Success Scripture April 21, 2009

Abstaining from Sin 

"We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not: but he that is begotten of God KEEPETH HIMSELF and that wicked one toucheth him not." - 1 John 5:18.

EXPLORATION

There is nothing anybody can do to save himself from sin and its consequences. We are saved only by the grace of God through faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Nevertheless there is a lot we need to do to maintain our salvation and holiness of life. This is why continuous PERSONAL DEVOTION becomes essential in the life of the believer. The Bible says "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not." - 1 John 5:18.

INSPIRATION

Though we have been saved by the power of God, that does not remove the fact that we could be tempted to sin more so that our enemy, Satan, is still moving around, seeking to destroy Man. (1 Peter 5:8) He tries to defile and destroy the believer's commitment to Christ. He could use friends, relatives, parents, employers or any moment he finds advantageous. But we need to constantly and consciously keep ourselves away from any their enticements, evil suggestions, and influences.

Jesus taught practical ways by which a believer could abstain from sin and remain holy. He says: "And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:" - Mark 9:43 (Mark 9:47, Matthew 5:27-29). We can also review (2 Samuel 11:2-5, Proverbs 6:23-26, Proverbs 23:31-23) With the eye we identify the shape, color and size of people and objects. Some of the things we read or look upon stimulate sinful desires in us - things like corrupt stories in magazines and books, movies on television and cinema, pictures of naked and half naked people, immoral dancers etc. Whatever we see which suggests sin to us must be avoided.

"And if thine hand offend thee cut it off" - Mark 9:43a (Proverbs 6:17, 25:21, Luke 6:35-36, Matthew 25:31-46, Psalm 26:9-10, Deuteronomy 16:18-19, Proverbs 6:28-29, Romans 1:29-30) People work mainly with the hand. There's hardly any form of physical work that is accomplished without the use of the hand. And so, whatever it may be we do with our hands that tends to sin we must get rid of. The Bible says: "will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." - 1 Timothy 2:8 (James 4:8-10).

Now the Bible says: "And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:" - Mark 9:45. Also read (Psalm 1:1, Proverbs 15:9, Isaiah 59:7-8, Proverbs 7:1-8, Matthew 7:13-14, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18,  Proverbs 13:15)  People move on their feet to as many places as they desire. What types of places do you go to and which kind of people do you visit? Do they lead you to sin? "CUT THEM OFF!" "...it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched" - Mark 9:47-48 (Matthew 10:37-39; Philippians 3:6 1 0; I Corinthians 6:12; 1 Corinthians 10:23, Colossians 3:5-10, 1 Peter 2:11, Romans 13:14) Personal Devotion is an undertaking that God honors by granting us the grace and strength to remain steadfast in our Christian faith. (James 4:6-10)

CRUCIFYING SELF. Conversion does not take away the free will of the believer. As Christians, we have to decide from to time to obey God or not in whatever situation we find ourselves. Holiness is such that we are willing at all times to do the will of God even when it hurts us. Like Jesus, even when the sorrow of death filled his heart, He was still determined to do the will of God. He said "And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" - Matthew 26:39. It should be understood that we do not live for ourselves but for God. Submit yourself therefore unto God's will for your life through obedience. (James. 4:7-8)

CUT OFF WORLDLY ASSOCIATION. Someone once said "Show me your friend and I will tell you who you are" It is true that birds of the same feather flock together. A sinner will love a fellow sinner. But the righteous man he will abhor. There is no way a Christian will associate with an ungodly person without being corrupted. 1Cor 3:16. The bible says "Be not deceived, evil communication corrupts good manners" - 1 Corinthians 15:33. "Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore shall be a friend of the world is the enemy of God"  - James 4:4  "Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you And I will be a Father unto you and ye shall be my sons arid daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" - 2 Corinthians 6:17-18.

AVOID UNGODLY TALKS. In our consecration and dedication unto God, we should be mindful of what we say at any given point in time no matter what the situation may be. The bible says: "If a man offend not in words, the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body" - James 3:2.

It also teaches the various speeches that are unholy, corrupt, evil or wicked. They are as follows:

1. Jesting and foolish talking. (Proverbs 26:18-19)
2. Corrupt communication. (Ephesians 4:29, Ephesians 5:3)
3. Clamoring & evil speaking (Ephesians 4:31, 1 Peter 3:9)
4. Tale bearing. (Leviticus 19:10, Proverbs 11:13)
5. False witness or accusation. (Exodus 20:16)
6. Slandering others. (Psalm 101:5-6)
7. Lying. (Colossians 3:9, John 8:44)

It is a fact that in the world adverse conditions will arise to provoke a person to speak evil words or talk more than necessary. The bible says "In the multitude of words there wanted not sin, but he that refaineth his lips is wise." - Proverbs 10:19, (James 1:26).

Beloved: As you abstain from these Sinful acts, you will experience God's supernatural visitation and uplifting, because God will honor you and honor HIS word concerning your life and family. I see you blessed! I see God creating a new way for you. And as you apply these things, HIS righteousness will stand for you. The Holy Spirit of God will dominate your life and abide in your home, business and ministry.

Remember: the Bible says: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." - James 4:7-8

We love you!

God bless.

Bliss & Fire Network Team

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