Matthew 4:4
But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'"

Basically Jesus was saying, "I may be hungry, and I have the power to do this, but I will put aside my physical desires and wants, and I will seek Father God for what He has to say in this matter. What God thinks is more important that what I might physically want or desire."

And as Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before His arrest and crucifixion, He placed His life and ministry in God's hands.

John 17:7-8
"Now they know that everything You have given me comes from You. For I gave them the words You gave me, and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from You and they believed that You sent me."

Luke 22:42
saying, "Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done."

Jesus modeled for us what it was like to totally depend on God the Father at all times. Even at times of great distress and grief, even when Jesus was clarifying God's will for the crucifixion, He put God the Father first. He depended on God for everything.

Jesus had an Uninterrupted Spiritual Life

Jesus was born physically and spiritually alive. His "Zoe" life had been there from His conception by the Holy Spirit. Even as a child, when Jesus went to Jerusalem with His parents for Passover, He knew His purpose.
 
Luke 2:46-49
46. And it came about that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. 47. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. 48. And when they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, "Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You." 49. And He said to them, "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's [house?]"

Unlike Adam, Jesus lived a sinless life. He did not forfeit like Adam through sin. Jesus was the only human to have been born without sin, and He lived His entire life, even to the cross without sin.

Luke 23:46
And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit." And having said this, He breathed His last.


Hebrews 4:14-16

 14. Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as [we are, yet] without sin. 16. Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.

It's vitally important that we know the difference between Adam and Jesus. We strive to live a life like Jesus and conform to His image. No longer do we have to feel like an outsider or to live trapped in a life of mistakes and defeat. We need to realize that through Jesus death on the cross He has made new our ability to have "Zoe" life once more. Jesus has bridged the gap that sin had created.

Daily trusting in Jesus and seeking

that "zoe" spiritual life and awareness...,

Debra

(concepts taken from Chapter 2, "Forever Different")
 Victory Over the Darkness

                                                     

"Encountering" Sin

Have you ever wondered how long Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden with God? How many years... hundreds of years... thousands of years...did they enjoy the intimate and loving company of God? How many years of knowing God and walking in perfect relationship, before they decided He wasn't "enough" for them?

(Just a little funny here,

before we look at a really serious subject)

Genesis Chapter 3 tells the story of Adam and Eve's lost relationship with God through sin. 

Version: NAS
Genesis 3

1. Now the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden '?" 2. And the woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat; 3. but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, lest you die.'" 4. And the serpent said to the woman, "You surely shall not die! 5. "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." 6. When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make [one] wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 7. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. 8. And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9. Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, "Where are you?" 10. And he said, "I heard the sound of Thee in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself." 11. And He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?" 12. And the man said, "The woman whom Thou gavest [to be] with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate." 13. Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" And the woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."

Having read this chapter again, I want to spend more time on this than the book covers. We can find some really important things to look at in Genesis Chapter 3. God has highlighted some points that we all need to think about when it comes to dealing with temptation and sin, and then how we react and relate to God after the fact.


1. God never changes and His Word, the Bible, never changes. It is just as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago, or 4,000 years ago, or however long ago that this time of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden occurred in this chapter in Genesis. It's not mythology, it's not fabricated to "prove a point". It's not a metaphor. It's the Truth. Now, having said that, if any of you doubt or don't believe there is an actual spiritual entity out there called Satan; I have two words for you... WAKE UP!

2. In verse 1 we need to realize that Satan is crafty. He is real and smart and devious. Don't lose sight of this. He will trick you, lie to you, and maneuver you with thoughts and ideas.

3. Satan looks for our "comfortable times". Adam and Eve were living the good life. All their needs were being met. Life was "cushy" and they were enjoying themselves. Don't let the enemy into your life at all. Always be on guard. Don't get too comfortable in your spiritual life, thinking everything is great and you are beyond the idea of temptation. Satan is looking for opportunity to catch us "off guard".

1 Peter 5:8-9
8. Be of sober [spirit], be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9. But resist him, firm in [your] faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
 4. Don't "engage" the enemy with conversation. It won't lead to anything good. If he starts talking to you, don't listen or talk back, except to tell him to get out of your mind and life "In Jesus Name". Satan cannot read your mind. He's not all knowing. How he presents himself in our mind is by his interjecting "thoughts". If you keep hearing in your heart and mind something that says. "You're no good... you're stupid...you're not worth it...you'd be better off dead"...any number of things. You are hearing from Satan. Recognize his deceit and rebuke him. Then stop listening.

5.This is why we need to be reading the Word of God daily. Spend time with the Lord, so that just like a counterfeit $20 bill, you will know it. The more time you spend reading the scripture and praying, the more easily you will be able to recognize when the devil starts trying to talk. Put God's Word in your mind and in your heart daily. Know the Truth of God's Word, then you won't be confused with what the devil may be throwing at you.

6. Realize that just like in the previous point, Satan will twist scripture to try to get you confused. He will take it out of context and change words and ideas around to try to get you to listen to him. He's smart, and he knows God's Word. He will try to make you question what God has said to you, and tempt you with doing it your own way. If Satan cannot keep us out of the Bible, then he will try to use it against us, by condemnation and misuse. There is a big difference between "condemnation" and "conviction". "Condemnation" makes you feel horrible and is not used by the Holy Spirit. "Conviction" is for positive change and doesn't beat you over the head. It's encouraging and challenging, without making you feel rotten.

7. Guard your attention, and interests. Don't get off into something that God has not permitted or orchestrated for you. Be careful what comes in front of your eyes and ears. If you set around reading novels about lust and romance and adultery, I can tell you it won't be long before the devil sees your interest in it. If you're reading and thinking about adultery and promiscuity, then hey, it won't be long before the enemy will present you with a real opportunity to experience it!
If you are trying to budget but you find yourself looking through catalogs and magazines, wanting everything you see, it won't be long until your charge card is burning in your hand and you're off to the mall.
Stay focused on God and what He puts in front of you. Don't let the enemy have place in your thought life.

8. Now I'm going to make a big point here. Husbands listen up. Men, you can stop playing the blame game. Pastors and teachers...read your Bible. This wasn't all Eve's fault!

OK, I've said it! This has always bugged me, that sanctimonious men have blamed Eve for all that happened. Not only punishing Eve, but every other woman. If you will read the scripture, you will realize that Adam was right there with her. Adam had authority in the Garden; not Satan and not Eve. It was Adam's responsibility to stick with his wife and watch over her, cover her, and protect her. He was the "spiritual head of his family" and he messed up. He didn't take authority over the devil and say, "Hey, stop talking to my wife!" He let the conversation go on and didn't stop it. He wasn't walking in his place of husband, leader, and protector. I could go on here and preach a sermon, but I won't. I'll stop now. But I hope you get my point!

9. So then, after we sin what is our first inclination? To run away from God? We try to hide and hope He won't see the mess we have made. We hope if we pull the covers over ourselves that He won't find us. We can't escape from God. We can try to run away, but the day will come when God stations Himself front and center in our path and then we will be forced to let God deal with us and our sin. It's best not to put it off. Come clean before God quickly, it's so much better.

10. Don't make excuses, and don't blame others. Sin is sin and we have to admit it. I remember at one time there was something that was plaguing me and I kept doing it. God had been speaking to me about it for quite awhile. It was something that I held onto and didn't want to let go of. I kept making excuses for my behavior, giving Him every reason in the book for why it should be acceptable to Him. One day He said to me. "Stop making excuses, it is sin and you better call it that." It was a strong word and believe me it got my attention!

11. God forgives our sin, but there are sometimes consequences. God is quick to forgive our transgressions. He is there to help us, move us forward, and encourage us. He loves us more than we could possibly know. But, we live in a "natural" world with natural "laws". If you jump off a building you will hit the ground...a natural law. Now, God will forgive your impulsiveness, your blindness, your stupidity, your arrogance, your lack of good judgement, etc.; but you will still be dead or disfigured.

This has been a lesson God gave me this morning. This is a real-time teaching that God has impressed upon me today, not from the book.

Tomorrow we'll pick up with our consequences from "the fall".

Let me know how this lesson effected you. I know it's a lot of food for thought. I am going to be having this in my head and heart all day today!

much love in Jesus,

Debra