So many new Children of God, fall into a trap. They go to Church. They learn the Word. They Pray. They truly love God. The Pastor teaches them to tithe. The Pastor teaches them about Christ. The Pastor teaches them to do good for others. Most try to do this. Many fail. Why? Because one of the things that the Pastor did not teach them is that there is a difference in walking, or living their daily lives, in the flesh, and in the Spirit.
Romans 8 is a chapter we talk about a lot here. But what does it really mean? Let's look at the entire chapter, in depth today. Why is it that some Children of God do great in the beginning, then fall away? What is it that chokes the Word out of their lives? Where is the power that the Word declares you possess, being a Child of God? Why do you not "feel" any different now, than you did before?
First, just the beginning of Romans 8, tells you something powerful. Remember, this is not a concept or an idea. This is not someone else. This is all about YOU.
Romans 8:
I understand that in Catholicism, a Saint is only declared a Saint by the Pope. It is only when one passes on, and only if there were Miracles associated with them. But that is NOT the real definition of Saint. YOU are a Saint. Don't believe me?
Look at the letters of the Apostle Paul. Examples: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians. How does he start them? With a greeting that includes the word Saints. Here is one. “To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia.” Paul includes all believers in Christ. The Saints are God’s possession so says Acts 9:13, and God’s beloved in Romans 1:7. We, the Children of God, are Saints because God has called us. The old man died. We are a new creature.
Man does not declare us Saints, but God does. It is in and through Jesus Christ that God has done this. He sanctified us. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, He “made them holy,” or “made them Saints” Also see Ephesians 1:1 and Philippians 4:21. I could go on and on, but truth is, all believers are Saints. As long as you are walking in the Spirit.
Romans 8 is a chapter we talk about a lot here. But what does it really mean? Let's look at the entire chapter, in depth today. Why is it that some Children of God do great in the beginning, then fall away? What is it that chokes the Word out of their lives? Where is the power that the Word declares you possess, being a Child of God? Why do you not "feel" any different now, than you did before?
First, just the beginning of Romans 8, tells you something powerful. Remember, this is not a concept or an idea. This is not someone else. This is all about YOU.
Romans 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.There is now, NO condemnation for you. Do you understand this very first verse? It means that it no longer matters what you may have done, ever, anything, in your past. You will not be condemned for anything you have done, now that you are a Child of God. As long as you walk in the Spirit, there is nothing you CAN do, that will condemn you.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.You are now no longer under the control of physical laws. When you are walking in the Spirit, living by faith, even death itself cannot touch you without permission from God Himself. Sin can not touch you, as long as you are in the Spirit. You are a new creature. You are Holy. You are a Saint. Wait, a Saint? Yup..
I understand that in Catholicism, a Saint is only declared a Saint by the Pope. It is only when one passes on, and only if there were Miracles associated with them. But that is NOT the real definition of Saint. YOU are a Saint. Don't believe me?
Look at the letters of the Apostle Paul. Examples: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians. How does he start them? With a greeting that includes the word Saints. Here is one. “To the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia.” Paul includes all believers in Christ. The Saints are God’s possession so says Acts 9:13, and God’s beloved in Romans 1:7. We, the Children of God, are Saints because God has called us. The old man died. We are a new creature.
Man does not declare us Saints, but God does. It is in and through Jesus Christ that God has done this. He sanctified us. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, He “made them holy,” or “made them Saints” Also see Ephesians 1:1 and Philippians 4:21. I could go on and on, but truth is, all believers are Saints. As long as you are walking in the Spirit.
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:The only way to walk in the Spirit, is through the acceptance of Jesus the Christ, and His sacrifice for you and your sins. Once you become a Child of God, learn His Ways. His Will. His Word. Understand that His is the better way. It is only through Faith, that you can walk in Spirit. Faith in Christ. Faith in God. Trust in who you have become.
4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
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.
6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Paul puts it this way in....
Galatians 5:
Matthew 5:
You see, you can not do both at the same time. You can not be carnally minded, or walk in the flesh, and Spiritually minded, or walk in the Spirit, at the same time. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." Why?
John 8:
Ever try sharing the Word, or, anything related to God to someone who seems unable to accept or understand it? "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word." Truth is, they may not even hear you. Why? "He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."
But you ARE. You are of God, because you have the Spirit of God in you....
Romans 6:
Now let's say you are truly trying to be a Saint. However, the flesh is strong. You stumble, you may even fall. Does that mean God will forsake you? No. Of course not. However, if you attempt to use God as an excuse to Sin or as an escape for wrong doings. He knows if you are sincere.
I have claimed this next part as my own, a long time ago. This is a lesson all on it's own, and one we will mostly talk more about in the future. Get this. Claim it. Learn it. Live it.
A man just becomes saved. He is learning the Truth according to God. He is reading the Word, going to Church, Tithing, doing all the right things. He prays to God.."God, please help me to get a promotion or a raise at work. You say my needs will be met. You say you will take care of me. Well, my bills are more than my paycheck. Help me Father. In Jesus's name I ask. Amen."
He goes to work and finds a Pink Slip. "GOD!!!! THIS is how you help your Children??? GOD!!! I asked you for a raise or a Promotion. I get FIRED!!!! Thanks for nothing!!!!" God watches, listens, and waits. "Are you done?" "Yeah, I'm done. You saw to it I was done." God, "You think I treated you unfair?" Man, "YES!!!!! My pay was not covering everything, but something is better than NOTHING!!!!" God waits, listens, then says "Can I ask you a question?" Man, "WHAT!?!?" God, "How can you get a better Job, until you lose the one you have?"
You see, he saw losing his Job as a bad thing. But God had a plan for him and his life that will benefit him in ways he could not even imagine. When God puts something in your life that may appear bad at the time, fear not. Do not get angry with God. Remember this passage...
Galatians 5:
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh."The works of the flesh manifest..." Does this mean you think about something, and Sin? No. Does it mean if you get drunk at a party tomorrow you all of a sudden are sinning and worthy of death? No. What it means is this. If you are walking in the flesh, and something comes to your mind, you are more likely to act on it. Jesus tells us this...
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Matthew 5:
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:Why? Because it will lead to Adultery. It will corrupt your mind and make you feel it's OK. If you are walking in the flesh, you will not only lust after her in your heart, but you may very well act on it. Jesus said don't do it. Do not entertain the thought. Why? Because it is a work or a fruit, if you will, of the flesh. You are not of the flesh any longer. Rebuke that thought and walk on.
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
You see, you can not do both at the same time. You can not be carnally minded, or walk in the flesh, and Spiritually minded, or walk in the Spirit, at the same time. "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would." Why?
7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.So they that are in the Flesh, cannot please God. Are you a good little {Insert Religion here}? Do you try to be a good person. This makes it clear, that none of that matters. If you are not walking by faith, you cannot please God. Period. Religiosity. Legalism, Traditional followings, mindless doings of what society says is good, means nothing without Christ. Without Faith, it is all pointless. Without understanding the Spirit, you can not grow in the Spirit, nor walk in the Spirit, nor please God. You will become distracted by the flesh and may be lead astray.
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
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.Again, without the Spirit of Christ, or the Holy Spirit, you do not belong to God. Remember what Jesus told the Priests and Rulers of the Synagogues? He said they are of their Father the Devil.
John 8:
38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father.You know how people say all the time, "We are all God's Children."? Not true. We are all God's creation, but not all God's Children. That is what they said to Jesus here. We are all God's Children. There is only one way to be a child of God. Through the adoption of the Holy Spirit.
39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.
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.
42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
Ever try sharing the Word, or, anything related to God to someone who seems unable to accept or understand it? "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word." Truth is, they may not even hear you. Why? "He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God."
But you ARE. You are of God, because you have the Spirit of God in you....
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.You can't get to much clearer than that. If you "live after the flesh, you shall die." The end result of Sin is death. Period. No debate. No discussion. No excuses.
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.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
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.
Romans 6:
23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.James 1:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.Back to Romans...
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.If you have received the Spirit of Adoption, you become a Child of God. Only by the Spirit, can you do this. When you have, then you have the ability to call God, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the Lord of Lords and the King of kings, Daddy. Remember "Abba Father" is an Aramaic word that would most closely be translated as “Daddy.” Not just in the Word, but in the land. It was a common term that young children would use to address their Fathers. It is meant to show the close, intimate, relationship of the Father and his child. You can also find it in Mark 14:36, and in Galatians 4:6 which declares "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father."
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.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:Think about that for a second. Don't ever forget who you are as a Child of God. You are a Prince or Princess of Heaven. You are heirs of God. God, the Creator of all that is, is your Daddy. Get this. Understand it. Claim it. If you are a Prince or Princess of Heaven, and Child of God, who or what, could possibly stand against you?
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.God says, your needs will be met. God says, you shall not die. God says, if you give, it shall be given unto you, "good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over." Even if you do not see things a certain way, you are to declare them as they are. You have the power to speak them into existence. You claim them according to the Word. You have that Hope. That Hope can only come by Faith and Faith only by the Spirit.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.Again. You are a Saint. A Child of God. The Spirit that is inside you is Christ Himself. God Himself. He knows your heart. He knows your mind. He cannot be mislead or lied to. He can not be fooled. He will be with you always.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Now let's say you are truly trying to be a Saint. However, the flesh is strong. You stumble, you may even fall. Does that mean God will forsake you? No. Of course not. However, if you attempt to use God as an excuse to Sin or as an escape for wrong doings. He knows if you are sincere.
I have claimed this next part as my own, a long time ago. This is a lesson all on it's own, and one we will mostly talk more about in the future. Get this. Claim it. Learn it. Live it.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.Read that again.....
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.Again "all things work together for good" Lose a friendship? Lose your Job? Get evicted? Get arrested? Forced to move to a totally different State, or Country? Whatever it is you are facing, God says it is Good. Why? Because it all comes together for His plan for you. We see the immediate. God sees the total. Here is what I mean...
A man just becomes saved. He is learning the Truth according to God. He is reading the Word, going to Church, Tithing, doing all the right things. He prays to God.."God, please help me to get a promotion or a raise at work. You say my needs will be met. You say you will take care of me. Well, my bills are more than my paycheck. Help me Father. In Jesus's name I ask. Amen."
He goes to work and finds a Pink Slip. "GOD!!!! THIS is how you help your Children??? GOD!!! I asked you for a raise or a Promotion. I get FIRED!!!! Thanks for nothing!!!!" God watches, listens, and waits. "Are you done?" "Yeah, I'm done. You saw to it I was done." God, "You think I treated you unfair?" Man, "YES!!!!! My pay was not covering everything, but something is better than NOTHING!!!!" God waits, listens, then says "Can I ask you a question?" Man, "WHAT!?!?" God, "How can you get a better Job, until you lose the one you have?"
You see, he saw losing his Job as a bad thing. But God had a plan for him and his life that will benefit him in ways he could not even imagine. When God puts something in your life that may appear bad at the time, fear not. Do not get angry with God. Remember this passage...
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.Just because we may not get it, doesn't mean that God doesn't have a plan..
You see, as a Child of God, you go through the Five Steps of an Anointed Life. Another whole other message that we have already discussed. But here are the Five Steps..
Again, if you are a Child of God, who or what can stand against you?
Can your boss come between you and God? Can your friends? Your enemy? Nope.
Trials and tribulations will come. Temptations will come. You will stumble. You may even fall. Enemies may rise up against you. But in all these things, you can become more than a conqueror. You can become more than simply a survivor. You ARE a Child of God. You ARE a Prince or Princess of Heaven. God IS your Daddy. Why fear anything other than God Himself? He is with you. Always.
Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..
"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"
That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}
If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com
Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.Again, this is a whole other message, but God knows you and who you can become from the womb. You are fashioned after the way He says you should be. He set's up a purpose and plan for your life. Then He calls you. Now it is up to you to say yes, or no. If you are now a Child of God, that means you said Yes. Then, since you did, now He Justifies you to fulfill that purpose and plan. Then, those who endures till the end, them He Glorifies.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Again, if you are a Child of God, who or what can stand against you?
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?It is not man who justifies you. It is not man who condemns you. It is not man that holds your destiny in their hands. No man controls your destiny. Oh, your boss may be able to end your employment in company ABC. But it is God who decides what comes next..
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Can your boss come between you and God? Can your friends? Your enemy? Nope.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?Look at Paul. Put in prison over and over. Faced death over and over. Received 39 lashes from the Jews 5 times. Beaten with rods 3 times. Stoned one time. Shipwrecked 3 times. Spent a day and night in the sea. And was in continual danger from rivers, robbers, his own people. Was always in danger in the city, in the country, at sea, from those he thought to be Brothers. Often hungry and thirsty, cold and naked. I guess you could say he had some trials and tribulations. But in all this, he never lost faith. He continued to walk in the Spirit. You can as well. For,,,,
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.To summarize, walk in the flesh, you will mind the things of the flesh. You will give in to sin and the end result of sin is death. Learn to walk in the Spirit, acting on faith, and you shall be blessed and you will be a blessing to others. You will understand and grow in the grace of God. You will truly be a Saint and one who can overcome anything. You will live.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Trials and tribulations will come. Temptations will come. You will stumble. You may even fall. Enemies may rise up against you. But in all these things, you can become more than a conqueror. You can become more than simply a survivor. You ARE a Child of God. You ARE a Prince or Princess of Heaven. God IS your Daddy. Why fear anything other than God Himself? He is with you. Always.
Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..
"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"
That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}
If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com
Until next time, be blessed, be a blessing, and Jesus IS Lord of all!
No comments:
Post a Comment