ENEMIES OF THE NEW YOU

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THE PLACE YOU NO LONGER BELONG 

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

1 John 2:15-17 (NIV)

   THE WORLD is referred to the governments and economic systems created by fallen humanity that function independently without God and His truth concerning man and his existence. This includes education, man-made religions, entertainment, philosophies, lifestyles, and social values that are resistant towards the teachings of Christ. The world system is corrupt and appointed for judgment when Christ returns. We are called to not conform to the patterns of this world, but to renew our minds and live according to God's will for our lives.

THE OLD YOU RESISTING THE NEW

The sinful self wants what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is against the sinful self. They are always fighting against each other, so that you don’t do what you really want to do. 

Galatians 5:17 (ERV)

   THE FLESH refers to our fallen human condition which is prone to sin and selfish desires. We are naturally inclined to indulge in the sinful desires of our nature. As believers in Christ, we rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome the desires of our flesh and live in accordance with God's will.

“It is what comes from inside that defiles you.  For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you.”

Mark 7:20-20 (NIV)

HE COMES TO STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY   

 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

John 10:10

   THE DEVIL also known as Satan, is an angel who raised up other angels to rebel against God. Because of pride and his desire to be worshipped like God all were cast down to earth from heaven. Satan is seen as the Adversary of God and believers in Christ. He the prince of evil spirits. He  is very real and active in our world today. His main desire is to rule humanity to lead them away from life and redemption and embrace the way of death and destruction. 

   In the Bible, Satan is described as a tempter, accuser, and the father of lies, twisting the truth of God's Word. He is not equal with God. His power is limited. Believers in Christ are equipped to resist him, stand firm in the faith, and rely on God's strength to overcome his schemes against us.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

1 Peter 5:8

   This is what feeds the fire and perpetuates our sinfulness and an endless cycle of brokenness in our lives and in our world. We are powerless to change. This separates us from knowing God and the purpose He has for our lives.

   Our world endorses values and priorities that frequently conflict with God’s principles. It exalts materialism, self-centeredness, and immorality, thereby encouraging individuals to place worldly desires above spiritual development.

   Our inherent sinful nature, characterized by selfishness and defiance, is instrumental in shaping this world system.

   Satan, who opposes God and mankind, strives to mislead and lure us into sin. The devil employs falsehoods, uncertainties, and temptations to divert humanity from knowing God’s truth.

   This allows us to live in spiritual darkness, devoid of the understanding of why we were created in God’s image and our eternal purpose.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it”--

Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)