1Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion. Isn't it great to know confusion doesn't come from God but all hope does. Romans 15:13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. So if hope comes from God and we get confused where does all this confusion come from? Paul said not to live like the Gentiles, were they the reason for the confusion? Or is it because their thinking is centered on all the wrong things? Do we walk in confusion because we are thinking like the Gentiles in our minds but trying to live for God in our hearts? Amos 3:3 Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? I know I have used this scripture in talking about forming relationships with other people but how much more should our hearts and minds be agreed on the direction your life goes.
There will always be a conflict in our lives. Our flesh, like the Gentiles, our spirit ,like God. Galatians 5:17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. This is where confusion peeks out its nasty little head. Making a right decision can be hard if your sinful nature runs your life. In Ephesian 4 Paul says don't steal, don't lie, don't cuss or get angry. That makes sense, until it comes time to put it into practice. Your old fleshly man can get pretty darn mad sometimes and it really makes you blurt out some really bad words that you turn around and tell the person your really sorry you didn't mean it. You were angry, you cussed and you really did mean it, so you lied too. At least you didn't steal or what was that at the grocery store, in the bulk candy isle, that you were chewing on? Easy? I don't think so. These are seemingly small trivial things in life and I don't think you will ever go to jail for them but they do affect you.
Romans 8:5(nlt) Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God's laws, and it never will. 8 That's why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. Wow! These are some very tough words from our God of Grace and mercy. This is why there is grace and mercy. Do we ever fully get our heart and our mind working together in the Spirit? I believe all things are possible. If you look at verse 8 Paul uses the word still. All of us are at different levels of growth in the Lord. If you are still walking, talking, living, breathing in the old sinful nature and you have been saved for quit awhile, my own heart would question you if you're even trying to grow in the Spirit. Some people never catch on and just keep on keepin on, it isn't up to me. Philippians 2:12 Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. I need to work on my own self. What are you doing? Are you working hard on yourself or are you working hard on everyone else and ignoring what you do? Work on your sinful nature submitting to Gods nature and you will keep plenty busy. Just remember to do it with humility don't let your pride stick its nose in there and ruin it all. Oops, that's a whole other subject.
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