WINNING THE WAR WITHIN

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 as 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 it is 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 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.

 THE THIEF THAT COMES ONLY TO STEAL AND KILL AND DESTROY   

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

THE DEVIL also known as Satan, is an angel cast out of Heaven because he raised up a third of the angels to rebel against God. Satan is seen as the Adversary of God and the prince of evil spirits. His main desire is to tempt humanity to reject the way of 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 our faith, and rely on God's strength to overcome the schemes against us.

These elements feed the fire and perpetuate our sinful tendencies, establishing an endless cycle of brokenness we are powerless to change. I's what separates us from knowing God and the purpose He has for our lives.

The world system 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 individuals into sin. The devil employs falsehoods, uncertainties, and temptations to divert people from understanding God’s truth.

This allows living 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)