Dying to Self

"everyone has a choice – but dont ever want to choose the flesh – it brings death." anthony pryor

"the flesh must die. you can never outgrunt the flesh, thats why it must die." anthony pryor – willing obedience = love and surrender to God

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. 14The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." 15If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Gal 5:13-26

its one of those mysteries – the flesh must die so we might live.  the flesh must die so that we will be led by the spirit.  the flesh and spirit are in war with one another – they’re not in truce with each other and will never be.  we cannot please God in the flesh – works and doing the right thing doesnt measure up – because its not JUST the doing that matters but the heart. 

living in the flesh doesn’t please God, because the flesh wars against His ways.  the flesh is fallen and sinful and when fed it leans towards fleshly stuff that lead to death.  flesh sows in death and reaps in death. it breaks relationships, peace, friendships etc.  it also breaks closeness with God because we then feel guilt and guilt makes us feel distant from God. 

dont choose the flesh.  choose God.  choose this day who you will serve.  choosing God yes will result in cost – it costs to die.  it costs to choose His ways.  because our flesh wars against it so we have to surrender, submit, sacrifice.  but the reward in this life and next is great.   “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.” Gal 5:24 

“The sinful nature does not want what the Spirit delights in. And the Spirit does not want what the sinful nature delights in. The two are at war with each other. That’s what makes you do what you don’t want to do.” (Galatians 5:17, NIRV)

“Don’t live under the control of your sinful nature. If you do, you will think about what your sinful nature wants. Live under the control of the Holy Spirit. If you do, you will think about what the Spirit wants. (Romans 8:5, NIRV)

we need to rise up – to man up – to love up – to have a revelation of God’s love – that when we were sinners and didnt even think of Him or know of Him – He loved us and sent His Son to die for us to pay our penalty that we might know Him for now and eternity.  we need to rise up – man up – love up – so that we will choose God.  we need to make the choice now – i WILL choose Him and i WILL choose obedience – living intentionally and proactively according to His ways, living to please Him – living in response to His great love.

We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. 4The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: 6Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 john 2:3-5

This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 john 5:2-5

"If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching." Jesus, john 14:23.  challenging eh.  love is expressed in obedience.  willingly choosing to obey shows love.

the flesh must die. 

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