For years I have struggled with a weight problem but this morning I finally understood why. I don't know about you but the more I have focused on not eating the hungrier I would get. The more I tried to keep my flesh in line the more my flesh would rise up to take charge. I believe that what we focus on or give our attention to is what will dominate us. Thus Paul's statement, " For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good." Romans 7:15-16 What we don't realize is that our struggle begins when coming under the law instead of living in grace. We live in grace by faith! When we are under the law we become "sin conscious."
This is why God wants us to be "God conscious and not sin conscious." The more we focus on our failures, shortcomings and come under condemnation; the more we tend to sin. The shame makes us run away from God. This is what it means to be under the law. The more we focus on what Jesus did for us it lends to the feeling (knowing) we are loved, valuable, worthy, precious to God and out of that revelation we respond in loving obedience. This is what it means to be "God conscious." This "God consciousness" causes to be "love conscious!" For most of our lives, we thought that we could in our own strength muster enough will power to live holy. I have with all of you failed in that regard. It is when I humbled myself and surrendered that I found God's grace empowering me to live for him. I have found that it's not about having enough will power to win over the flesh. It is simply believing that the conquest over sin has already been won by Jesus. We receive this victory by faith. Faith is the currency of heaven. Faith gets us all that we need from God. Just by believing in the finished work of the cross is all we need to live for Him. Seems too good to be true? "This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?" Galatians 3:2 Somehow we believe that believing unto salvation is only a one time deal. Our continual faith is what continues to sanctify us. It is not works or willpower; it is FAITH. Hebrews 11:1 Open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.’ Acts 26:18
Sanctified: To be set apart and declared HOLY!
The devil is a liar because the truth is we are already been set free from the dominion of sin forever! For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14 Our past does not determine our future! Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. Hebrews 12:24 The blood of Jesus has spoken better things over us! Oh, the love of Jesus is enough for us. Glory! The ONLY thing that matters now is what Jesus declared over us on that cross. Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. We were declared NOT GUILTY in the court room of heaven. We walked away free from that courtroom but some of us keep going back to listen to all the accusations that have been dismissed by the Father/Judge. Shut down the voice of accusation! Not only are we free from the dominion of sin but we are never going to die. We can enjoy the kingdom of heaven now! We can by faith, walk in joy, peace, love, and righteousness. "For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Romans 14:17 Notice the contrast? It isn't eating or drinking. It is not obtained through external means or temporary pleasure. It is obtained by the Holy Spirit. This is the kingdom! We have become joint heirs of this great inheritance laid up for us by our Father. It is a BETTER covenant!
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