OUTLINE:
We Pervert EVERYTHING!
We don’t just pervert the obvious, seedy things… we pervert the good things of God!!!
We Pervert EVERYTHING!
– God says, “Here’s some food and drink, eat and be merry!”…
– Our response is, “I’m going to overeat and become intoxicated with drink.”
We Pervert EVERYTHING!
– God says, “I’m going to make procreation something enjoyable between husband and wife.”…
– Our response is, “I’m going to have sex with whoever I want.”
We Pervert EVERYTHING!
– God says, “Go out and help your neighbors, love your enemies, pray in secret and I will reward you.”
– Our response is, “I’m going to go ‘do’ some good in this world, and then I’m going to buy a trumpet and announce all of my good works in order to glorify myself in my body.”
Christ Exalted In Our Bodies
When we subject or submit this body to God’s purposes and not our own, we can be a light on a hill to a lost and dying world, a physical example of Christ’s love, even in persecution. Php 1:20, 2Co 4:10
Perspective
We must accept the wonderful opportunity for our body being a vessel of honor, not dishonor. 1Th 4:3-5, 2Ti 2:20-22
1Th 5:23
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Heb 4:10 NIV
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
MacDonald
In the original creation, the spirit was of first importance, the body last. Sin reversed the order; man lives for body and neglects the spirit. When we pray for one another, we should follow the biblical order, putting spiritual welfare before physical needs.
Perspective On Sanctification
“We” (every part of us) have a purpose – spirit, soul, body! (Ala 1Co 9:26-27)
Eph 1:11-12 MSG
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
Perspective On Sanctification
What is YOUR purpose in this life?…
Is it set by God or your flesh???
Perspective On Sanctification
Motivation is the standard God uses within man to determine the goodness of his actions in this life. (i.e. 1Co 3:10-15)
And the truth shall make you FREE…
The Truth is unmistakable, unavoidable, immutable. It is also immovable, implying we must be changed (sanctified) to accommodate it, NOT vice versa. The sinful flesh despises this reality.
What Is “Normal”???
The things that you cling to as foundational to your life are often the things that make you miserable!!! Consider the so-called “highlights” of your day; they are often fleshly indulgences! Why isn’t attending church, reading your Bible, etc. your priority instead???
Circumcise Your Heart
“Godly sorrow“ leads to something imperative to sanctification…namely, repentance (2Co 7:11)…and that’s a very good thing!
“the sorrow of the world”
This refers to the sentiments and judgments the world clings to regarding a convicting conscience. The “sorrow” here is diametrically different than godly sorrow because it is induced by bad data (eg. sinful doctrines (and the flesh) are being offended).
Jn 3:20 [Amplified]
For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned.
Deu 10:16 ESV
Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn.
Circumcise Your Heart
God would much rather we just surrender and say “Thank You!”