Life in Israel-One Body 02Nov07

Life in Israel-One Body 02Nov07

Written By Guest Blogger
Susan Smith

The lie of the serpent found in Genesis 3:5 can be accepted and believed by Christians all over the world. The deception of sin in our lives is very real and it is often difficult to discern the motives of our hearts. It is very easy for me to look at myself with rose-colored glasses and view others thorough a magnifying glass. The greatest deception of all is to believe we cannot be deceived.



This writer has experienced major deception many times in her life. She has believed many lies over and over again. Satan is the father of lies and there is no truth in him (see JOH 8:44). Do you believe the written Word of God? Are you able to consider the idea that demonic spirits can place thoughts into our minds? We are to cast down every argument and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God as we bring every thought into the obedience of Christ (see 2CO 10:5, NKJV). Where is the origin or beginning of these arguments and high things? Why would God tell us in His Written Word to bring every thought into the obedience of Christ?



Think about this a moment. The conclusion you reach can change your life forever. Now do not misunderstand. This writer does not hunt for demons under every bush as some say. Our focus is to be on Jesus. We are to fix our thoughts on Jesus (see HEB 3:1, NIV). When we fix our minds on the Lord, then we are bringing our thoughts into the obedience of Christ. Remember how we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (see ROM 12:2). My life has been transformed and my mind is being renewed on a daily basis, because my focus has changed and my thoughts have changed.



Wrong behavior is preceded by wrong thoughts. Sinful acts, both unrighteous and self-righteous sin, begin in our minds. Can you grasp this idea? We do not sin unless we think about it. Now here comes the big lie found in Genesis 3:5, the enemy knows how to deceive us. Born again believers are deceived every time they commit sin! Do you believe this? “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God” (1JOH 3:9, NIV). Listen to William Barclay’s translation: “If a man’s life is linked with the life of Christ he stops sinning. If a man goes on sinning, this is the proof that he has neither seen nor known Christ” (see 1JOH 3:6, Barclay). Have you been born again? Eternal life is to know God and the One He sent (see JOH 17:3). Do you have eternal life?



When we sin, then we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus the Messiah the righteous (see 1JO 2:1, KJV). When we come to God, then Jesus is able to save/deliver us completely or forever from our sins, because He intercedes for us (see HEB 7:25, NIV). Do you think you will escape God’s judgment? “Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” (See ROM 2:3-4, NIV). We must lead repentant lives if our desire is to follow Jesus. My mentor taught me often how to keep “short accounts” of my sins with God.



This writer is learning to repent the instant she is convicted by the Holy Spirit. There is seldom any arguing or reasoning in my mind as the Holy Spirit convicts me of sinful thoughts and/or behavior on a daily basis. The Lord has increased my sensitivity to sin. We can quietly repent in our thoughts to God even when we are in public. His grace is beyond our imaginations and we can receive forgiveness instantly, anytime no matter where we are. Do you believe? Many Christians do not understand the difference between God’s discipline or correction and punishment. God loves you. We must learn to endure hardship as discipline. “God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father does not train and correct and discipline? (See HEB 12:7, AMP) His desire is for all to be saved and to perceive and recognize and discern and know precisely and correctly the Truth (see 1TI 2:4, AMP). Jesus is the Truth (see JOH 14:6). Do you perceive, recognize and know Him?



There is now no condemnation for those whose life is one with the life of Christ (see ROM 8:1, Barclay). Condemnation and guilt is from the evil one. God’s discipline or correction comes into our lives because He loves us with an everlasting love. This writer is beginning to learn how to rejoice when the Lord shows me my faults and corrects me. He often uses other people to show me my faults and it takes humility to receive correction from others. God can even use unbelievers to show us our faults. The Lord works in ALL things for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose (see ROM 8:28, NIV). Have you been called or are you listening to arguments against the knowledge of God in your mind this day?



Arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God begin to disappear as our lives are transformed by the renewing of our minds. This writer is beginning to experience this reality in her life. I have learned to pay attention to my thoughts. Your thoughts can ruin your day at anytime. We must be alert every single day, because our enemy the devil goes about like a roaring lion seeking someone to destroy (see 1PE 5:8). It takes humility to have your mind renewed by the power of God. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. We must humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand and we must cast all our anxiety on Him, because He cares for us (see 1PE 5:5-7, NIV). This is more than being humble in your quiet time with God.



Recently I heard a senior pastor tell his congregation that he has messed up or sinned over and over again since he was saved, since the Lord baptized him in the Holy Spirit and since God gave him the gift of tongues. That man of God was clothed in humility as he delivered a powerful message about dirty little secrets in our lives. We must all clothe ourselves with humility toward one another (see 1PE 5:5, NIV). It is often harder to be humble toward others than toward God. Others, including born-again Christians, can be arrogant, self-righteous, unkind and ugly whenever we humble ourselves. Christ humbled Himself and became obedient to death on the cross (see PHI 2:8). We must do the same as we take up our cross on a daily basis.
~ Susan Smith