Tag Archives: Carnality

Shall we continue in sin? Scriptures that caution against carnality.

In the old testament, the Israelites often received immediate punishment whenever they transgressed the law.

God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for homosexuality; Achan was stoned to death for stealing, witches were killed, Zechariah was struck with dumbness when he doubted etc.

However, Jesus came to put a stop to this and introduce a new system in which our sins can be forgiven.

He not only became the sacrifice for our past sins, but also our defender for any sin we may commit in the future.

1 John 2:1: “But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” (NIV)

Thus, the believer can be rest assured that sin is no longer a problem. It is no longer a hedge between him and God. God no longer punishes us whenever we sin because of the blood of Jesus.

However, this truth can be taken beyond the divine intention by an immature believer – one who is still carnally minded.

Since the Blood of Jesus cleanses us of all our sins, why can’t we cast off all restrains and live a life of sensuality.

Here are scriptures that admonish us against such;

1. Ecclesiastes 10:8 “… whoso breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him.” (KJV)

Even though we have been free from the obligations and demands of the old testament law, we are still subject to the commands of Christ in the New Testament as well as the instructions of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us.

There are sins which a believer must never engage in. Engaging in these sins, especially intentionally, will expose such believer to the attack of the enemy.

There is no protection for the rebellious or the disobedient.

Smokers will always have lung problems no matter how much of Christ’s blood was shed for them.

A fornicator will always be prone to STDs and HIV; a liar will definitely have a lot of business losses; a believer who delves into homosexuality and transgenderism will definitely experience a lot of regrets at the end of his life.

When a believer wilfully decides to live in sin, he has rebelled against the commands of God and will be prone to the assault and abuse of Satan.

Thus, we must learn to live in obedience to the Spirit of God and His commands in scriptures. They are not meant to keep us in bondage, but to liberate us.

They are not meant to make our lives boring, but to keep us within the reach of God’s mercy, away from Satan’s territory.

2. Hebrews 12:1: “… let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” (KJV)

The Christian life is like a race run till eternity. However, to prevent us from reaching the finished line, Satan distracts by getting them entangled in their fleshly desires. No believer can make true progress in piety while living in sin.

Living in sin makes one lose focus on God. It brings guilt and shame upon the soul of a believer; making it difficult for such believer to sense the presence of God.

Thus, the Bible admonishes us to mortify our flesh and flee lusts, because these things have very negative consequences on even our faith.

The beginning of apostasy is wilful sinfulness. So we must avoid it at all cost.

3. 1 John 2:5 “But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him.”

The truth is that one cannot claim to love God while living in disobedience to God’s word.

Love and disobedience do not go hand in hand. Instead, true love for God will inspire awe in our hearts and cause us to live holy lives.

A child who claims to love and respect his parents will definitely not do whatever will offend his parents or taint their honour.

The evidence that we really love God and honour the sacrifices He made for us on the cross is that we present our bodies to Him as a living sacrifice and live holy lives.

One who lives in sin willfully has no love for God, and those that do not love God have no place in His kingdom.

Therefore, dear believers, let us abstain from sin and carnality. Though it seems pleasurable, it’s only poison hidden underneath ecstasy. Stay within the boundaries of God’s moral law.

However, God isn’t a wicked God. He isn’t a God without mercy and pity on those who sincerely want to be free from their carnal desires.

And that is why He has given us His Holy Spirit to guide us and help us live holy life.

A true believer desires freedom from sin and not freedom to sin.

How can I subdue my sexual lust?




Lust, in recent times has been a major tool in the hands of the enemy to distract, delay and to deviate the mind of believers, especially youths from pushing and pursuing that which is of a Greater value.


Lust is an extreme desire for something. Lust isn’t long-term. It bases its roots on short term desires and always demands instant gratification.



Lust, especially towards sex, has eaten up some youths both due to ignorance or due to adherence to the Rules of God’s Kingdom.

Though, God authorised marriage and sex, lust makes us have an untameable desire for sex even when it’s wrong to indulge in such outside marriage.


Growing up as teens, and young adults, we all know about the Chemistry that happens to us. How do we respond? As maturing Ladies and Lads, there would be times when the thought of sex would cross our minds; it’s inescapable.


But what do we do?




1. DON’T PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE.


The Scriptures tell us in Songs of Solomon not to Awaken love when we are not ready. That could be likened to a guy always visiting a lady, telling her he loves her so much, buying her gifts, taking her out, and painting an image in her heart that he loves her whereas, he has no intent of marrying her.



That would really hurt the Emotions of the lady because those actions he took towards her had awakened love in her.



If you are not ready for sex, do not awaken it. Don’t even knock at its door. It’s like a sleeping lion. Just leave it quietly. Because if it awakes, it ravages everything it sees and makes sure It finds what it seeks for.


Stay away from lust inciting materials. There are things that stir it up and increase it’s grip over our souls.

The more we consume these materials, the more lust gains dominion. Mortify the flesh by denying it of its food – sexual imaginations, Pornography, immoral conversations etc. Separating ourselves from these things weakens the grip of lust over our soul.


I know that beyond the Do’s and Dont’s there is a spiritual aspect, but we must also be willing to keep our guard and by His strength, avoid things that stir up the wrong emotions in us.


2. FEED YOUR SPIRIT.


Watch and Pray lest you fall into temptation”.


Prayer, Meditation, Fasting, studying the word and other spiritual activities, strengthen us to resist temptation and builds our Spirit man with the required fortitude required to say NO to ungodliness.


The more we study God’s word, the more our hearts get renewed and transformed into the likeness of Christ.

God’s word is the chemical that mortifies every seed of immorality within us. This chemical is applied upon our hearts when we meditate on it.



3. MENTORSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY


1 Corinthians 10:13: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man”


What you’re going through isn’t new, there are believers who have had their private battles with the snares of lust and have subdued it. Counsel from them is necessary.


Get a coach who will guide you through the path towards spiritual freedom.





There are two major sources of learning;
– By a Mentor.
– By a Mistake.




FLEE!!!!

2 Timothy 2:22 “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

A lot of times, we are the cause of our own problems; like Eve, we desire the forbidden fruit. Do not tolerate even the appearance of sin!



Learn to leave when the atmosphere or environment is not conducive for your soul’s wellbeing.