perspective and training for the life of the Spirit
If you’re caught in habitual sin you’re either living under the law or oppressed by demons. If you’re living under the law, stop it. Why have you tried to complete in the flesh what was started by the Spirit? If it’s demons oppressing you – stand up to them. Don’t be afraid of them and don’t ignore them. You have authority over them. Live out of your identity. John tells us: Those who have been born into God’s family do [...] Read more »
Please don’t be offended that I say one possibility for habitual sin is demonic attacks. And don’t think I’m giving you permission to say, “the devil made me do it” to absolve yourself from any responsibility. If you have named Jesus your Lord, He has given you a new name and His authority. You don’t have to put up with supernatural cravings to sin. Here’s what you need to know. Unforgiveness, hate, abuse, sin, unclean sex, illness, trauma, and fear [...] Read more »
We’ve been discussing the possibility of living “under the law” when we find ourselves living like Romans 7 is the natural way for life – For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Since Paul was describing his life under the law, it can very well be [...] Read more »
Here are the questions you can ask each week in your accountability groups. They are available in the pamphlet “How to Be Accountable for Your Destiny” If Tiger Woods would have had two good guys to hold him accountable for his gifts and destiny, do you think he would have caused his family and fans so much pain? Don’t be quick to judge, you’re able to fall off the same way. Find trustworthy people to be held accountable to. 1. [...] Read more »
I first came across accountability groups with Neil Cole’s “Cultivating a Life for God”. Over the years I’ve been involved with many and have grown with each one. Accountability Groups are safe places to share your struggles with sin. The discussion in the group stays with the group. You’ll encourage and exhort each other. On the rare occasion a leader needs to be included, all the members of the group need to be in agreement. If one member doesn’t agree, [...] Read more »
He who the Son sets free is free indeed. Be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. If you think you may be living “under the law” – if you’re attitudes can be characterized by Judgement over Grace, Works over Relationship, Shame over Identity there are a few easy steps for you to take. 1. Recognize What It Means to Be Born Again This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life [...] Read more »
In the last post on this topic I quickly defined what living “under the law” looks like, so you can know if that’s why you’re so attracted to living like Paul’s illustration of Romans 7. I used the following criteria: Judgement over Grace Works over Relationship Shame over Identity It’s time I let you know what I mean by those. Judgment over Grace When we live under the law, we live with Judgment. Judgment blames God for the works of [...] Read more »
If you go back a few posts you’ll see I’m writing up understanding Romans 7. It’s the passage that makes so much sense to us when we are caught in habitual sin - For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. If you’re caught in that cycle, [...] Read more »
Now before you think I’m setting up a list of rules that none of us can ever live up to, I need to talk about the freedom you have as a child of God. Paul tells the church in Corinth four times what they have permission to do and he outlines three guidelines to help them – and us – regulate that freedom. Do you realize, even with everything I’ve already written on previous blogs, you are free to do [...] Read more »
We need to confess our sins to God. That is, we need to agree with Him that it was sin. It wasn’t a “mistake” or “stupidity” or “oops” or…it was sin. It separated us from Him and alienated us from others. It’s not in our nature to sin any longer. We are no longer under the control of sin. We also need to confess to each other. There is healing in confession. We are told to Confess your sins to [...] Read more »
Sin is missing the mark. What is the mark? It’s not just keeping the 10 Commandments. It’s living out the Great Command. Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39 (New International Version) There are sins of commission and sins of omission. Paul is writing to the [...] Read more »
There is a portion of Scripture that often gets taught poorly and as a result people feel commiserated, but aren’t given the power to change. So they’re left trapped in their sin. In Romans 7:15-23. Paul writes: I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it [...] Read more »
The other day I tweeted something that was ambiguous and challenging and I’m happy to say a few people called me on it. The tweet was: God hates sin not because it’s reprehensible to Him. Sin is reprehensible to Him because it hurts you and others He loves. Now that statement doesn’t make a whole lot of sense without the context where it came from… and even with the context I will reword it in the future. This thought came [...] Read more »
I am Trevor Lund, a pastor and a writer who enjoys doing both online. Find out more about why I provide perspective and training for the life of the Spirit 
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