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Desire to be a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ?
Join For His Glory for a discussion on how
https://christianforums.net/threads/a-vessel-of-honor.110278/
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Taking the time to pray? Christ is the answer in times of need
https://christianforums.net/threads/psalm-70-1-save-me-o-god-lord-help-me-now.108509/
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Depending upon the Holy Spirit for all you do?
Read through the following study by Tenchi for more on this topic
https://christianforums.net/threads/without-the-holy-spirit-we-can-do-nothing.109419/
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How are famous preachers sometimes effected by sin?
Join Sola Scriptura for a discussion on the subject
https://christianforums.net/threads/anointed-preaching-teaching.109331/#post-1912042
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Essential vs Nonessential
- Thread starter netchaplain
- Start date
smaller
Member
I cite facts from scripture. Scripture teaches all things. 2 Tim. 3:16.
I do doubt beyond any uncertainty that anyone but Christ in the flesh is sinless and do not believe scripture teaches "sinlessness" in the flesh is on the table for anyone. And some religious folk get riled at that fact. 2 Cor. 7:1, Gal. 5:17, Phil. 3:21,
Never ever have I made such a claim, ever. I don't know how you can arrive at that conclusion. I've always said that we do, beyond any question, DOMINATE over sin that dwells in our flesh and evil present with us, Romans 7:17-21, BUT to say we do not have these states of the flesh does what? Turns us into liars and hypocrites, which is a worse spiritual state than where we begin our walks in faith.
That's territory that I personally am not interested in entertaining.
We do have an unmerited seat in the flesh. Grace and Mercy in Christ is distributed precisely because of our status of being in the seat of the unmerited.
I've noted Paul's own statements of facts in regards to his own quite solidly scriptural claims. We've observed them, together, for several years now. I accept Paul's conclusions and how he derived those claims, not only on the basis of his extreme truthfulness, but also his personal self deprecation in the flesh, which is MANDATORY for a disciple/Apostle by Jesus' statement of fact: Luke 14:26.
The world of general christianity buys showmanship and persona. I don't think they care to listen much to Paul, himself.
I can't take seriously any claim representing to be mine, when it's not. I just read the instruction manual and put it to practical uses.
John 12:25
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
The above is not an easy matter to come to grips with. Our flesh nature is repelled by such statements, and must be put firmly down, in it's place, because it does have severe issues, entirely worthy of Divine Hatred. Romans 7:15-25, Romans 8:3.
We'll never walk apart and away from sin unless we learn to detest it in ourselves, and understand that Jesus does Stand in Condemnation of ALL sin, period. We want Jesus to love the entirety of what we are, in the flesh, presently. That is NOT going to happen. Jesus is against and will remain against the "evil present" and indwelling sin in anyone at all times and none of us avoid having this internal issue, of evil's presence and indwelling sin in the flesh. This led Paul exactly into the "wretched man" state. Romans 7:24. It is the same "woe is ME" sights held by the Prophets.
Yet, if we observe the scriptures, God Himself quite precisely PUT us all in that seat of 'evil's presence', that we would come to know our deeply seeded need of His Divine Grace and Mercy expressed in Christ. Deut. 30:15.
This is a "real time" lesson for every believer on earth. It is by our own quite faulted needs that we are driven HEADLONG into Christ, progressively. The law is meant to show and prove to us we are sinners. We are not escaping that conclusion. Israel did not escape that conclusion.
If we can not count on Gods Grace and Mercy, and rely instead on ourselves, who of these need Grace and Mercy in Christ? Grace and Mercy is relegated to a mere after thought, in case we accidentally mess up. Self righteousness seeks to form it's own foundation. It seeks it's own self righteousness, where there is none to be had. And that is exactly where the blinded of Israel landed as well. Are we really led by scriptures to establish our own self righteousness? I think NOT. We all, by faith, anticipate the PERFECT RIGHTEOUSNESS that only Christ Has and can give, and this, at the conclusion of our flesh life. Paul openly admitted he had NOT yet attained, pointing out CLEARLY why and the conditions that automatically kept him from having his OWN self righteousness.
Paul flat out stated he had NO righteousness of his own:
Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Philippians 3:12
Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
Romans 4:5
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
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Here is some facts from scripture: present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead,
Crucifying the flesh, and presenting the members of your body as an instrument of righteousness is exactly that, practicing righteous deeds with a "dead body wrapped up in sin".
12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.
Romans 6:12-14
Paul taught that we are not to let sin reign in our mortal body.
Because the flesh is contrary to the Spirit, we are to put to death the deeds of the flesh.
Do you teach that Christians are to crucify the flesh, and by the Spirit "put to death" the deeds of the body?
I have never seen you post anything about the power of the Spirit we have to crucify the flesh, and to "keep ourselves" so that the evil one does not touch us.
I have only seen you post that we are helpless against the flesh, and we can only do what the flesh want's to do, because Satan dwells in our flesh, and sins any way he wants and we are helpless to prevent him from doing this.
Then you claim that Paul was the worst of sinners, to try and validate this unbiblical claim of yours.
We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. 1 John 5:18
JLB
http://biblia.com/bible/kjv1900/Rom 6.12-14
Here is a clear statement of fact from Paul:
19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19
and again
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:20-22
We are to cleanse ourselves from being a vessel for dishonor, and pursue righteousness.
9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11
We are to separate ourselves from those brothers in Christ, who are immoral... not even to eat with such a one.
Yet you teach people that Paul himself, the Apostle who wrote these words, was the worst of all sinners, and lived a sinful life.
Simply not true.
JLB
smaller
Member
The state of contrariness between the flesh and the Spirit never changes for any man living in flesh, and we all live in flesh. IF the flesh, with it's attendant "built in" irremovable non resolvable vile state of evil's presence and indwelling sin were really dead, there would be no cause for the warring Paul described here:
Romans 7:23
But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
This warring goes on for every believer in the flesh til the day they actually die. The accounting or reckoning of dead flesh is a daily matter, because the warring is 'active' therein.
Sin takes it's power from Gods Words of law. Romans 7:7-13, 1 Cor. 15:56.
Anyone can "test" this same proposal that Paul put forth and 'recognize' to this day, the reality of sin, internally.
Of course. It's a necessary and daily requirement. Either we rule OVER evil's presence or IT rules over us. Where we differ is that I am not interested in JUSTIFYING either evil's presence or indwelling sin by saying these are not realities because there are deeper spiritual traps set by evil's presence and indwelling sin called lying hypocrisy.
LIGHT (exposures) KILL these workings. Covering them up and saying they are not there to be dealt with turns us into far deeper spiritual issues. Which MOST believers suffer from.
I believe quite firmly that the LIGHT of the Gospel is meant to be shed on OUR DARKNESS. If we claim we have none, we are merely running away from His Light Exposure.
Psalm 18:28
For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
We always bring our darkness to the LIGHT for it's KILLING. But to say we have none makes us posers.
Never have I made such a claim. What I will NOT claim is that sin doesn't dwell in my flesh and that evil is not present with me because that is A LIE. I will not be made a liar by those operations in the flesh. Very simple. I prefer TRUTH. Even if TRUTH is not friendly to my own sorry hide.
Will I stand before God in Christ justifying my flesh? I hope I am never that deceived.
chessman
Member
Wow. Paul calls them a "so-called brother". Yet you call them "brothers in Christ". Amazingly.
1 Corinthians 5:11 (LEB) But now I have written to you not to associate with any so-called brother, if he is a sexually immoral person or a greedy person or an idolater or an abusive person or a drunkard or a swindler—with such a person not even to eat.
Care to explain why you assume these are brothers in Christ, yet Paul says they are so-called brothers?
Because that's what the context of scripture teaches.
[edited, staff]
Paul makes it clear that he doesn't want the Church "co-mingling" with those of the world, as well as those who are named a brother who live immoral lives.
I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world.
Who else is left beside those of the world?
There is the Church and the world.
9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people.
10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.
1 Corinthians 5:10-11
Further context:
Paul uses leaven to teach the principle of how immoral sinful behavior can spread among a Church community.
....Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened.
Paul makes clear what his intent was, by saying...Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.
12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
By reading the context and the language Paul makes it clear that immoral sinful people are not compatible with the Church.
JLB
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Excellent post and assessment, JLB. You've nailed down a number of errors here and corrected them. You are sure being an Acts 17:11 (ESV) Christian.
I John 5:18 (NLT) brings out the meaning of the tenses in the Greek: 'We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them'.
Oz
The scripture you quoted says there is "another law in my members".
This does not say Satan is in our flesh.
We all know that if we walk according to the flesh we are condemned.
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 7:23-8:1
- If you walk in the flesh, you will serve the law of sin.
- If you walk according to the Spirit, you will not.
Paul shows us the way to have victory, to OVERCOME the sinful desires of the flesh.
DON'T WALK ACCORDING TO THE FLESH.
WALK ACCORDING TO THE SPIRIT.
You keep saying the same thing over and over... the flesh is contrary to the Spirit. YES I AGREE!!!!
That's why we are told to walk according to the Spirit.
If you live according to the flesh you will die.
For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
Romans 8:12
JLB
chessman
Member
Ah, so you are using a new translation.
Signatures don't Post to mobile devices in mobile view so there's no way to tell.
I know. I never said he did.
I know. Even if they are called/named a brother they are in fact evil persons (sexually immoral, etc). That's why I was surprised that you called/named theses sexually immoral persons as "brothers in Christ":
Paul never said they were "brothers in Christ", but you did. He simply said they were called/named a brother. "So-called brothers, called brothers, named brothers, etc,". Take your pick of translation. None say they were brothers in Christ. Thus, kick em out, seems to be his point in any translation you look at.
ok
That's what Paul said.
He plainly made it clear he wasn't referring to immoral people of the world.
9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11
I know you can read, sir.
Paul already clarified that he wasn't referring to immoral people of this world.
Paul was referring to immoral people in the Church.
But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral...
Here's the context that Paul refers to sexually immoral people in the Church, as in Christians, brothers in Christ...
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.
You refers to those whom Paul is writing to, the Church at Corinth.
....that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.
Paul is calling for the removal of this sexually immoral Christian brother from the Church.
...anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.
Anyone who is named, or called a brother in Christ, a Christian, is to be removed from among the people, so that... "a little leaven doesn't leaven the whole lump", which refers to sinful behavior spreading through out the Church.
Further Context:
9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.
12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.” 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
Paul wasn't referring to sexually immoral people of this world.
Paul was referring to sexually immoral people in the Church.
Do you think it's possible for a Christian to be sexually immoral?
JLB
People within the Church who are immoral, are not to be associated with.
Are you saying it is impossible for Christians to be immoral?
JLB
chessman
Member
No.
Nor does Paul say that it is possible for a Christian to be sexually immoral. Thus the reason he says to remove "so-called brothers" from the church who are evil, sexually immoral persons. Calling or naming a person a Christian does not make them a Christian.
1 Cor 5:11 (AMP) But actually, I have written to you not to associate with any so-called
[Christian] brother if he is sexually immoralSexually immoral means to not have morals with regard to sinful sexual activities.
Christian means to be a follower of Christ, a follower of Christ's morals, thus a follower of Christ's sexual morals. Christ taught sexual morals (right and wrong sexual activities). So does the Holy Spirit. It is impossible for the Holy Spirit to not convict Christians of their sins (sexual or otherwise). That's one of the functions of the Holy Spirit.
It is impossible (which means not possible) for a Christian to be immoral (which means not moral) with regard to sexual sin (or any other sin for that matter).
The person(s) who were among them who were immoral (not moral) were thusly not Christian (not following Christ's morals). There were not brothers in Christ as you claim. That person(s) was simply named/called/so-called brother. Just as Paul said in verse 11.
Now that's a 'new translation' of verse 11. Your personal insertions are NOT found in any English translation (new or old) as you can see from the link below. Nor is there any proper justification for inserting "in Christ" or "Christian" into this verse from the broader context, in/around the verse.
https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/1 Corinthians 5:11
Yes, they (the immoral) were "among the people", i.e. in their midst. So??? That doesn't mean they were brothers in Christ and/or a Christian. Do you think everybody that assembles in a church is a Christian? How about Mormons that call themselves Christians, are they really Christ followers?
Verse 11 simply and precisely means what it says. That is, they were so-called brothers that happened to be assembling among their midst (v2 v3) but were in fact evil persons (v13) and thusly should be kicked out of their assembly.
The broader context justifies that this so-called brother was;
1) sexually immoral (had no sexual morals, no sense of right/wrong with respect to sinful sexual activities, v11),
2) evil (v 13),
3) Judged by Paul as being non-brotherly (v12)
4) Old Leaven among the dough (v6-7)
None of this implies he was really a Christian or "brother in Christ' as you are claiming.
To be immoral is to NOT have any moral conviction(s) of right/wrong. Which is impossible for any Christian to not have morals. Christians do sin (including sexual sins) but you better bet that the Holy Spirit convicts them (us) of that sin each and every time (John 15:26).
chessman
Member
I know. I agree with Paul. He was referring to immoral people assembling with the Corinthian church. I'm not disagreeing with this obvious fact.
Paul was referring to judging (i.e. removing) the evil, immoral person assembling in their midst who was a so-called brother:
1 Corinthians 5:11-13 (LEB) But now I have written to you not to associate with any so-called brother, if he is a sexually immoral person or a greedy person or an idolater or an abusive person or a drunkard or a swindler—with such a person not even to eat. For what is it to me to judge those outside? Should you not judge those inside? But those outside God will judge. Remove the evil person from among yourselves.
1 Corinthians 5:2-4 (LEB) And you are inflated with pride, and should you not rather have mourned, so that the one who has done this deed would be removed from your midst? For although I am absent in body but present in spirit, I have already passed judgment on the one who has done this in this way, as if I were present. In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and my spirit, together with the power of our Lord Jesus,
1 Corinthians 5:2-4 (LEB) And you are inflated with pride, and should you not rather have mourned, so that the one who has done this deed would be removed from your midst? For although I am absent in body but present in spirit, I have already passed judgment on the one who has done this in this way, as if I were present. In the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and my spirit, together with the power of our Lord Jesus,
I agree with Paul.
I disagree with your specific assumption that the immoral, evil person was a "brother in Christ (a Christian)".
Simply calling/naming yourself a brother does NOT make you a brother in Christ. It makes you a brother in name/calling only. Certainly not in Christ.
Simply assembling within the midst of Christians does NOT make you a Christian or a 'brother in Christ'. It makes you someone who has associated with Christians.
smaller
Member
Have made this observation many times. Paul had sin dwelling in his own flesh. Paul also had "evil present" with him. These matters are quite entirely obvious, once seen. Sin dwelling in the flesh, and evil present is not forensic. We can not "cut open" the flesh and "see these things" with our eyes. THEREFORE these are adverse spiritual workings. The Word terms these works and workings "of the devil(s.)" Mark 4:15, 2 Cor. 12:7, 1 John 3:8. Very simple.
Paul also described this working as "internal lusts" in his own mind in Romans 7:7-13. And Paul tells us HOW this happens. Where the Word of LAW is sown, indwelling sin, evil present, is EMPOWERED to RESIST, to be 'contrary' to Gods Laws. This is why NO MAN can be legally obedient and we can not be saved by law compliance. Sin dwelling in the flesh and evil present can not be lawful. It's not even possible. The instant LAW meets MIND, internal lusts are encountered. Jesus told us that 'evil' comes from where? Yeah, 'within.' It is NOT an option. But a fact.
Matt. 15:19-20, Mark 7:21-23 and Mark 5:28
IF anyone thinks they have "seen the Light" what the Light of Gods Words will show them is TRUTH of their own darkness and evil present with them. IF they are Gods children, they will be REPULSED by such disclosures, but, in truth, they will not say these are not facts, because they are facts, whether conceded to or not.
Paul told us again, quite clearly, that "evil" was present with him. Paul also knew that putting evil/indwelling sin under the LAW causes evil/sin to RESIST the law. The law actually empowers sin/evil's presence in the flesh, to make it known to anyone. 1 Cor. 15:56.
Believers can claim all kinds of things about themselves in their relationship to Christ. But who can really "tell the truth" is the real question.
Believers in truth will expose their darkness, because darkness can not do that, nor can it, darkness, "tell the truth." That truth however is repulsive, particularly to religious people. I'm not expecting it to happen, til MORE LIGHT is shed upon them. Then either evil will continue to harden, or they'll COME CLEAN, as God Alone Dictates.
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smaller
Member
Paul taught that we are no better than another sinner. Romans 3:9.
Paul also taught that those who are OPENLY externally controlled by the presence of evil and indwelling sin are vaunting their captor, not showing division and dominance OVER the sin and evil present. These give glory to the slavery of Satan, which is not to be tolerated in the assembly. It's NOT than any sinner is better than any other sinner. But we are not to give glory to the workings/workers of adverse spiritual captivity.
Sin is a progression, from "thought" to "word" to "deed."
Every believer has "sin or evil" in thought. It is not to progress beyond that border. But it often progresses in "believers" to words. This is not uncommon either. Peter, by not eating with the gentiles even had evil and indwelling sin progress to hypocrisy, and Paul berated him for it, because Paul knew indwelling sin and evil present is not and can not be LEGAL. Therefore Peter was rebuked for hypocrisy.
Yet Paul himself acted like a Jew, among Jews, under the law, himself. And also did the opposite. He understood how the principles operate. Paul, under the law of the Jews, did not take the same mindset they did. He simply knew that under the LAW his own sin was permanently condemned by Christ. And he, Paul, took that condemnation of Christ to his own flesh. Romans 8:3, Gal. 5:17.
It's a matter of "keeping" sin in checkmate. Not letting sin checkmate us by saying we don't have it to deal with. The moment we claim we are not like the other sinners, we have been deceived by SIN. Luke 18:11.
And the "reason" this happens is found and pinpointed by Mark 4:15, showing that Satan steals Gods Truth, Gods Light, Gods Exposure of our sin, from our own hearts.
Hang on, tight, to His Light. If not, it will and can be stolen.
Paul also taught that those who are OPENLY externally controlled by the presence of evil and indwelling sin are vaunting their captor, not showing division and dominance OVER the sin and evil present. These give glory to the slavery of Satan, which is not to be tolerated in the assembly. It's NOT than any sinner is better than any other sinner. But we are not to give glory to the workings/workers of adverse spiritual captivity.
Sin is a progression, from "thought" to "word" to "deed."
Every believer has "sin or evil" in thought. It is not to progress beyond that border. But it often progresses in "believers" to words. This is not uncommon either. Peter, by not eating with the gentiles even had evil and indwelling sin progress to hypocrisy, and Paul berated him for it, because Paul knew indwelling sin and evil present is not and can not be LEGAL. Therefore Peter was rebuked for hypocrisy.
Yet Paul himself acted like a Jew, among Jews, under the law, himself. And also did the opposite. He understood how the principles operate. Paul, under the law of the Jews, did not take the same mindset they did. He simply knew that under the LAW his own sin was permanently condemned by Christ. And he, Paul, took that condemnation of Christ to his own flesh. Romans 8:3, Gal. 5:17.
It's a matter of "keeping" sin in checkmate. Not letting sin checkmate us by saying we don't have it to deal with. The moment we claim we are not like the other sinners, we have been deceived by SIN. Luke 18:11.
And the "reason" this happens is found and pinpointed by Mark 4:15, showing that Satan steals Gods Truth, Gods Light, Gods Exposure of our sin, from our own hearts.
Hang on, tight, to His Light. If not, it will and can be stolen.
I would like more clarification. Are you saying that anyone that commits a sin is not a Christian?
chessman
Member