The High Cost of Sin: We all stand this moment on a platform known as the platform of exposure to temptation to sin. From it leads seven steps in each direction ... The Downward Steps of Bad Choices:
1. TRIFLING WITH SIN Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear.
2. SURRENDERING TO SIN Romans 6:13 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.
3. HABITUALLY YEILDING TO SIN Romans 6:12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.
4. ABANDONMENT TO SIN Ephesians 4:19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
5. ABANDONMENT OF GOD FOR SIN Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
6. Used By SATAN TO TEMPT OTHERS Romans 1:32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. 2 Timothy 2:26
7. HELL: Sampled on Earth. Romans 1:24,26,28; 2:8 Hell is a character as well as location. The one who hates everything that God loves is tasting a bit Hell now and Hell is in them.
The Upward Steps of Godly Choices
1. Deciding You Want to Obey God: determining sin will not have dominion over me. Daniel 1:8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.
2. OVERCOMING SIN BY FAITH. Hebrews 11:25-27 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.
3. SEEKING THE HABIT OF SURRENDER. Romans 6:18 The strength from one victory helps you with the next. 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
4. SETTING MY MIND ON THINGS ABOVE: a life hid with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-2 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
5. SEEING THE BEAUTY OF CHRIST. Isaiah 33:17; You trusted God now He trusts you, like Daniel, greatly beloved. Psalm 65:4 Blessed is the man You choose, And cause to approach You, That he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Of Your holy temple.
6. LIVING AS AN EXAMPLE OTHERS FOLLOW. Philippians 3:17 Brethren, join in following my example and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
7. HEAVEN: AND YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DIE IN ORDER TO GET THERE. Ephesians 2:6-10Heaven is a character as well as location. The one who loves everything that God loves is tasting a bit of Heaven now and Heaven is in them.
Mortifying My Flesh is a Life Long Struggle: Identifying the "flesh" in our lives is a life-long task--the flesh will do anything to avoid being put to death. We do not readily recognize the flesh in ourselves apart from our daily obedience to Jesus--and our ongoing feeding on the Word of God. Hebrews offers key insights into our day to day walk in the Spirit. (BC&D-16)
For more of Dr. John Barnett's Bible teaching messages go to DiscoverTheBook.org
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