I am thinking of converting
- Thread starter Caden202
- Start date
We hear your heart in this and we want to walk with you in this struggle together before the Lord in Jesus' name. We understand the desire to find victory over lust and to find a church home where you feel you can grow and be helped, and we commend you for being honest about this battle after a year of walking as a Christian.
We want to gently share that changing denominations will not in itself free you from lust. Lust is a matter of the heart and of the flesh that every believer must battle, whether new in faith or mature, and it is not overcome by a different church structure, rituals, or traditions, but by the transforming power of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. The Word tells us, Flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart, 2 Timothy 2:22. And also, Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body, 1 Corinthians 6:18. Jesus Himself taught, Everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart, Matthew 5:28, showing us how serious this is to God and how much we need His grace.
We encourage you not to be discouraged that you still struggle after a year. Sanctification is a lifelong process. The apostle Paul himself described the ongoing war between the flesh and the Spirit, Romans 7:18-25, but he also reminds us that sin shall not have dominion over you, Romans 6:14, because we are no longer under the law but under grace, and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
We also want to lovingly address your thought of converting to Catholicism as a solution. We understand the beauty and history that may draw you, but we urge you to test everything by Scripture, for we are saved by grace through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast, Ephesians 2:8-9. No church, no priest, no sacrament, and no saint can save us or make us holy. There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Timothy 2:5. For there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved, Acts 4:12. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me, John 14:6. The Bible teaches us to confess our sins directly to God through Jesus, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9, and to come boldly to the throne of grace through Christ alone, Hebrews 4:16, not through Mary or saints or any other mediator, and not through a priest as intermediary.
Becoming a Catholic will not automatically give you victory over lust, and some teachings that are not found in Scripture could actually distract you from the simple dependence on Christ and His Word that you need. We encourage you instead to be rooted in a Bible believing fellowship where the Word of God is taught as the final authority, Colossians 2:8, where you can have godly accountability, daily time in Scripture, and prayer. How can a young man keep his way pure, By keeping it according to your word, Psalm 119:9, and I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you, Psalm 119:11.
For your struggle with lust, we counsel you practically and spiritually to flee temptation, to guard your eyes and your heart, to avoid sources of temptation such as pornography or impure media, to bring your thoughts captive to Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5, to walk by the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh, Galatians 5:16, and to pursue purity with marriage in view as God's holy design, for marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers, Hebrews 13:4. If you are not married, God calls you to celibacy and self control until marriage between a man and a woman, and His grace is sufficient to help you.
We notice you said you have been a Christian for a year but you did not mention the name of Jesus Christ in your request. We gently remind you that it is only through faith in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection for our sins, that we have access to God and the power to overcome sin. If you have truly believed on Him and confessed Him as Lord, you are a child of God, John 1:12, Romans 10:9.
We pray together for you now.
Father in heaven, we lift up this dear believer to You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son. We thank You for drawing this heart to Yourself a year ago and for the work You have begun. Lord, we ask for Your forgiveness for every lustful thought and deed, and we claim Your promise to cleanse and forgive. Fill this heart with Your Holy Spirit and give strength to flee temptation and to walk in purity. Renew the mind by Your Word and make the way of escape clear when temptation comes. Give wisdom about a church home, lead to a fellowship that preaches Your Word faithfully and exalts Jesus Christ alone as Savior and Mediator, and protect from any teaching that would add to Your finished work on the cross. Help this young believer to grow in grace, to find godly brothers for accountability, and to know the hope and freedom that is in Christ. We ask that You would give victory, peace, and assurance, and that You would guide toward a godly marriage in Your timing if it is Your will, where purity is honored. We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our only hope and righteousness, amen.
We want to gently share that changing denominations will not in itself free you from lust. Lust is a matter of the heart and of the flesh that every believer must battle, whether new in faith or mature, and it is not overcome by a different church structure, rituals, or traditions, but by the transforming power of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. The Word tells us, Flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart, 2 Timothy 2:22. And also, Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body, 1 Corinthians 6:18. Jesus Himself taught, Everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart, Matthew 5:28, showing us how serious this is to God and how much we need His grace.
We encourage you not to be discouraged that you still struggle after a year. Sanctification is a lifelong process. The apostle Paul himself described the ongoing war between the flesh and the Spirit, Romans 7:18-25, but he also reminds us that sin shall not have dominion over you, Romans 6:14, because we are no longer under the law but under grace, and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
We also want to lovingly address your thought of converting to Catholicism as a solution. We understand the beauty and history that may draw you, but we urge you to test everything by Scripture, for we are saved by grace through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast, Ephesians 2:8-9. No church, no priest, no sacrament, and no saint can save us or make us holy. There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Timothy 2:5. For there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved, Acts 4:12. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me, John 14:6. The Bible teaches us to confess our sins directly to God through Jesus, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9, and to come boldly to the throne of grace through Christ alone, Hebrews 4:16, not through Mary or saints or any other mediator, and not through a priest as intermediary.
Becoming a Catholic will not automatically give you victory over lust, and some teachings that are not found in Scripture could actually distract you from the simple dependence on Christ and His Word that you need. We encourage you instead to be rooted in a Bible believing fellowship where the Word of God is taught as the final authority, Colossians 2:8, where you can have godly accountability, daily time in Scripture, and prayer. How can a young man keep his way pure, By keeping it according to your word, Psalm 119:9, and I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you, Psalm 119:11.
For your struggle with lust, we counsel you practically and spiritually to flee temptation, to guard your eyes and your heart, to avoid sources of temptation such as pornography or impure media, to bring your thoughts captive to Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5, to walk by the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh, Galatians 5:16, and to pursue purity with marriage in view as God's holy design, for marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled, but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers, Hebrews 13:4. If you are not married, God calls you to celibacy and self control until marriage between a man and a woman, and His grace is sufficient to help you.
We notice you said you have been a Christian for a year but you did not mention the name of Jesus Christ in your request. We gently remind you that it is only through faith in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection for our sins, that we have access to God and the power to overcome sin. If you have truly believed on Him and confessed Him as Lord, you are a child of God, John 1:12, Romans 10:9.
We pray together for you now.
Father in heaven, we lift up this dear believer to You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son. We thank You for drawing this heart to Yourself a year ago and for the work You have begun. Lord, we ask for Your forgiveness for every lustful thought and deed, and we claim Your promise to cleanse and forgive. Fill this heart with Your Holy Spirit and give strength to flee temptation and to walk in purity. Renew the mind by Your Word and make the way of escape clear when temptation comes. Give wisdom about a church home, lead to a fellowship that preaches Your Word faithfully and exalts Jesus Christ alone as Savior and Mediator, and protect from any teaching that would add to Your finished work on the cross. Help this young believer to grow in grace, to find godly brothers for accountability, and to know the hope and freedom that is in Christ. We ask that You would give victory, peace, and assurance, and that You would guide toward a godly marriage in Your timing if it is Your will, where purity is honored. We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our only hope and righteousness, amen.
Thank you for sharing this so openly. Wanting to honor God and feeling stuck in the same struggle a year into your faith can be discouraging, and it makes sense you are asking whether a change like becoming Catholic would help you get free.
We want to encourage you that wrestling with lust does not mean your faith is not real or that you have failed. Growth is often slower and more uneven than we expect, and simply changing traditions by itself does not usually remove temptation. What tends to help is understanding what is driving the longing underneath and walking with others honestly.
It could help to talk through both questions separately with a mature pastor or mentor you trust. For the questions about Catholicism, share what is drawing you there, whether it is structure, confession, community or something else, and ask for guidance to seek God's will clearly. For the struggle with lust, consider inviting one trusted same sex believer into regular, honest accountability, and taking practical steps to remove what consistently trips you up when you are strong, not when you are already tempted.
We are praying for you.
Father, we bring our friend before you. You see their desire to follow you and the weight they feel. Give them wisdom as they seek your direction, surround them with safe, faithful community, and help them know your grace as they learn to walk in purity one day at a time. Lead them closer to Jesus. In Jesus name, amen.
We want to encourage you that wrestling with lust does not mean your faith is not real or that you have failed. Growth is often slower and more uneven than we expect, and simply changing traditions by itself does not usually remove temptation. What tends to help is understanding what is driving the longing underneath and walking with others honestly.
It could help to talk through both questions separately with a mature pastor or mentor you trust. For the questions about Catholicism, share what is drawing you there, whether it is structure, confession, community or something else, and ask for guidance to seek God's will clearly. For the struggle with lust, consider inviting one trusted same sex believer into regular, honest accountability, and taking practical steps to remove what consistently trips you up when you are strong, not when you are already tempted.
We are praying for you.
Father, we bring our friend before you. You see their desire to follow you and the weight they feel. Give them wisdom as they seek your direction, surround them with safe, faithful community, and help them know your grace as they learn to walk in purity one day at a time. Lead them closer to Jesus. In Jesus name, amen.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your openness in confessing this struggle after a year of walking with Christ is not a small thing, and it is right to bring it into the light before the Lord.
You must know that changing your outward profession will not cure an inward lust. The heart is not cleansed by passing from one communion to another, but by looking to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. As it has been said, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. That is the pedigree of sin, it is born of lust and it brings forth death. Any sin, whatever it is, if we cling to it and love it, will bring forth death, rest assured of that. The remedy therefore must be inward and spiritual, not merely an external change of name or of church.
In former times charity was cried up by the Romanists to an extreme point, almsgiving seeming to be the beginning and the end of piety, and purity went down while charity went up. Yet charity without purity will be of no use. In vain should we give all our substance to the poor if we do not walk in the way of holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Charity and purity are the two great garments of Christianity, and you cannot put on one without the other. To seek refuge in a system that has often magnified outward works while purity declined will not give you power over the flesh.
The power over lust is found in Christ alone, for salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, not through rites or priests or any other mediator. Worldlings do not understand the terms on which we are linked with Christ. To them Christ is a somebody who lived long ago and then died. But to us He is alive, He is our familiar Friend. We give an overcoming glance when we look to the Lord Jesus Christ for all things. Saints first learn the art of overcoming evil and then they learn the way to overcome goodness too, by looking to Him until His love constrains us to holiness.
You do well to pray, Lead us not into temptation. That prayer does not mean that temptation is only trial, for all temptation, even if it is temptation from Satan, is in fact trial from God, yet there is more than trial in the text. Temptation in itself is a thing very dangerous, and trials and distress in themselves are so perilous that it is right for the Christian to pray to be spared from them. Pray it sincerely, Oh save me from the mischief of the temptation, let me not stain my garments, let me not slip nor slide, but may I stand fast at the end of the day.
And having prayed that prayer, never go into temptation. The man who prays Lead us not into temptation and then goes into it is a liar before God. You must not for any reason desire to be tried, but must pray to be kept, and then you must act accordingly. Make no provision for the flesh. Flee youthful lusts. Cut off the occasions, the places, the images, the idleness and the company that feed the fire. Keep your eyes fixed on Christ, feed daily upon the Word, walk in open fellowship with faithful believers who will hold you accountable, and labor in that charity which visits the fatherless and widows, for an idle and impure mind is soon overcome.
Do not be discouraged because the battle still rages after one year. Sanctification is a lifelong work, and the very grief you feel over sin is an evidence that the Spirit is at work in you. Bring your struggle continually to Christ, confess it, look to Him for cleansing through His blood and for strength through His Spirit, and He will keep you.
You must know that changing your outward profession will not cure an inward lust. The heart is not cleansed by passing from one communion to another, but by looking to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. As it has been said, when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. That is the pedigree of sin, it is born of lust and it brings forth death. Any sin, whatever it is, if we cling to it and love it, will bring forth death, rest assured of that. The remedy therefore must be inward and spiritual, not merely an external change of name or of church.
In former times charity was cried up by the Romanists to an extreme point, almsgiving seeming to be the beginning and the end of piety, and purity went down while charity went up. Yet charity without purity will be of no use. In vain should we give all our substance to the poor if we do not walk in the way of holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Charity and purity are the two great garments of Christianity, and you cannot put on one without the other. To seek refuge in a system that has often magnified outward works while purity declined will not give you power over the flesh.
The power over lust is found in Christ alone, for salvation is through Jesus Christ alone, not through rites or priests or any other mediator. Worldlings do not understand the terms on which we are linked with Christ. To them Christ is a somebody who lived long ago and then died. But to us He is alive, He is our familiar Friend. We give an overcoming glance when we look to the Lord Jesus Christ for all things. Saints first learn the art of overcoming evil and then they learn the way to overcome goodness too, by looking to Him until His love constrains us to holiness.
You do well to pray, Lead us not into temptation. That prayer does not mean that temptation is only trial, for all temptation, even if it is temptation from Satan, is in fact trial from God, yet there is more than trial in the text. Temptation in itself is a thing very dangerous, and trials and distress in themselves are so perilous that it is right for the Christian to pray to be spared from them. Pray it sincerely, Oh save me from the mischief of the temptation, let me not stain my garments, let me not slip nor slide, but may I stand fast at the end of the day.
And having prayed that prayer, never go into temptation. The man who prays Lead us not into temptation and then goes into it is a liar before God. You must not for any reason desire to be tried, but must pray to be kept, and then you must act accordingly. Make no provision for the flesh. Flee youthful lusts. Cut off the occasions, the places, the images, the idleness and the company that feed the fire. Keep your eyes fixed on Christ, feed daily upon the Word, walk in open fellowship with faithful believers who will hold you accountable, and labor in that charity which visits the fatherless and widows, for an idle and impure mind is soon overcome.
Do not be discouraged because the battle still rages after one year. Sanctification is a lifelong work, and the very grief you feel over sin is an evidence that the Spirit is at work in you. Bring your struggle continually to Christ, confess it, look to Him for cleansing through His blood and for strength through His Spirit, and He will keep you.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
I prayed for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your honesty about this struggle is a good step, and it is right to bring it before God and before others instead of carrying it alone. To have been a Christian for a year and still to feel the pull of lust does not mean you have failed or that you are alone in this fight. Scripture says there has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, and God is faithful. He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear with His help, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape so that you may be able to endure it.
That promise shows two things. First, this temptation is not strange or unbeatable. Many before you, even the saints of old, have known the same battle and have found that God uses the struggle itself to teach moderation, humility and dependence on Him. Second, the way of escape is not found in simply changing an outward setting, but in learning to flee to Him continually. Like a loving father who allows a moment of fear so that his child will run to his bosom, God at times permits temptation so that we will persevere in prayer and abide close to Him. He does not wish to delay help, but He lengthens our supplication so that we learn to remain with Him.
For that reason, becoming Catholic in itself will not remove lust. No tradition or change of name can by itself make the heart pure. Salvation and cleansing are through Jesus Christ alone, and purity grows as we walk with Him day by day. If you are drawn to learn more about church history or worship, seek wisdom with an open Bible and with mature believers who can answer your questions, but do not believe that a new affiliation will automatically solve an inward battle. The battle is won by abiding in Christ.
Scripture calls us to be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity, to be a living pattern of a Christian life. That is not achieved in a moment but through steady practices that God uses to form us. Keep giving careful heed to prayer, even when you do not feel an immediate answer, and persevere. Cut away excess where you can, guard what you see and where you go, and make provision to flee when temptation comes rather than to stand and argue with it. Bring the struggle into the light with a trusted pastor or mature believer who can walk with you, encourage you, and hold you accountable. Feed yourself daily on Scripture and let worship and fellowship keep your mind set on Christ.
I will pray for you, that God will give you wisdom as you seek Him, that He will make clear the way of escape each time temptation comes, that He will strengthen you to choose purity, and that He will draw you ever closer to Jesus, in whom alone we have forgiveness and new life. He who has begun a good work in you is faithful to continue it as you keep fleeing to Him.
That promise shows two things. First, this temptation is not strange or unbeatable. Many before you, even the saints of old, have known the same battle and have found that God uses the struggle itself to teach moderation, humility and dependence on Him. Second, the way of escape is not found in simply changing an outward setting, but in learning to flee to Him continually. Like a loving father who allows a moment of fear so that his child will run to his bosom, God at times permits temptation so that we will persevere in prayer and abide close to Him. He does not wish to delay help, but He lengthens our supplication so that we learn to remain with Him.
For that reason, becoming Catholic in itself will not remove lust. No tradition or change of name can by itself make the heart pure. Salvation and cleansing are through Jesus Christ alone, and purity grows as we walk with Him day by day. If you are drawn to learn more about church history or worship, seek wisdom with an open Bible and with mature believers who can answer your questions, but do not believe that a new affiliation will automatically solve an inward battle. The battle is won by abiding in Christ.
Scripture calls us to be an example in word, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity, to be a living pattern of a Christian life. That is not achieved in a moment but through steady practices that God uses to form us. Keep giving careful heed to prayer, even when you do not feel an immediate answer, and persevere. Cut away excess where you can, guard what you see and where you go, and make provision to flee when temptation comes rather than to stand and argue with it. Bring the struggle into the light with a trusted pastor or mature believer who can walk with you, encourage you, and hold you accountable. Feed yourself daily on Scripture and let worship and fellowship keep your mind set on Christ.
I will pray for you, that God will give you wisdom as you seek Him, that He will make clear the way of escape each time temptation comes, that He will strengthen you to choose purity, and that He will draw you ever closer to Jesus, in whom alone we have forgiveness and new life. He who has begun a good work in you is faithful to continue it as you keep fleeing to Him.
Silas
Beloved of All
Your honesty about struggling with lust after a year of walking with Jesus is important, and it does not mean you have failed beyond hope or that you are alone in this battle. Temptation is common to everyone who lives in this body, and the presence of temptation itself is not sin. Even Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin, so He understands the pressure you feel and is able to show mercy and help as a faithful high priest who is touched by our weakness.
It helps to see clearly where temptation comes from and what it does. God does not solicit anyone to evil. That solicitation comes from the enemy, and it works by drawing on our own desires within us. Temptation presents the idea that you can have immediate fulfillment if you step aside from God's path, but indulging never truly satisfies that desire. The only way to weaken that kind of desire is to starve it, not feed it. When desire is allowed to conceive, it brings forth sin, and sin when it is finished brings death. The sin is not in being tempted, but in choosing to yield to it.
For that reason, changing your church affiliation will not in itself deliver you from this struggle. The battle is not solved by an outward change of tradition, because the battle is inward. The flesh desires against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh, and they are contrary to each other. In each temptation you face a decision whether you will walk according to the flesh or according to the Spirit. Scripture describes those attacks as generally falling into three areas, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, and all of them belong to the world that is passing away, not to God.
God has provided the way to stand. He is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, and with every temptation He makes a way of escape so that you can bear it, but you must take that escape. He will not force you away from it. Part of that escape is the Word of God abiding in your heart. As the psalmist said, hiding God's Word in the heart keeps you from sinning against Him. When Jesus was tempted, He answered with what is written, and that is the pattern for us. To walk in the Spirit, to feed the new life you have in Christ, to turn quickly from the place or image or thought that entices you, to pray honestly and to bring your struggle into the light with a trusted mature believer, these are practical ways of choosing the Spirit over the flesh.
You were once ruled by the desires of the flesh and of the mind, living as one who was by nature under wrath, and that old way only led to emptiness. Now your life is hidden with Christ in God. You have been raised with Him, and you do not have to be mastered by the flesh any longer. You can reckon yourself dead to that old power and alive to God. This testing of your faith, as hard as it is, can develop patience and endurance as you learn to wait on God rather than grasp for immediate relief.
Jesus knows how weak the flesh can feel even when the spirit is willing, and He invites you to come to Him for grace to help in time of need. If you fall, do not remain in condemnation, but confess it quickly to Him, receive forgiveness through His blood, and get up to walk again in the Spirit. Salvation and victory are through Jesus Christ alone, by His grace and His Spirit working in you, not through any outward affiliation or ritual.
My prayer for you is that God will fill you with His Spirit, that His Word would dwell richly in you, that you would see clearly the escape He provides in each moment of temptation and have strength to take it, and that you would grow in patience and purity as you keep your affection set on Christ.
It helps to see clearly where temptation comes from and what it does. God does not solicit anyone to evil. That solicitation comes from the enemy, and it works by drawing on our own desires within us. Temptation presents the idea that you can have immediate fulfillment if you step aside from God's path, but indulging never truly satisfies that desire. The only way to weaken that kind of desire is to starve it, not feed it. When desire is allowed to conceive, it brings forth sin, and sin when it is finished brings death. The sin is not in being tempted, but in choosing to yield to it.
For that reason, changing your church affiliation will not in itself deliver you from this struggle. The battle is not solved by an outward change of tradition, because the battle is inward. The flesh desires against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh, and they are contrary to each other. In each temptation you face a decision whether you will walk according to the flesh or according to the Spirit. Scripture describes those attacks as generally falling into three areas, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, and all of them belong to the world that is passing away, not to God.
God has provided the way to stand. He is faithful and will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, and with every temptation He makes a way of escape so that you can bear it, but you must take that escape. He will not force you away from it. Part of that escape is the Word of God abiding in your heart. As the psalmist said, hiding God's Word in the heart keeps you from sinning against Him. When Jesus was tempted, He answered with what is written, and that is the pattern for us. To walk in the Spirit, to feed the new life you have in Christ, to turn quickly from the place or image or thought that entices you, to pray honestly and to bring your struggle into the light with a trusted mature believer, these are practical ways of choosing the Spirit over the flesh.
You were once ruled by the desires of the flesh and of the mind, living as one who was by nature under wrath, and that old way only led to emptiness. Now your life is hidden with Christ in God. You have been raised with Him, and you do not have to be mastered by the flesh any longer. You can reckon yourself dead to that old power and alive to God. This testing of your faith, as hard as it is, can develop patience and endurance as you learn to wait on God rather than grasp for immediate relief.
Jesus knows how weak the flesh can feel even when the spirit is willing, and He invites you to come to Him for grace to help in time of need. If you fall, do not remain in condemnation, but confess it quickly to Him, receive forgiveness through His blood, and get up to walk again in the Spirit. Salvation and victory are through Jesus Christ alone, by His grace and His Spirit working in you, not through any outward affiliation or ritual.
My prayer for you is that God will fill you with His Spirit, that His Word would dwell richly in you, that you would see clearly the escape He provides in each moment of temptation and have strength to take it, and that you would grow in patience and purity as you keep your affection set on Christ.
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Hadassah
Find strength for today in this message from Dr. Talmage.
