Faith Assignment No.2

I have another faith assignment for you. Review the definition of faith and work on this application of faith. We all face moral challenges each day, especially when your see a moral challenge as anything that is contrary to the character and will of God. Remember the Pharisees? They adjusted sin so that it met their criteria. Jesus nailed them in the Sermon on the Mount by describing sin in internal terms. They were found guilty, as we all are. Listen to these insightful words from the Master psychologist:
"What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.' (Mark 7:20-23)
Jesus’ insight to human nature doesn’t quite match with our modern assessment of human “mistakes”. Current culture attributes them to parents, society, or just poor education. But Jesus is an honest doctor giving us an accurate diagnosis and then provides for us the perfect resolution.

Check out these fruits of the flesh for further conviction:
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and 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. (Galatians 5:19-21) Jesus’ brother James must have been listening for he also offers convicting insight:
When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:13-15)

Here is my faith application:
1. The next time your are tempted to sin, and remember sin is anything that is contrary to the righteous character of God ... ask yourself, why do I want to do this? Somewhere in your natural, fallen nature, there is a voice saying, “you need this, want this, can’t live without it.”
2. Thank God for His intervention and moral conviction. How would you know this if it wasn’t for His presence in your life. This is the love of God who loves you so much that He doesn’t want you to head down the wrong path.
3. Remember (this is where faith comes in) that God has delivered you from being in subjection to your fallen nature and has given you new life. This new life has great things for you. You have been set free from the domination of your old self (Romans 6:1-7). You are free to walk the path of right living. This is grace.
4. This is worth working on. You are not alone in the process but have God’s infinite resources available to you (Philippians 2:12-13). He has something far better for you.

Enjoy His life transforming presence. Cultivate delight in Him as He accomplishes His perfect work. Let me know how you are doing.