36 Therefore if the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36 MEV
5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:1 NKJV
God's Grace is greater. God's love is stronger, deeper and never failing. God is faithful even when we are unfaithful. These are Gospel truths rooted in the Grace of God and the Finished Work of Christ.
These truths need to be firmly established in our hearts. Especially when dealing with sinful, destructive habits. We are beginning a series on finding freedom from pornography. And if you are free from this terrible habit, then apply these truths to any area of life the enemy is trying to convince you that you're not an overcomer.
This habit is wreaking havoc in the Church, the Body of Christ, today. Stats show that 47% of families in America say it's a problem in their home. Another shows 56% of divorces involve one party's obsession with pornography. Still, another says 68% of church-going men and 50% of Pastors view pornography on a regular basis. The most staggering statistic from this source reveals only 7% of pastors say their church has a program to help those struggling with pornography.
So we can see people are not walking in freedom. Too often, ministers don't want to talk about this issue in the Church. Unless of course, they want to preach at people and put condemnation on others.
"Christians look at porn! Pastors the night before they preach look at porn! Oh, look at all these sinners in Church. We need a revival!"
Wonder how many men and even women deal with the same habit in these churches but are too ashamed to admit it? Wonder how many are too fearful to seek help, lest they are called worthless sinners who don't really love Jesus enough? Instead of condemning these believers why not pray for them? Why not take a step back and see how they see themselves? Feelings of unworthiness, feelings of hopelessness, feeling like God is fed up with them?
Let's establish some truths to find lasting freedom. Is pornography sin? I know with some counterfeit-grace groups they redefine sin based on what secular lost society deems right or wrong. Reject all forms of counterfeit-grace. Jesus when He walked on Earth, detailed the commandments. He didn't give a higher standard under Grace. He revealed that this was always the standard, but religion diluted it.
Paul, under Grace, showed us that the Love of God within wouldn't lead us to walk in immorality. He lists the moral aspects of the Ten Commandments and reveals when we love others we won't steal, won't lie, and won't cheat them. He also speaks of the adultery command. As we mentioned, Jesus detailed what adultery is, it's not just a physical act, it's a lustful thought. Pornography is a lustful activity. Thus, it is in fact sin, it violates God's Love and demeans human sexuality and the marriage covenant.
We've established it's sin. Now we must also establish another truth. Even when we sin, we are still the Righteousness of God in Christ. If we don't walk in this revelation condemnation and guilt and shame will flood your thoughts.
Jesus made us Righteous. Not by our efforts or by our obedience, or our performance. This is His Righteousness, not our own. Therefore we are just as Righteous as Jesus. This Righteousness is irrevocable. Our Righteousness in Christ doesn't fluctuate based on our performance or our behavior.
Another truth we must establish within is the truth that we are forever forgiven. Jesus' Blood washed away all our sins. Not just the ones we committed before we received Jesus, but all of our sins. Paul and John affirm our complete and total forgiveness, past present and future.
Finally, one major truth we must also establish is the truth that those in Christ are in fact eternally secure. Eternal security is not light on sin, just big on Jesus and His Finished Work. To find freedom from sinful habits, you must know you're still Righteous, forever forgiven and eternally secure. If you know God is never going to disregard or disown you, you have confident hope that He is with you no matter what. He is there with you in the muck and mire leading you out to full freedom. God isn't finished with you, what He began in you, He will complete it.
Jesus affirms our eternal security;
24 “Truly, truly I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death into life. John 5:24 MEV
In summation, I want to reaffirm who you are in Christ to begin your journey of freedom. Knowing who you are in Him, now, right this moment, no matter your behavior, will compel you to see there's hope. Addiction and habits try to eliminate hope. Sin likes to keep us hopeless. God says He isn't fed up or finished with you. His plans and purposes are irrevocable, unchanging! He's not done with you, He's just getting started! It's not over! There is hope! Jesus is the waymaker! Our freedom!
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10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]. John 10:10 AMP
19 And my God will liberally supply (fill until full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 AMP
We've been in an extended study concerning God's provisions. We are seeing more and more how to receive them in our lives. We see the need to put a demand on what belongs to us. Again this is not demanding of God as some unruly petulant child selfishly throwing a tantrum until they get their way. This is putting a demand on a supply that is already yours. God graciously provided it for us.
Today, it seemed good to address another provision we have in Christ. The provision of the blessing of God. If you've followed this blog I have already addressed the excess and error of the prosperity gospel. That is the, give and you'll be rich and if it didn't work then you're a sinner and God can't provide until you measure up, idea of prosperity and provision.
One truth I have been shown in my Christian life is the reality of how finite humans always take things into two extremes. One side I just addressed, declares prosperity and provision is about luxury planes and mansions and everyone a millionaire. That is excess. That's not what God promised.
Then, on the other hand, you have the other extreme. This extreme is just as, if not more, wrong as the other is. It's the idea that God can't bless you today. That all His provision is merely spiritual. This is the "can't help you, Jesus." This is the Jesus who can forgive you, make you righteous, eternally secure your salvation, but can't help you in this life, only in the life to come. His arm is not strong enough to provide, to heal, or to help you financially today.
Both of these extremes are wrong and deny the character of our Father. So apart from excess let's examine this provision of blessing. Let's see what God has done for us in the Finished Work. What Christ has purchased and procured for us in His perfect redemption.
Look at God's heart from the beginning. He had provisions in the Garden of Eden. He didn't put Adam into a place of poverty to keep him humble. He lavishly blessed Adam. He didn't make Adam starve, struggle, or scrimp to get by.
In the Old, we see God's heart for His servants, the people of Israel. He said He took pleasure in the Prosperity of His servants. Did you get that? He actually takes pleasure in, it brings Him joy, it pleases Him to bless. God is not a tyrant wanting His people to struggle.
This same principle, this same truth, is found in the New. John declared above all else God wants us to prosper and be in health. This passage in 3 John, can be used to excess as I have mentioned, but look at what He is actually saying here.
God desires above all things our well being. Besides you receiving Jesus and being filled with the Spirit God wants you walking in wholeness, spirit, soul, and body. Are we not complete in Christ? Inwardly, He has made us Righteous, forgiven, cleansed, accepted, approved and eternally secure. God's perfect will is we be complete outwardly just as we are inwardly.
Well, if it's God's will why am I always broke or can't seem to afford much? Why am I in lack? What about those starving kids throughout the World? Great question. Why are there so many who are walking around not Righteous? That is a bona fide free Gift that has been made available to whosoever would just receive it. Why have so many not?
I don't mean to make light of lack and insufficiency. I just don't want to put it all off on God. As if it's God's fault we are not a success in life. Let's truly define what success is. Having a healthy marriage. A loving family. A caring family. Being the best you can be where you are employed. Being a light in this world.
Not everyone is going to be wealthy rich. We can though have enough provision for our family and enough left over to be a blessing to God's kingdom. What we must remember is operating in God's wisdom is key here. We need to be wise in our financial dealings.
Education or skills training. Advancing in your job. Being a wise spender. These are things we need to hear more about. God and the natural are not opposed to each other. What does this look like?
It's depositing God's Word on provision in your heart. It's feeding continually on His Word. Faith comes this way. It's taking the time to acknowledge God in every area of your life. It's paying attention to God's hand moving in your life. Take a second glance. God is moving even if it's the little things.
An unexpected discount. An item goes on sale you need. Finding money in the pocket of old clothes. Seeing a coupon for something you need. Gifts from loved ones that came at just the right time. It's even getting an extension on a bill.
That's one thing, some people get into trouble because they don't communicate with their creditors. Being wise in financial dealings is success. Living within your means is successful living. God's hand is in this because He can lead us and guide us with His wisdom. This is also part of the provision of blessing.
As far as the supernatural, yes God does provide financial miracles and such. I recall years ago I had some financial needs, and I just deposited God's Word within my heart about blessing, prosperity, and wholeness. I kept reading and meditating on these passages. I can't explain it but God met that need supernaturally.
What am I saying? You can pray to God about money. You can ask Him to help. You can also take authority over the wicked one. He attacks sometimes with infirmities and sickness, so he also attacks financially. Take authority over the enemy. Tell that defeated devil to cease and desist, "devil, take your hands off my finances! I bind you from attacking my money! I loose all God's provisions for me!"
That's not crazy. It may sound it, but it's not. We as believers need to enforce satan's defeat. We need to lay claim to what is ours.
Another thing that is crucial in this area is our attitudes and our words. Constantly grumbling, expressing frustration is counterproductive. If we are in frustration we aren't in Faith. Why? Because Faith is resting in what Jesus did. If we are in frustration this is a sure sign we were trying to make things happen by our effort and strength. It proves we were trusting in the arm of the flesh, not God.
Resist fear. Fear says God won't help you or can't help you. This need is bigger than God. You must cast those thoughts down. Trust His great love for you.
Now, what about those in lands that are in a famine and lack? What about those in third world nations? Sadly, we are in a fallen, fractured world. Evil men can rule over people. As a result, insufficiency and famine abound. We can pray for them. We who are blessed can help, by bringing relief to those in these lands. Supporting missions that feed and medical missions that bring healing, is vital. We don't receive a blessing just to keep for ourselves. We want to channel His blessings to others. We are blessed in Christ, and therefore should be a blessing to others.
In summation, put a demand on what's yours in Christ. Don't allow bad attitudes, grumbling, complaining be your words. Instead, focus on the provision. Don't look at what you don't currently have but look at what you do have. Be thankful and rejoice. Put a demand on His supply. Receive His favor in the financial realm. Don't limit what He can do. Jesus said He came to give us abundant life, not lack and insufficient life. So by Grace through Faith receive all He has provided for!
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19 But my God shall supply your every need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 MEV
21 God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21 MEV
We've begun a study concerning God's provisions. We've come to understand, that these provisions are already ours through the Finished Work, not our work or performance. We've established the vital truth that though these provisions are already ours in Christ, we must reach out and freely receive all He has provided.
We've seen God's provision for our healing and wholeness. Today, it seems good to share on one of the most powerful and amazing provisions God has for us. That is the abundance of Grace and the Gift of Righteousness.
Did you know when you received Jesus that He made you the very righteousness of God in Christ Jesus? That as a believer you are just as Righteous as Jesus? That you are just as accepted and approved of God as Jesus is? That you can stand before God without any fear, guilt, inferiority, shame or sin? It's not because of your goodness but Jesus' performance on your behalf.
This is the Good News of Jesus Christ! This is what brings triumphant victory in our Christian life. This is how we overcome in every area of life. Yet not all celebrate this news.
Some tradition-minded cringe at these words. Just what do you mean by accepted by God as much as Jesus is? What exactly do you mean by approved of God? No, you must prove your worth and acceptance before God, they would say.
Only the truth of God's Word will provide deliverance to the tradition-bound. When they see the light of God's Word freedom comes. They see what religion tried so hard to conceal.
Let's then look at the provision of Grace and Righteousness;
We are saved by His Grace, not our works or performance.
He has made us accepted.
He has made us Righteous in Christ. Righteous apart from works.
There is a clear provision for Grace and Righteousness. So if it's mine in Christ, what do you mean by putting a demand on God's provision of Grace? Why do I need to put a demand on what's mine already?
Glad you asked. In one of the most powerful passages revealing our provision of Grace and Righteousness, the answer to this question is found;
17 For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). Romans 5:17 AMPC
What a powerful passage! What a powerful provision. We can reign in life as kings through Christ Jesus. So what's the answer to the question in this passage?
Most translations simply say those who receive Grace and Righteousness reign in life. However, look at this passage in Young's Literal Translation;
17 for if by the offence of the one the death did reign through the one, much more those, who the abundance of the grace and of the free gift of the righteousness are receiving, in life shall reign through the one -- Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 YLT
I have never heard anyone ever preach on this point. It's clear from this translation. It's not just having the gift, it's actually receiving of the gift. You may have accepted the truth of Grace and the free gift of Righteousness, but are you actively receiving of these gifts?
This is what I mean by putting a demand on God's provision of abundant Grace and the free Gift of Righteousness. It's not just having the gift but receiving of the gift. What does this look like?
When you fall, falter, fail, plain sin what do you do? Do you allow thoughts of shame and guilt to dominate you for a length of time? Guilt and shame can paralyze your growth in Christ.
Shame and guilt don't just stop at saying within you that what you did was wrong, but that you are wrong. That you are just a no-good sinner. A shameful filthy person. If you don't put a demand on the provision of Righteousness, that is actively receiving of the gift in these moments, guilt and shame will overtake your thinking. God's not separated or disconnected from you but your thinking will try to convince you that you are. Reject those thoughts. Receive of your Righteousness.
Traditional religion, this world system, and the enemy use guilt and shame to put you down. The biggest weapon they use is that of condemnation. That's why we put a demand on the provision of Grace and Righteousness and walk free from guilt and condemnation.
Condemnation tolerated, contaminates your spiritual perception. It makes you think and feel you're apart from God, though He has never left or forsaken you. That's why we should put a demand on the provision of Grace and the Gift of Righteousness. We reject those accusations of the enemy. We refuse those stifling feelings of guilt and shame. We rest in our right standing and acceptance and approval because of the Blood, the Finished Work, the redemptive work of Jesus.
In summation, we have been given a powerful provision. We are made Righteous and highly favored in Christ. Condemnation seeks to cause us to shrink back from intimate fellowship with our Father. Receiving of the provision means we reject condemnation and we embrace our new identity in Christ. We have guilt-free, shame-free, fear-free, fellowship with our Father who rejoices over us with joy. All because of Jesus.
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