Tag Archives: acts of the sinful nature

Do Not Stifle the Work of God

Posted on December 6, 2023 by expressyourself4him

The Bible is like a giant jigsaw puzzle with millions of pieces that you need to put together. If one piece is missing, you won’t fully understand the message God is trying to reveal. To provide a complete picture, I combined similar passages written to two different churches. These main verses should help you better understand how not to stifle the work of God.

Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; 20 Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning], 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20.

The apostle Paul begins this discussion by warning Christians to avoid quenching, suppressing or subduing the Holy Spirit. If you just read the above passage, Paul only mentions anyone devaluing specific spiritual gifts as well as prophetic messages uttered. In an earlier message to the Church at Ephesus, Paul expounds upon how Christians might individually stifle the work of God.

When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath (your exasperation, your fury or indignation) last until the sun goes down.27 Leave no [such] room or foothold for the devil [give no opportunity to him]. 28 Let the thief steal no more, but rather let him be industrious, making an honest living with his own hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. 29 Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). 31 Let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind), Ephesians 4:27-31.

Anytime a Christian begins to dabble in acts of the sinful nature, Galatians 5:16-21, God’s work is stifled. When your flesh overrides spiritual inklings, Galatians 5:25, the Holy Spirit is snuffed out. If this behavior becomes a habit, you are grieving the Holy Spirit like the words of Hebrews 6:1-6. May today’s blog serve as a warning to avoid falling down the slippery slope of grieving and stifling the work of God in you.

by Jay Mankus

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Be Done with Every Trace of Wickedness

Posted on February 21, 2022 by expressyourself4him

While the apostle Paul provides a general classification of the acts of the sinful nature in Galatians 5:19-21, other New Testament authors go into more specific aspects of wickedness. Jesus’ earthly brother refers to the process of temptation that wears down weakened souls, James 1:13-15. The disciple whom Jesus loved blames this on sensual desires, lustful eyes and pride in 1 John 2:15-17. These passages serve as warnings for Christians to be done with every trace of wickedness.

So be done with every trace of wickedness (depravity, malignity) and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander and evil speaking of every kind, 1 Peter 2:1.

The decision to become a Christian is like committing to a new diet. Whenever you make a transition from eating whatever you want to healthy or full vegan, taste will be one of the greatest obstacles. When I served as an elder at Red Lion, one of our members went off to a cancer treatment center. This particular facility used natural foods to make human bodies less acidic. In the case of my friend, after 6 months on a rigid diet, he became cancer free. Yet, his roommate was unable to alter his eating habits.

Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; 23 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], 24 And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness. 25 Therefore, rejecting all falsity and being done now with it, let everyone express the truth with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one body and members one of another, Ephesians 4:22-25.

The apostle Paul applies a similar method to altering one’s lifestyle. Like a filthy kid playing in the mud all day, Paul urges new Christians to strip off their former nature. Whenever you hold on to bad habits and former addictions, traces of a wicked past will cling to your soul. This is when a divine intervention may be necessary. Like doing laundry once a week so that you can have clean clothes to wear, Christians need to practice Paul’s advice in Colossians 3:1-9 to remove your past and replace this with Jesus Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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God Wants Your Sex

Posted on July 12, 2014 by expressyourself4him

What?  Am I in the right place?  Are you sure you’re not referring to the George Michael song?  During a private conversation between Moses and God, Exodus 31:18, this concept was first introduced to the Israelites.

To prevent the excuse, “well, no one ever told me,” the Lord lays out His position about sex in plain view for all to see, Leviticus 18.   The first sex education message may be graphic in nature, yet God’s boundaries are clearly defined.  Every possible scenario, no matter have perverted, establishes a line in the sand to discourage unlawful sexual acts.   If Adam couldn’t keep the only law in the garden, Genesis 2:17, what’s going to keep mankind from pushing the sexual envelope.

To combat this temptation, God introduces the acts of the sinful nature in Galatians 5:19-21.  It’s not a coincidence that sex is linked to the first and last desire.  Sexual immorality is like an open door that many walk through, attracted by temporary pleasures and illicit scenery.  When lust becomes full blown, individuals are persuaded to partake in orgies, losing control of their sexuality.

According to the apostle Paul, the church in Corinth struggled to control their bodies.  Subsequently, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 is written to help those who have strayed off course.  Beyond these addictive habits, soul ties merge you with a sexual partner.  These bonds often confuse souls, destroying relationships and preventing true intimacy from forming.  In view of this, God wants your sex so that your temple, physical body, will be offered as a living sacrifice, Romans 12:1-2.  Please share your feelings, opinions and thoughts on this controversial topic.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Shocking Words from Inside the Bible

Posted on September 1, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Inside of book 3 within Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote a chapter entitled Sexual Morality.  Lewis takes an unusual angle, comparing food to sex, using this to explain why an adult may venture into a strip club.  This appetite is called the Beast of Lust by the group Tribe of Dan, a powerful force which persuades people to wander further than they ever expected or thought to go beyond God’s boundaries defined by the Bible.  Lewis is likely referencing 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, where the apostle Paul warns believers against giving into their sexual desires outside of marriage.  Paul introduces the concept of soul ties, where sleeping with another person binds a part of your soul together with this individual.  These ties are strong, often ruining marriages due to previous encounters, one night stands or prior relationships.

One of my favorite classes I taught for 10 years changed its name several times, yet the textbook remained the same, Mere Christianity.  Upon reaching C.S. Lewis’ chapter on sex, I usually spent a day introducing students to Leviticus 18, a guide for what is and what isn’t lawful sexually.  Although many of the things mentioned are common sense, if you have ever read the book of Genesis, you might be surprised by what you missed, overlooked or like me, shake your head, feeling like you need a shower.  Incest, homosexuality and one night stands are a common theme within the first 37 chapters of Genesis.  Chapter 38 even eludes to masterbation in verses 9-10 and contains an act of prostitution before ending in the birth of twins.  Yes, there are definitely shocking words from inside the Bible, yet why do they exist?

First, sex is the first and last act of the sinful nature.  Galatians 5:19 lists sexual immorality as the most natural feeling, inclination or tendency that human beings face.  When someone feeds this hunger without limits, it can give birth to orgies, the last act of the flesh in Galatians 5:21 when sin is full blown.  Second, God doesn’t beat around the bush; He is honest, telling the world what to expect when you indulge into worldly pleasures, Romans 8:5-9.  Free will gives everyone options, to do as they please while on earth.  Finally, Jesus is real, speaking on your level, even if it meant speaking to drunk guests at weddings, John 2:1-11.  While many churches are afraid of speaking about sex in sermons, the Bible is full of shocking words to get your attention so that one day, you might make reservations for a future life in heaven, John 3:16-17.  Jesus is just a prayer away, Romans 10:9-10!

by Jay Mankus

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The Envy of Cain

Posted on August 28, 2013 by expressyourself4him

When envy is present within the hearts and minds of individuals, jealousy usually isn’t far off.  Envy and jealousy often feed off of one another breeding the other feeling.  Envy arises deep inside the human soul, aroused by someone else’s material possessions, personality or unique gifts resulting in a spirit of discontent and resentment.  On the other  hand, jealousy is the emotion one experiences when someone thinks they are about to be replaced by the flavor of the month, leading to apprehension and fear.  This is where you find Cain within the pages of Genesis 4.

Cain was the prized baby, the first born boy on planet earth.  As an infant, his mom and dad waited on every cry and whimper.  Like modern parents returning from a hospital, both are clueless, not sure how to handle or respond to this new creature who has entered their life.  As for Cain, every thing was peachy keen until Abel arrived onto the scene.  Cain was now longer the main attraction, forced to share time with his baby brother.  If this wasn’t enough to bear, Cain realized how much harder farming was compared to shepherding, Abel’s occupation.  Then, God had to go and play favorites, rejecting Cain’s weak offering, but extremely pleased by the fat portions brought by Abel, Genesis 4:3-5.  These ingredients conceived the envy of Cain.

Before I studied the definitions of envy and jealousy, I never imagined either of these 2 acts of the sinful nature, Galatians 5:19-21, stirred inside my heart.  However, as I read the numerous definitions and examples of each on the internet, I saw signs of the envy of Cain within me.  Whether you are a coach, teacher or hard working employee, there is always someone quicker, smarter and more appealing than you.  Thus, you need to learn to be content in the areas God has gifted you.  If you don’t, you are giving the devil an open door for the envy of Cain to reside within you, Ephesians 4:25-27.  Therefore, lean on the the grace, forgiveness and mercy of God to purge yourself of any traces of envy or jealousy.

by Jay Mankus

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