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Diane Neumann

The Bible teaches us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19,20) and that we are to be living sacrifices to the Lord (Romans 12:1). In order for these transformations to occur, we must first recognize that subduing our flesh is a constant, daily process because it is a spiritual battle. Just when the believer feels confident that he has overcome an area of temptation in his life, he may come face to face with that very issue all over again and not triumph over it, but rather fall into the temptation. We are exhorted in 1 Corinthians 10:12, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." Why are there areas in a believer's life that seem to be a constant struggle to overcome and what can he do about truly being free of them?

Because Satan has legal authority in our world due to the fall of Adam and Eve, we know he is actively at work endeavoring to tempt believers with his evil trickery. In contrast, scripture tells us we are to be "changed from glory to glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). We are also told to "do all things unto Christ" (Colossians 3:17) and we are to "become slaves of God" (Romans 6:22). This could appear to be an impossible task and even a contradiction, but it is not. Scripture does not lie.

How does the believer get to the point in his walk with the Lord where temptations to yield to his flesh (the sinful nature) become very infrequent? The first issue is the need to identify what problems/temptations need to be dealt with. We may or may not be aware of the areas in our lives where we fall short in the exhortation to be "changed from glory to glory." Unfortunately, many times other people in the body of Christ see these problem areas before we do. Our carnal nature may be very obvious to others, yet we may be completely blinded to it. However, true revelation regarding these areas in our lives comes directly from the Holy Spirit through His conviction, illumination of scripture pertaining to a particular area, fasting and praying, as well as worship and praise.

A sincere, heartfelt prayer for holiness from a believer will get the Father's attention. When we cry out to the Lord asking Him for positive spiritual change, He will do everything in His power to help us. The problem areas will not all be revealed at one time, but through continual asking, seeking, and knocking, revelation by the Holy Spirit will come (Luke 11:9,10). I know in my own life when I have received Holy Spirit revelation regarding my carnal nature, I cannot deny what I am being shown. In addition, it has a profound spiritual impact on my flesh, which truly changes my soul for the better. I literally experience, "being changed from glory to glory."

In Mark 9:43-47, we are told to "cut off" areas in our lives that cause us to stumble. There are times in a believer's life when a decision must be made to stop indulging in a particular activity. Relationships with certain people may need to be cut off. Serving Christ always comes with a price, but the rewards far exceed the cost. The believer who makes this decision for his Lord will soon find himself reaching a new level in his walk with his God.

What can the believer do to avoid falling into these areas in which he struggles? The first step is to recognize that there are choices to be made, both spiritually speaking, as well as in the natural realm. It is the Christian's choice to spend quality time in prayer, Bible reading, and giving the Holy Spirit opportunity to speak into his life each day. If the above is not done on a consistent basis, the believer's "flesh" (mind, will, and emotions) will only weaken as time goes on. It will become more and more difficult for the individual to deal with situations as taught in scripture. The flesh will want to take control of the situation, rather than allow the Holy Spirit to rise up on the inside of them and be victorious over the temptation. Romans 8:37 tells us that we are "more than conquerors through Christ." By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can rise above the challenges of life and be victorious.

It is also necessary that believers be willing to make necessary changes in their lives such as removing themselves from circumstances and situations that pose areas of temptation. A few examples of this may mean cutting off friendships, television shows or movies, not frequenting a certain businesses and possibly having to find a new job. These are practical, everyday examples of Mark 9:43-47.

If you are not certain what situations cause you the most trouble, you may need to spend some time praying and fasting for the revelation of the Holy Spirit. He will be faithful to reveal these areas to you, if you are faithful in seeking Him. Ask the Holy Spirit to grieve your "inner man" (your spirit) when you are offending Him in order to alert you immediately to what you have done. If you are faithful to yield to this correction, He will continue to convict you when you fall short. Be quick to repent (1 John 1:9). Your conduct is sinful to your Heavenly Father and it offends Him. Ask yourself, "Why do I want to offend the very One who was willing to sacrifice His only Son to die in my place?" Since the Father was willing to send His only Son to die a horrible, torturous death, how much more should we be willing to crucify our flesh and its demands?

The Christian life is not about rules and regulations, but rather about having an intimate relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As you grow spiritually to each new level in the Lord, you will avail yourself to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work through you to minister to those in need in a more powerful way than ever before. A clean vessel that truly reflects Christ is a vessel the Father will use to bring Him glory! Needless to say, your flesh and Satan will oppose your efforts to reach this new level of holiness, but be assured that true joy, peace and satisfaction await you on the other side of the battle. Do not allow Satan to rob you from coming up higher in your relationship with the Lord. Never give up "fighting the good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12). If you miss it and get into sin in any particular area, simply repent and go forward, "forgetting that which lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead" (Philippians 3:13,14). Strive to become a reflection of Christ to those around you.

Always remember, "the kingdom of heaven is taken by force" (Matthew 11:12). You have strength for all things through Christ who empowers you (Philippians 4:13).

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Contact Information:
Neumann Ministries
P.O. Box 134
Stillwater, MN 55082

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