Your personal temptations

[YYZ Skinhead]

Do you have certain sins that draw you to them though you may have repented of them?

That reawaken previous desires to do a sin?

That seem to be aimed at a particular weakness of yours?

Are these temptations the fiery darts of the wicked, who always looks for chinks in people's Armor? (Doesn't the word devil, diabolos, mean to throw through?)

My main sins are anger, unforgiveness, whoremongering (the desire to watch porn and sell my body), and occultism. I am angry and unforgiving most of the time and I have outbursts of wrath. Sometimes I get so mad at people that I hate them. I don't know how not to feel this way.

I am still tempted to get my Tarot cards read either by myself, online or with a psychic, but I have managed to avoid doing so with one slip in the last month or so. (I was walking down Hollywood Boulevard and out of nowhere a street performer offered to read my cards. I politely told him no and gave him a buck and talked about the deck he was using.)

The past few months I have really wanted to sell my body, that or sell porn. Talking with people about it has kept me from doing it, which was why I posted on this forum about it--I needed somebody to give me a gentle "push" back on track, like I've had happen previously--and that turned out to be a big mistake.

I don't want to give in to temptations but it's really hard not to. I don't want to keep sinning, but I do. I ask God to forgive me and help me not to do what He forbids doing. How long is this going to go on? For the rest of my life? I don't want to live having to ask forgiveness ten times a day for calling somebody by an epithet (reviling), not forgiving (self-explanatory), drinking and popping prescription pills to unconsciousness (pharmakeia? I don't drink to get drunk, I drink to knock myself out), being angry with somebody out of class prejudice (murder), et cetera ad nauseam. Am I the boy who cried wolf? How much longer will God endure this? I don't want a habit to send me to hell.

[Dredge]

(12-13-2009 08:05 PM)YYZ Skinhead Wrote:  Do you have certain sins that draw you to them though you may have repented of them?

That reawaken previous desires to do a sin?

That seem to be aimed at a particular weakness of yours?

Are these temptations the fiery darts of the wicked, who always looks for chinks in people's Armor? (Doesn't the word devil, diabolos, mean to throw through?)

My main sins are anger, unforgiveness, whoremongering (the desire to watch porn and sell my body), and occultism. I am angry and unforgiving most of the time and I have outbursts of wrath. Sometimes I get so mad at people that I hate them. I don't know how not to feel this way.

I am still tempted to get my Tarot cards read either by myself, online or with a psychic, but I have managed to avoid doing so with one slip in the last month or so. (I was walking down Hollywood Boulevard and out of nowhere a street performer offered to read my cards. I politely told him no and gave him a buck and talked about the deck he was using.)

The past few months I have really wanted to sell my body, that or sell porn. Talking with people about it has kept me from doing it, which was why I posted on this forum about it--I needed somebody to give me a gentle "push" back on track, like I've had happen previously--and that turned out to be a big mistake.

I don't want to give in to temptations but it's really hard not to. I don't want to keep sinning, but I do. I ask God to forgive me and help me not to do what He forbids doing. How long is this going to go on? For the rest of my life? I don't want to live having to ask forgiveness ten times a day for calling somebody by an epithet (reviling), not forgiving (self-explanatory), drinking and popping prescription pills to unconsciousness (pharmakeia? I don't drink to get drunk, I drink to knock myself out), being angry with somebody out of class prejudice (murder), et cetera ad nauseam. Am I the boy who cried wolf? How much longer will God endure this? I don't want a habit to send me to hell.

What you ask is a question I was just contemplating. I have anger issues also, may be not to the severity you describe but I have them just the same. Just after my last bout I was contemplating where this anger comes from. I have forgiven everyone I can think of. While praying about this it occurred to me that I have never forgiven myself. I know this sounds narcissistic but it is true. I am one who cannot accept mistakes from my self and my anger comes from my perceived failures. Are these things you have done for along time, if so please consider this. They were habits and habits are had to break. You feel like you are losing an old friend, you even relish the break downs until guilt sets in. When you falter, repent, ask forgiveness, forgive yourself, and carry on with new resolve not to do it again. You are in a lifelong struggle with persistence you can change these things, it won’t be easy, but with time it does become easier, remember you are not alone. May the fruit of the spirit grow in you with God’s blessing.

Gal 5:22-24, 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

[sheep wrecked]

I have also been thinking about YYZ's post. I think it is a critical problem that most of us face at one time or another - trying to give up old habits and wonder why we keep giving into them. I think your answer and insight are spot on > "You feel like you are losing an old friend, you even relish the break downs until guilt sets in. When you falter, repent, ask forgiveness, forgive yourself, and carry on with new resolve not to do it again." Thanx for sharing!

I was reminded of Paul's words, which I think show us how we deal with sin in our lives before we are in Christ in chapter 7. In verse 8, he explains how things are different in Christ:

Rom 7:14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Rom 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
Rom 7:16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Rom 7:17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Rom 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Rom 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Rom 7:22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Rom 7:23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Rom 7:25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Rom 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Rom 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Rom 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Rom 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Rom 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
Rom 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Phi 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

[YYZ Skinhead]

Dredge and Sheep, thank both of you for posting. Dredge, I too have trouble forgiving myself even for sins I did twenty-five years ago. I sinned especially against my parents and younger brother, but against lots of other people too, and most of those sins involved revenge, jealousy or anger. Now that I realize that I've sinned against all those people I can't forgive myself. People have tried to be friendly toward me and I responded with anger. I have been begging God to let me find the people I was cruel to (my parents are both dead) so I can apologize to them and humbly ask their forgiveness. People reading this, please pray that I will be able to find these people so I can do this.

Sheep, thank you for posting those verses from Romans. I remembered Paul had written them but I couldn't remember the book. Especially this verse:

Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

That sums it all up. I am tired of sinning. Does every believer with habitual sins have to endure this?

These two passages are especially significant too:

Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Phi 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I am familiar with the passage from Romans because it is listed in God Is In Control on this site. My mom used to quote the verse from Philippians when I was a kid. Both of them offer hope, which always helps.

[sheep wrecked]

(12-17-2009 01:54 PM)YYZ Skinhead Wrote:  Dredge and Sheep, thank both of you for posting. Dredge, I too have trouble forgiving myself even for sins I did twenty-five years ago. I sinned especially against my parents and younger brother, but against lots of other people too, and most of those sins involved revenge, jealousy or anger. Now that I realize that I've sinned against all those people I can't forgive myself. People have tried to be friendly toward me and I responded with anger. I have been begging God to let me find the people I was cruel to (my parents are both dead) so I can apologize to them and humbly ask their forgiveness. People reading this, please pray that I will be able to find these people so I can do this.

Have you ever thought that maybe it's that you can't accept forgiveness from God? I have gone through that issue many times. The thing that really changed how I viewed myself is knowing and accepting how God views me.

I love how Jesus so clearly shows the love of God for His kids in the parable of the prodigal son. He committed terrible sins, but came back to His Father to become a servant and instead was greeted with wide open arms and lifted up to a place of honor. We are the righteousness of God in Christ. He sees us through Jesus, not because of our sin any more, but because He bore our sin and it will never again be counted against us

I think all of us have sinned against people our whole lives. Sometimes we get the opportunity to ask for forgiveness from them, but most of the time, we never get that chance and must move forward in Christ. Paul committed the most heinous crime - he had people murdered for their belief in Christ, yet not once do we read that he went back and asked for forgiveness from the families. Something to think about

Quote:Sheep, thank you for posting those verses from Romans. I remembered Paul had written them but I couldn't remember the book. Especially this verse:

Rom 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.

That sums it all up. I am tired of sinning. Does every believer with habitual sins have to endure this?

These two passages are especially significant too:

Rom 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Phi 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

I am familiar with the passage from Romans because it is listed in God Is In Control on this site. My mom used to quote the verse from Philippians when I was a kid. Both of them offer hope, which always helps.

Many believers do have habitual sin and suffer as you do with their past addictions and to overcome them. We all have to deal with sin and the desire to leave it all behind. The battle with our flesh is extreme and on going. I just pray every day that God has mercy on me and gives me the strength to resist.

Have you ever tried to find a support group of Christians who have a past similar to yours? Sometimes it helps to be the company of others for encouragement - someone to call or go to when temptations become overwhelming.

[Vic]

Hi there LM,

I have been wanting to add some thoughts to this thread since you posted but got distracted. I think as we grow in Christ, we learn how to live for Him. I also believe that He teaches us things, sometimes having to go through the same scenarios, until we get it right.

Years ago, I was going through some events wherein, after all was said and done, I was left angry, upset, disappointed in my fleshly responses, feeling like a failure...and I would pray about it. And wouldn't you know, a while later the same scenarios played out, with exactly the same responses from me, even though that isn't how I wanted to react. It isn't how I wanted to be seen as living for Christ, and the sense of guilt and failure was the invariable end.

Well, after many times of the same thing, I asked why I could not get out of that situation, why did I have to keep going through that...and God gave me understanding that I would go through that, until I got it right. I should add here, I did a lot of praying, had many tears and many many frustrations over this. It didn't come easy, and I really needed to understand what God wanted from me.

I guess I was slow learner, because 'getting it right' meant what? Responding Scripturally and in Christ. But what of the continual sin and flesh responses and...Then God gave me the Scriptures to apply and the lightbulb went on.

Here's what I learned. When we are tempted, or go through the same issues, it can be to try our faith and also to have us deal with issues that aren't pleasing God. The Scriptures tell us:

James 1:12-16 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 13. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16. Do not err, my beloved brethren.

1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13. But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

1 Peter 1:3-9 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5. Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 7. That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9. Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

But why the repetitive scenarios and sin and flesh issues/responses, why no victory?

The Scriptures also say:

Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Ephesians 4:20-27 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21. If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22. That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23. And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24. And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26. Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27. Neither give place to the devil.

Neither give place to the devil....and that goes with...

Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:7-9 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 9. Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Ok...so don't give place to the devil and resist him and he flees, resist stedfast in the faith...but...how does one resist him?

resist G436
ἀνθίστημι
anthistēmi
Thayer Definition:
1) to set one’s self against, to withstand, resist, oppose
2) to set against
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G473 and G2476

By knowing who we are in Christ to start with, and knowing the Scriptures---the Sword of the Spirit, and Here's why...

Ephesians 6:10-13 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Ephesians 6:14-18 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Romans 8:37. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1 John 5:4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Ok, so now I had the Scriptures to make it make sense. But when the scenario came around again what was I to do....

I mentally--and have verbally stated out loud---I am not going to sin in this. I am not going to allow myself to enter into this ____. I am going to stand and not fall for this again. And you know what. God gave me the determination and resolve to not do what I had always done, and the incredible peace and joy that comes from being obedient to Him. I wanted to honor Him in what I did. I wanted to allow Christ to shine through. And He did. Much to the dismay and anger and rage of the other person involved. And since that time., every once in awhile that scenario is tossed out to me with that person---and I must admit I have fallen for it a few times, but for the most part, it has been sweet victory and not entering into the situation in sin or the flesh. And just as an extra test, the scenario is rewritten slightly with different players to see if I "resist"...and sometimes I do without batting an eye, and sometimes I blow it...much to my shame.

I do believe that we must make a conscious decision to say no to sin and the flesh--that is 'resisting'. I also believe that Scriptures teach us to 'mortify our members."

Colossians 3:1-10 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6. For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7. In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; 10. And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

mortify > G3499
νεκρόω
nekroō
Thayer Definition:
1) to make dead, to put to death, slay
2) worn out
2a) of an impotent old man
3) to deprive of power, destroy the strength of
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G3498
Citing in TDNT: 4:894, 627

In other words, make a point of getting rid of those things that are not of Christ. He changes us, He makes us new. But we have a responsibility to apply these Scriptures in order to grow in understanding of how to live for Him. That means at some point we all must take stock of what we are about, what we do, what we approve or disapprove of in our lives, what we surround ourselves with and whether those things honor or dishonor Christ. If we look around our homes, and look through the eyes of Christ, using the Scriptures as the source of what He calls us to--holiness, righteousness, truth...

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Ephesians 5:3-12 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4. Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9. (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10. Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

Mark 7:20-23 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22. Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Galatians 5:19-25 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20. Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21. Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23. Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. 25. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Then when we look at what books we have, magazines, websites we visit, games, material things we hold onto, things of the occult, or simply anything that obviously is against Christ....then we need to make a decision about whether we are going to eliminate the things from our lives we know without a doubt are not honoring Him or are even against Him, then we are moving forward in obedience. And we are making that conscious decision to say no to sin, the flesh and the devil. When we know something is not honoring Him and keep doing it or keep it with us, we have made a decision to sin. I recall shortly after my family came to Christ. At one point there was a joint decision to get rid of things from our home that were obviously dishonoring Christ. My parents had a lot of magazines and records and books that were discarded. I still had the ouijii board my parents had given me for Christmas the year before---yes I know....how could they. My mother was very open to the occult, and did seances with us...All I can say is, Praise God! for delivering us from these things.

If we had Jesus physically standing in the room with us, and we took Him through our rooms and showed Him all our pictures, games, internet activities, books, and other possessions, would we be embarrassed? ashamed? The reality is, when we belong to Him, He is right there with us, because the Holy Spirit indwells us. And it is about doing things that honor Him.

1 Peter 1:13-16 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 14. As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: 15. But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

gird up G328
ἀναζώννυμι
anazōnnumi
Thayer Definition:
1) to gird up
2) metaphorically be prepared
2a) a metaphor derived from the practice of the Orientals, who in order to be unimpeded in their movements were accustomed, when starting a journey or engaging in any work, to bind their long flowing garments closely around their bodies and fastened them with a leather belt.
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G303 and G2224

mind G1271
διάνοια
dianoia
Thayer Definition:
1) the mind as a faculty of understanding, feeling, desiring
2) understanding
3) mind, i.e. spirit, way of thinking and feeling
4) thoughts, either good or bad
Part of Speech: noun feminine
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G1223 and G3563
Citing in TDNT: 4:963, 636

be sober G3525
νήφω
nēphō
Thayer Definition:
1) to be sober, to be calm and collected in spirit
2) to be temperate, dispassionate, circumspect
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: of uncertain affinity
Citing in TDNT: 4:936, 633

and hope G1679
ἐλπίζω
elpizō
Thayer Definition:
1) to hope
1a) in a religious sense, to wait for salvation with joy and full confidence
2) hopefully to trust in
Part of Speech: verb
A Related Word by Thayer’s/Strong’s Number: from G1680
Citing in TDNT: 2:517, 229

I don't believe we are bound to be caught forever in the merry-go-round of the same scenarios. I do believe Jesus Christ can and does give the victory, and I know of many times in my life He has done just that. But I also believe there are many action words for us in these and many other verses which means we must make a decision to sin or not sin and wield the Sword of the Spirit, and live it. Resist the devil and he will flee...because of Christ.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

[sheep wrecked]

(12-29-2009 12:09 PM)Vic Wrote:   I don't believe we are bound to be caught forever in the merry-go-round of the same scenarios. I do believe Jesus Christ can and does give the victory, and I know of many times in my life He has done just that. But I also believe there are many action words for us in these and many other verses which means we must make a decision to sin or not sin and wield the Sword of the Spirit, and live it. Resist the devil and he will flee...because of Christ.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

What a beautiful testimony of the grace of God and how He leads us in His paths of righteousness! Thanx so much for sharing. You put in words what we struggle with and then find victory in Christ! Sometimes it's hard to convey what our experiences are in this area of trials and temptations and you have definitely helped put things in a proper perspective

[Mary]

When I first read this thread, I had been listening to two songs sung by Sarah Groves which I thought were applicable to this issue. Songs can help us, or me anyway, to remember Bible verses, and the words of God from the bible. The Word is the sword which we can defend ourselves from sin and temptation.... sometimes when I'm feeling very low it's hard to read the Bible, so music can be very helpful at such times.

Come, thou Fount of every blessing,
tune my heart to sing thy grace;
streams of mercy, never ceasing,
call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet,
sung by flaming tongues above.
Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it,
mount of thy redeeming love.

2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
hither by thy help I'm come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
he, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood.

3. O to grace how great a debtor
daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it,
seal it for thy courts above.

[Vic]

(12-29-2009 04:46 PM)sheep wrecked Wrote:  What a beautiful testimony of the grace of God and how He leads us in His paths of righteousness! Thanx so much for sharing. You put in words what we struggle with and then find victory in Christ! Sometimes it's hard to convey what our experiences are in this area of trials and temptations and you have definitely helped put things in a proper perspective

Thank you Sheep. It's really not easy dealing with ourselves or sin or the flesh, or the devil and it really is difficult to convey how to really live for Christ and have victory over these things that seem to harass us. But there was another verse that came to mind.

Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Therefore we know we are not bound to live in defeat but in victory over these things. Because to not, would be to be held captive to sin and the flesh, and the devil and all those other verses would be contradicted. And I don't believe that is possible for a second.

We belong to Jesus Christ and the battle is already won, by Him.

[Mary]

here's the other song, which is quite fun, but reminds us that it is a common struggle.


The butterfly can just look back
Flap those wings and say Oh, yeah
I never have to be a worm again

The snake gets tired of being him
He wriggles from that itchy skin
Leaves it lying where he’s been and moves on

Pre-chorus:
I’ve been longing for something tangible
Some kind of proof that there’s been change in me

Chorus:
Feels like I have been waking up
Only to fight with the same old stuff
Change is slow and it fills me with such doubt
Come on New Man where have you been
Help me wriggle from this Self I’m in
And leave it like a skin upon the ground
[ Like A Skin Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

Keep going : He will never leave you nor forsake you!
and here is psalm 71 - a wonderful prayer,praise and promise:
n thee, O LORD, do I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion.
Deliver me in thy righteousness, and cause me to escape: incline thine ear unto me, and save me.
Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress.
Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man.
For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth.
By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.
Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.
For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together,
Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.
O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.
Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.
But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.
I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.
Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!
Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.
Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.
I will also praise thee with the psaltery, even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.
My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.