“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” – Gal. 5:17
The flesh and the Spirit pull in different directions. This prevents the will from acting freely. Our will is in bondage to the flesh.
Freedom is found solely in Jesus.
“Who makes you differ from another?“- 1 Cor. 4:7
It is not “what,” but “Who?”
Man does not make the difference, God does.
In His sovereign grace, He loved us, He chose us, and He saved us.
“Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.” – Psa. 141:3
Before you speak, remember: We must give an account of all our words to the Lord.
“O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.” – Psa. 51:15
A wonderful morning prayer… and a palindrome to boot!
If our lips are open, let it be for God’s praise.
“The wicked bend their bow, They make ready their arrow on the string, That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.” – Psa. 11:2
This is Satan’s cowardly tactic: he shoots his arrows SECRETLY.
David counters these attacks with some incredible facts about God. (11:4-7)
That’s how David is able to write, “In the Lord I put my trust.” (11:1)
“Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!” Psalm 27:14
God is always on time. His timing is perfect.
Will we ever learn this?
“repentance and forgiveness of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” – Jesus (Luke 24:47)
“And there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich.
And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house“ Luke 19:2, 9
None are too far gone.
“If it is too difficult in the sight of the remnant of this people in those days, will it also be too difficult in My sight?” – God (Zech. 8:6)
Rhetorical question from the Creator of the universe.
“(God) has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,” – 2 Tim. 1:9
This puts things in their proper perspective.
