Words of Life

Prayers, Psalms, and Devotionals
Tract #10112

“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer; and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.”1 John 3:15

A MATTER OF THE HEART

Jesus said that if you look upon a woman with lust, you are guilty of adultery.  You have already fornicated in your heart.  It is not necessary to commit the act.  Similarly, scripture states that if you hate your brother you are a murderer.  God shows us time and again that it is the inward person that He sees.  Do not be deceived into judging others for their lifestyles or overt acts when the issue is the sin nature itself, the heart of our character that must be transformed through supernatural means.

UNDERSTANDING THE SIN NATURE

We must understand the “bad news” to fully appreciate the “Good News.”   Our situation is desperate!  We are born into sin, apart from God and incapable of pleasing Him.  Our own best efforts would never be good enough, for the standard of God is perfection.  This is a grievous truth to digest.  As fallible humans we are impotent to execute what is required by our Creator.  We are lost upon a barren wasteland, this rock in outer space called earth.  God stated that with sin comes death, and this is the destiny of every flesh-born person:  we shall return to the dust from whence we came.

 

SIN NATURE TREND TOWARD LEGALISM

Adam and Eve were told not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (Gen 2:9).  This is a picture of the two trends of the sin nature.  Notice it is not only evil, but also of “good.”  In this approach, man tries to earn God’s favor through religion or good deeds.  Let us examine this more closely:  

Many attend church regularly and perform charitable works in the community because they feel God will approve.  They seek to earn righteousness by good deeds.  But this is Satan’s lie and the foundation of all religions in the world.  It is impossible to earn  God’s favor.  God will only accept you on His terms, as a humble and broken-hearted sinner.   There is nothing we could ever do to earn God’s favor.  Watch for this tendency to want to come to God based on your good works.  This is oft referred to as legalism, and is prevalent in most religions, especially Christianity.  Many fall under its unsuspecting spell.

“…and all our righteousness are as filthy rags”  Isa 64:6 “for it (the flesh) does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Rom 8:6-7)

 SIN NATURE TREND TOWARD HEDONISM

The other side of the sin nature is lawlessness, seeking pleasure and self-gratification.  “Eat, Drink, and be Merry for Tomorrow We Die” is the attitude.  But fulfillment cannot be earned through pleasure any more than it can be attained through good deeds.  The hedonist is no better off than the ascetic, except that the hedonist might be aware he/she is in opposition to God, while the self-righteous believes he/she has earned  God’s favor.

God allows no flesh to glory in His sight.  It is essential to approach God as a broken person, aware of your need.  Approach God in humility and truth.  Do not wait to “get right.”  This is the lie of legalism!  Come to God exactly as you are, in all your flaws.  Come to God in your drug addiction, in your homosexuality, in your lust patterns.  Come to God in your anger, recognizing you are a murderer.  We all are.  The issue is not what you have done or continue to do.  The issue is the state of your heart.  Are you proud or have you been broken?

The Good News is that although we are sinners and desperately incapable of pleasing the Lord, that God did not leave us stranded or forsaken.  God has provided every means for salvation.  He sent His Son to bring you back to Him safely.  The Lord will meet you wherever you are at.  Turn to Him and offer your heart.  

PRAYER

Dear Lord,

Keep us a simple people, a little flock of sheep, humble and teachable in your Perfect Way.

Oh Lord, reveal to the people what it means to have a Personal relationship with You.  Let the Truth spread forth and shine in the dark places, in the tabernacles of hearts. Enlighten us with your Spirit.  Refresh souls across this land.

Lord, we look to the sky with longing and anticipation; we look within ourselves for your abiding Presence.  Please move us with Your Spirit that we might understand our place and purpose on earth. 

Your music evokes my tears; please move my soul.  Your Spirit intercourses with mine; please move my soul.  Your promises of kindness make me to turn and wait for You; please move my soul.  Your instill vision in my heart; please move my soul.

Let this message speak Christ into the hearts of readers.  Enrich in us a foundation of Love and bring us to a heightened understanding of Truth.  In Jesus Name.  Amen.

Larry Word