2nd is once we are saved reborn spiritually set free and part of the Lord’s kingdom. Colossians 1:13 Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son. We are saved and have eternal life but we are in a process of transformation, growing, becoming more like Christ. We want to learn God’s word and His ways, abide in Jesus and be obedient to His teaching. In many scriptures it talks about being renewed by the Holy Spirit and not copying the teaching and ways of this world. Romans 12:2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Ephesians 4:20-24 “But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”
When we accept Jesus and commit to follow Him, He will want to be first in our life and lead us to become like Him and the plan He has for our life. This is part of the battle as being a son of God. 2 Corinthians 5:15 “He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”
When we are saved we are set aside for the Lord to be holy or sanctified for His purpose to worship and glorify Him. You have heard the phrase they are in the world but not of this world. John 17:13-19 “Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.”
The Lord loves us and is a jealous God about the relationship he has with us. Exodus 34:14 “You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you.” God demands to be first above all other people or things in our lives. I think we will battle with this through out our entire walk with the Lord here on earth. There is a lot of scripture in the old and new testament that is clear about this. An example of this in the word is there were Judges and kings who were good and bad at obeying God’s laws and ways. They were continuously trying to establish God’s laws and ways to the people and tear down the shrines and altars to false god’s and idols. This was a constant battle through out generations you can read about in the books of Judges and 1st and 2nd kings.
In Judges 6 God raises up a man named Gideon and instructs him to tear down the altars and shrines to false gods. In verse 27 Gideon takes 10 servants with him to accomplish this for the Lord. I think my point is when it comes to putting the Lord first and tearing down the idols, sin, worldly things, or anything in our life that needs to be changed or removed. We can not be a passive servant in this area and we may need to have help or accountability from close loving brothers. There is no shame in finding brothers who will help each other in this area. What ever it takes! There is many scriptures in the bible that supports this teaching and theory needing help in your walk from others.
I think the important part for me in this area is to remember this is a real part of the battle. To have a soft teachable pliable heart that will let the Lord continue to cleanse, transform, and renew me. Be humble and know I deeply need the Lord to do this. And everyone struggles with this and that means every human being. I have meet older men and women in their seventies and eighties that are still growing being renewed daily and working on this area in their walk. This is part of the journey and battle. Older mature people in the church need to teach younger people that it is ok to be real in this area and be transparent. If you are in a place where you don’t think you need the Lord or help from others in this area you are already deceived by the enemy.
Jesus could live with and forgive human failure but He never allowed evil spirits to control Him. He was aggressive toward His spiritual enemies. There is no neutral ground. There is no room for a passive spirit in God’s army. A Quote from Francis Frangipane.
Thanks for the reminder!
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