Let me start this out with this scripture.
“If you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark, an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth. You then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? You who brag about the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law? As it is written, “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Romans 2:9 – 24
It’s hard to say this, but that’s me; Paul was talking to me. I’m the one who teaches others but not myself. But this time is not like that. If you hear anything in this message that sounds preachy, it’s because I’m preaching to myself. If anyone needs to hear and understand this message, it’s me. But if you’re listening along and you get convicted, you’ll have to take that up with God.
Let’s begin…
Life is war. Every day we battle over thoughts, actions, even our allegiance. The time has come for you to commit yourself to the fight. Why are we in battle? The answer is simple: Because God made it that way. Even if you don’t believe in God, you are in battle against truth, against the proof all around you, against the Spirit’s conviction, even against the deepest part of your heart. We are all warriors. We face conflict at every turn, and we must be prepared. Which side are you on?
Maybe you don’t know. Maybe you say you are walking the fence. Well be warned: “the gate is narrow and the path is hard that leads to life and there are few that find it.” Few? That doesn’t sound like a fifty-fifty chance to me. If you think you are a “fence-goer,” you likely have fallen off and are on the wrong side of the fence. Remember, you’re in battle whether you like it or not. Start by deciding whose side you’re on.
On one side, Satan, the Prince of This World and the Bringer of Sin, is relentlessly attacking. All who believe in The Truth resist him, and battle against his ways. However, not even all of humanity combined could bring him down, for he is spiritual and we are physical. Against Satan, humanity only has one hope: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He has proven his power over the Bringer of Sin, and has promised to defeat him once and for all. Yet that will come at a later time. For now, all who are on the side of Truth are empowered with divine support, and charged with fighting this ongoing battle. The Believers are protected, “hidden in Christ” (Col. 3:3), and have no fear of the enemy, because his power has been taken, and he is barred from doing them any harm. Yet harm is still a danger…
Because of man’s frailty, we humans have been dragged into this conflict as well. When Satan tempted Adam and Eve into sin, he created the most dangerous enemy to our salvation. Ourselves. That is, our sinful nature. We were originally created perfect; in God’s own image (Gen. 1:27). But that image has been distorted. Because of our fall, we have allowed the creation of our evil alter ego, our worst nemesis.
But who among us can defeat himself?
Think about it… Which of you would deny yourself a glass of water? The fact is, we are bound to our fleshly desires, whether we like it or not. But not all fleshly desires are evil. It would be silly to assume that, because the first person to live out that doctrine and deny himself of any desire would be dead. No, we are each assigned with a body, and delegated to care for it by providing for its basic needs. These are air, water, sleep, shelter, and food, in order of importance. Remove one of these items, and you won’t last long. The difference between these desires and others is necessity.
But it was not always this way. I believe that every sinful desire is a perversion of a God-made, completely normal, righteous desire. Let me explain that. Almost every human being on the face of the whole earth desires love, the love for a soul mate, that is. But for that love, we are instructed to wait until the right time. Satan takes this desire, twists it, and uses it to form lust, a desire for something you can’t have.
Humans have a natural (God given) desire to take dominion over the animals and over the earth, but Satan turns this desire into a lust for power. People turn to murder as the greatest way to assert power over another.
Everyone desires rest, but Satan pushes this desire until it becomes laziness. Hunger turns into gluttony. The desire for wealth turns into greed. The desire to be respectable turns into pride. See the pattern?
The sinful nature has infiltrated our most basic needs, and threatens us with pain if we deny it. Here’s an analogy that personifies the sin nature.
You are a ruler, and your kingdom is your body. You hear what your kingdom wants through messengers and representatives. But a spy has infiltrated your ranks, and even though your trusted advisors (the Holy Spirit) have exposed Mr. Flesh for who he is, you are torn. Torn between what you know is right, and what you want. Even though you can see through most of his lies, Mr. Flesh promises wealth, power, comfort, and satisfaction, and you listen because it sounds good. Even though you know he works for the enemy, you give him a prominent place among your officials. Even though you know deep down that he will eventually betray you to your demise, you give him what he asks for. His rewards for your compliance are minimal, and he never fully keeps his promises, yet he is allowed to remain. And when you threaten to banish him from your kingdom, he in turn threatens you with pain and discomfort, as if he had control over your resources. Danger is quickly approaching your kingdom and you know it, but what do you do?
The analogy hurts, but it’s true. At least I know it’s true for me. Trouble comes when you try to root out Mr. Flesh from your ranks. He hides among your most treasured friends. But he has to go, God says so. Don’t believe me? Listen to the Bible.
“So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.” Ephesians 4:17-19
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to you earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of the Creator.” Colossians 3:1 – 11
“Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Romans 13:13 – 14
“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19 – 21
“Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. In your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” Ephesians 4:25 – 28
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29 – 32
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice before God. But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral impure or greedy person – such a man is an idolater – has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Ephesians 5:1 – 5
“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than God.” 2Timothy 3:2 – 4
“For once you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:8 – 11
These lists are long, and many of these things do not characterize us as Christians, but are we clean from all of them? Absolutely not. I know for sure that everyone has at one time had a selfish ambition. It’s just human nature, right? Of course, but it is this very nature that we battle against, and that’s why it is so hard.
So, how are we to battle the sinful nature? Well, we are blessed to have several ways of such conquest. First, our Father has given us The Armor of God.
“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes with the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayer requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:14 – 18
Ah, yes; The Armor of God. I’m sure most of you know the pieces of armor, but how deeply do you know them? And do you wear them all the time? Let’s look deeper…
The Belt of Truth:
Our words are like our clothing, and we wear this truth around us so that our clothes will stay on. If we don’t wear it, we will be tripping over our own lies, and people will be able to expose us for the phonies we are. No one has less credibility than a liar. Wear the Truth!
The Breastplate of Righteousness:
The armor God makes is unbreakable; you simply have to wear it right. The breastplate guards our heart, and it will protect us from anyone who would take a jab at you. Anything they do will just bounce off you, because you know in your heart what is right, and you will be blameless. Guard yourself with Righteousness!
The Shoes of the Gospel of Peace:
When you wear the good news, it will allow you to go anywhere for God, and no thorns or sharp rocks will be able to stop you from getting there. Since these are God-made, you can use them to travel to the fieriest places and not be burned, and your feet will never grow weary. Wear the Peace wherever you go!
The Shield of Faith:
This shield is for when things get tough; when the devil unleashes many waves of attacks on you. Since it is unbreakable, anyone who hides behind his shield is safe. It represents our faith and hope in the promises of God, that soon there will be better days, and good will triumph over evil. Defend yourself with your Faith!
The Helmet of Salvation:
Even when the devil aims for your head, you are protected. Not even death itself can extinguish our life in Christ. There is no blow that the devil can deal strong enough to knock this helmet from us. As long as we believe in Jesus Christ and wear the Helmet of Salvation, we will always be safe. Never forget your need for Salvation!
The Sword of the Spirit:
This is the first offensive weapon God has given us. Being the very word of God, it is sharper than any double edged sword, and it has the power to cut through any lie, and to penetrate the hardest heart. As long as it is your weapon, Satan himself cannot stand in your way. Its sheath is embedded into the Belt of Truth, and as long as you keep the Sword of the Spirit as the final truth above all, it will retain its razor sharp edge. But it is not enough to have this sword by your side. You must know it in your heart and soul, just as a warrior knows his weapon, and know how to use it. Always attack with the word of God!
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Prayer:
This weapon is all the rest rolled into one. Though it works best used on others, it is like a force field around us, summoning God’s holy angels to fight by our side. It can be used in any and every situation, and is the easiest to wield. What can prayer do?
• It gives us direct communication with God, the head General in this army. And the line is always open.
• It brings us into presence with God
• It can sometimes initiate divine intervention
• It can have the power to heal
• It can bring us comfort and contentment
And there are plenty of other things on top of that. All it takes is a little memory and a simple thought, and heaven’s best are at your service. When just two people team up with this weapon, Jesus himself will be with them. Never stop praying!
Jesus:
Also, sometimes God does call us to flee, to retreat when the fight gets too hard. We should always remember that there is a loving savior beside us who guards us with his life, and sometimes he wants us to hide behind him and let him do his work. Take refuge in your Savior!
As you can see, God has given us ample tools to use; we need not look to ourselves to win this war. In fact, to look to yourself would actually be turning away from the grace God has given you. This brings us back to our point: our own bodies are only a hindrance.
“If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” Matthew 5:29 – 30
Jesus didn’t say to give yourself a slap on the wrist, to keep your hand in your pocket for a while, or even to tie it up. He said to cut it off. I know that you’re thinking: “Hehe, but Jesus! That’s my HAND!” But that’s the point I’m trying to make. Jesus would rather see you blind and limbless than to see you in the hands of the devil. He would rather see you going through life uncomfortably than comfortably falling into sin.
This is a hard one to follow, I know for sure from experience, but let us not ignore the words of our Maker. This is why I am committing to this: Self Destruction. Because if we get ourselves out of the way, if we do what God wants us to do instead of what we want, if we live by the Spirit and stop feeding the sinful nature what it needs to survive, then God will be able to produce in us all kinds of good things. I bought a bracelet that reads: Self Destruction – Divine Production, and I’m going to use it as my reminder of what God wants me to do with my life. I want to get to the point where what I want doesn’t matter to me anymore, where "my wants" is an oxymoron. I want to get to the point where I am continuously saying, “not my will, but Your will be done.”
“Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation – but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:12 – 13
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” Galatians 5:24
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires, to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22 – 24
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” Galatians 5:16 – 17
“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” 1Peter 1:14 – 16
Now, I hope you are thinking this all sounds great, but I want to caution you – because this is the hardest part about Self Destruction: doing it with a humble heart. It goes utterly against human nature to destroy the earthly nature while receiving no credit. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but we really can do nothing apart from God’s hand. I know for sure, because I can see the depths of my own heart, and I know where I would be if God hadn’t done anything in my life. Some of you may be able to relate to me. I cannot destroy my old self, because it clings to me through pride. I don’t want anyone to know how horrible I am, so I hide my sins. Because they are hidden, no one knows when I am struggling, and they cannot help me. Eventually, I fall back into my sin, because I have no accountability to support me. See the problem? The walls of pride make things seem secure, but it’s a false hope. No one can go it alone; we all need each other, and we all need God. We must work together in truth and love to find ways of destroying our old selves and demolishing our pride. I have failed and failed and failed in this, but I won’t give up. In Christ, I find forgiveness for today and strength for tomorrow. We must keep fighting! But there’s no half effort, no give and take; God expects our all. So I’m going all in for God. I will commit to Self Destruction. Will you join me?
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