By TA York
1 Peter 5:8-10
“Be self-controlled and ALERT. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. RESIST him, STANDING firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
I heard a sermon regarding, “Once saved always saved.”
Here’s the problem with this thought.
Men tell themselves, “why chase after God? I’m saved by grace. I no longer have to be obedient.”
What did Paul write?
Romans 6:1, 2
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue to sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”
I’ve heard people say, “God will forgive me. He has to. I’ve already repented. Years ago. Doesn’t that cover future sins too?
Christians are dead to sin! Do NOT pick up the old life!
In the medieval era, the Catholics practiced “indulgences.” Paying for your sins in advance.
As soon as the coin hit the bottom of the offering box, a person was absolved of sin. Be it past, present or future.
Is this what Jesus died for? How many times does Jesus need to die for us worthless sinners?
Galatians 3:1 “You foolish Galatians. Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.”
1 Samuel 15:22 “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
Point 1:
Christians need to be alert.
The evil in this world will make your mind numb. Once the Devil sees you relax, that’s when he attacks.
Gideon’s chosen men, held a sword, looked around and drank, dipping their hands into the river.
Passover feast, there is a tradition for the father to search for yeast in the house, after it has been swept clean. The family puts a little in each room. After all is found, it is burned.
Our job is to search our hearts constantly. Be aware of our weaknesses.
Point 2:
Resist! I know my weaknesses. I pray against them daily.
Obey the Word of God. Fight against our sin nature.
Point 3:
Continue to stand. Humans are not perfect, but don’t put yourself in a position of failure.
A friend of mine was addicted to porn. So now, if he’s on the computer, someone is there to watch him (wife usually).
Matthew 22:37 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
God bless!
Called 4 Jesus 