Many of us think that if we admit that we are powerless, and actually confess our addictions, temptations or issues with another human being that we will unleash that very stronghold, habit or thing we are trying to control, or keep secret. The very opposite is true. To admit a problem is to reduce its power.
Paul says in Romans 3:9-10 9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one". Note, we are under sin. Sin is a powerful and very addicting force that produces compulsive behavior.
We see this at the very start of human history in the lives of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. Abel is viciously murdered by his brother, Cain. The LORD confronts Cain before the crime and describes sin this way: "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." (Genesis 4:7).
Do you see the language used? Sin is "crouching" at your door--lurking, waiting and ready to pounce on you in a weak moment. Sin has a power, a personality of its own, an existence outside the realm of personal choice and behavior.
But how do we deal with it? The book of Romans gives us the clue: "For when we were still without strength, in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6). That is Good News, because in dying HE pays the penalty for our sin and gives access to HIS Power for every Believer. In the flesh, we are powerless. In CHRIST, we are Powerful.
Dear FATHER GOD in Heaven, As I rediscover my identity in CHRIST, I am no longer powerless over my unwanted same-sex attractions. I know temptation lurks at the door and desires my downfall, but in CHRIST only can I be strong against it. Thank YOU, JESUS, for all of the many Blessings YOU generously bring me into on a daily basis. I pray in JESUS’ Precious and Powerful and Power-Filled Name. Amen.
Reading Genesis 4:1-16 this morning….
Paul says in Romans 3:9-10 9 What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10 As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one". Note, we are under sin. Sin is a powerful and very addicting force that produces compulsive behavior.
We see this at the very start of human history in the lives of Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve. Abel is viciously murdered by his brother, Cain. The LORD confronts Cain before the crime and describes sin this way: "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it." (Genesis 4:7).
Do you see the language used? Sin is "crouching" at your door--lurking, waiting and ready to pounce on you in a weak moment. Sin has a power, a personality of its own, an existence outside the realm of personal choice and behavior.
But how do we deal with it? The book of Romans gives us the clue: "For when we were still without strength, in due time CHRIST died for the ungodly" (Romans 5:6). That is Good News, because in dying HE pays the penalty for our sin and gives access to HIS Power for every Believer. In the flesh, we are powerless. In CHRIST, we are Powerful.
Dear FATHER GOD in Heaven, As I rediscover my identity in CHRIST, I am no longer powerless over my unwanted same-sex attractions. I know temptation lurks at the door and desires my downfall, but in CHRIST only can I be strong against it. Thank YOU, JESUS, for all of the many Blessings YOU generously bring me into on a daily basis. I pray in JESUS’ Precious and Powerful and Power-Filled Name. Amen.
Reading Genesis 4:1-16 this morning….