Subject: what is it to be an overcomer? |
Bible Note: Dear Linda, The fact that you are convicted by sin is a significant evidence of your being born again! The unbeliever doesn't have that struggle, because they peacefully accommodate their sinful natures. As you persevere with this effort to grow in holiness (called progressive sanctification), God will ultimately satisfy your hunger for righteousness (Matthew 5:6). Focus on Christ Himself, not some self-centered (versus God-centered) idea like that which you've been taught. The more you know the holiness and righteousness of our Lord, the more you will be aware of your own failings. But God -- who started this transformation in you -- will also finish it (Hebrews 12:2). Our great hope is that we will be like Him (1 John 3:2). That purity is assured to us when we stand before Him. So be encouraged, young lady! In Him, Doc "I do not know of a single scripture -- and I speak advisedly -- which tells me to take my sin, the particular thing that gets me down, to God in prayer and ask Him to deliver me from it and then trust in faith that He will. Now that teaching is also often put like this: you must say to a man who is constantly defeated by a particular sin, 'I think your only hope is to take it to Christ and Christ will take it from you.' But what does Scripture say in Ephesians 4:28 to the man who finds himself constantly guilty of stealing, to a man who sees something he likes and takes it? What am I to tel such a man? Am I to say, 'Take that sin to Christ and ask Him to deliver you?' No, what the apostle Paul tells him is this: 'Let him that stole, steal no more.' Just that. Stop doing it. And if it is fornication or adultery or lustful thoughts, again: Stop doing it, says Paul. He does not say, 'Go and pray to Christ to deliver you.' No. You stop doing that, he says, as becomes children of God." --Martyn Lloyd-Jones |