James 1:15 (LSB) 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully matured, it brings forth death.
By now we have firmly established the fact that if we perpetually wrestle with the same sins, and we cannot seem to break free of them, it is because our own desires (lusts) cause us to be repeatedly lured in and defeated.
James 1:15, above, clearly states that when this happens, the desires within us give birth to sin. And when that sin is fully matured (continually practiced or engaged in), it leads to death.
This is very plainly spoken. There is no wiggle room here.
As mentioned in the previous days of this series, there is one way to defeat this pattern of sin; complete surrender to God.
Now that we fully understand the root of our sin problem (our own lusts and desires), we can take the steps necessary to defeat it.
Now, let’s be clear that this is not a 12-step program. It is not self-help. It is not psychological therapy.
It is Holy Spirit-powered cleansing of ourselves that will deliver us and set us free from bondage to these kinds of sins.
It is ONLY by the power of the Holy Spirit that we can be set free.
Nothing else will work. And even the Holy Spirit cannot help us if we fail or refuse to submit, surrender, and allow God to purge us of the evil that lurks in us.
Please listen. This is a matter of LIFE or DEATH.
If you are plagued by this problem in your life, your eternal soul is at stake. Your relationships are at stake. Everything about your life is at stake.
Submit yourself wholly to God and let Him set you free.
No, it won’t just effortlessly happen. Yes, it will require work on your part, consisting of determination, perseverance, and the willingness to obey God and walk away from opportunities to sin.
And it will require you to resist the devil. For in doing so, he will flee from you.
But remember that in all this, God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. And in that blessing will come deliverance.
James 1:12 (NLT) 12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
Father, I ask you to bless these words and let them penetrate the hearts of those in need of hearing this message of truth and freedom. And I ask that you bring conviction where it is needed, hope and encouragement where they are needed. And bring freedom to burdened souls in the name of Jesus.
Amen 🙏
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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