Wednesday, November 7, 2018

The Real You



As people of God, we need to keep our eyes on eternity.  Even though we live in the here and now, our eyes are on the hereafter.

Ephesians 6:11-12 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”

This week, Michael writes that in the books of Timothy, it is pointed out that men and women of this world are naturally opposed to the things of righteousness. Many harmful desires plunge us into destruction and depravity through the sin nature of the flesh. The battle between light and darkness rages on within our soul. Charles Spurgeon said that we are the result of a siege that God waged against the fortress of our worldly hearts of sinful flesh. He has broken down the walls and led captivity captive.

Jesus Christ is the "Good Shepherd" who continuously pursues us. In 2 Timothy, the Apostle Paul knew that he was approaching the end of his ministry and this earthly life. He reminded Timothy of the sins of our fallen nature that we inherited from Adam in original sin. To turn from sin Paul exhorts his readers to turn instead to righteousness. Because we have been created a new man and new woman in Christ Jesus, Paul said to flee from sin and to pursue righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:1-5 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Paul didn't say to convert these evil men. Rather he said turn away from and avoid them; To flee from them, and instead pursue six things: In verse 11, as a "man or woman of God," he says to pursue godliness: “But thou, O people of God, flee these things; and follow after (1) righteousness, (2) godliness, (3) faith, (4) love, (5) patience, (6) meekness.

Godliness is living life according to righteousness in the presence of God. The Bible says that the love of God keeps no record of wrongs done. God doesn't build up a resentment bank. To approach our loving Heavenly Father, we must approach Him with a heart of love and grace. 

 Let's continue Michael's message on the real you in the next Post.
In Christ, Brian

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