Self: Out of Control

Self: Out of Control

By Apostle Felix

22 But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails,

23 gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. 

24  Keep in mind that we who belong to Jesus, the Anointed One, have already experienced crucifixion. For everything connected with our self – life was put to death on the cross and crucified with Messiah.

Galatians 5: 22 – 24

Jesus did not come to earth to modify our behavior, but He came to give us life and life more abundantly. He did not die so our behavior could change. No, He died so that we can have the life of God. However, the life of God in man has the power to affect an individual’s behavior. You cannot have the life of God (Zoe) and yet exemplifying the character of the evil one. The rich young man, who came to Jesus thought his modified behavior by the law qualified him to be in right standing with the Lord. Jesus, of course refuted such an assumption and directed the young man to following Christ.

16  Then a teenager approached Jesus and bowed before him, saying, “Wonderful teacher—is there a good work I have to do to obtain eternal life?” 
17  Jesus answered, “Why would you call me wonderful? God alone is wonderful. And why would you ask what good work you need to do? Keep the commandments and you’ll enter into the life of God.” 
18  “Which ones?” he asked. Jesus said, “Don’t murder, don’t commit adultery, don’t steal, don’t lie, 
19  honor your father and mother, and love those around you as you love yourself.” 
20  “But I’ve always obeyed every one of them without fail,” the young man replied. “What else do I lack?” 
21  Jesus said to him, “If you really want to be perfect, go immediately and sell everything you own. Give all your money to the poor and your treasure will be transferred into heaven. Then come back and follow me for the rest of your life.” 
Matthew 19: 16 – 21

The young man thought his good behavior qualified him to be in right standing with God. Our right standing with God, which is righteousness is received by grace through faith in Christ and His finished work. When we are made righteous by grace, we are expected to live righteous. Righteous people, live righteous. The life of God has a character of its own that ought to affect the character of a born again emotional life. A person, who is not born again, manifest the works of the flesh, which is natural. But for a believer, it should not be so.

1  Be imitators of God in everything you do, for then you will represent your Father as his beloved sons and daughters.
2  And continue to walk surrendered to the extravagant love of Christ, for he surrendered his life as a sacrifice for us. His great love for us was pleasing to God, like an aroma of adoration—a sweet healing fragrance.
3  And have nothing to do with sexual immorality, lust, or greed—for you are his holy ones and let no one be able to accuse you of them in any form. 

Ephesians 5: 1 – 3

We are all tempted in areas where our emotions have been trained in worldliness. You cannot be tempted in an area where you are not familiar with sin. This is the reason why we have to renew our souls, in order to exercise self control over our emotions that are trying to get out of control. The regenerated nature gives supernatural strength and ability to exercise self control.

To be continued…