Enemy Within
His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin. Proverbs 5:22 NKJV
Jesus taught us it’s not what we eat that defiles us but what’s inside. Mark 7:15 NKJV “There is nothing that enters a man from outside which can defile him; but the things which come out of him, those are the things that defile a man.” Our outward behavior doesn’t make us a sinner, but rather we are sinful from within.
James reiterates Jesus’ message and adds the consequence in James 1:14-15 “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” Peter tells us the only way to escape the entanglement of sin is through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 2:20).
Romans 3:23 says we all sin and fall short of the glory of God. No one is exempt from sin. We all sin at some point or another. Romans 6:23 says the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, sin brings judgment of a spiritual death and sometimes a physical death too. Yet, our Lord is compassionate, loving, and merciful. He has provided a way out. That way, the only way, the truth and the life is Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
How do we escape sin?
First we give our life to Christ. Decide today to turn from sin by submitting our self to Jesus. If you haven’t given your life to Jesus yet, it is never too late and it’s easy. Just say an honest prayer something like this:
Jesus, I can’t do this thing called life on my own. I need your help. Please come into my life and free me from the bondage of sin. In your name I pray. Amen.
If you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10).
Second we tap into Holy Spirit’s power. We bring every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. Pastor Rick Warren teaches we become what we think about. Therefore, we ought to guard our thoughts. Philippians 4:8 says “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”
Third remember it is God’s word that transforms the way we think. Romans 12:2 says “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Let Him finish the good work He started in you. Allow His word to change how you think.
Jesus, thank you for being there for anyone who calls upon you. Thank you for not casting out the sinful but transforming us instead. Blessed by your name forever. Amen.
© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word. For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.
