BSBKJVWEBYLTASVBBEWMBT4TDBY|HymnsMusicDonate
Menu
General

DO NOT RESPOND - unless you have victory over sin!

J
JFEdgar Apr 25, 2006

Hello,I am posting this question to all who can answer it from experience. How do I get victory? Please DO NOT RESPOND if you have not found victory in your daily walk. I am not looking for a theory about victory, im not looking for a sermon about victory, im not looking for an opinion about victory. I would like an answer from someone who has found their victory in Him, and can give me a clear explanation of how they came to it.Just to make things clear, this is my definition of victory:-Having a consistent walk in Him without high high's and low lows, but consistently walking with Him daily-Not falling to the same sins you have struggled with for a long time, but finding power to overcome temptations when they come-having the fruits of LOVE, JOY, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and temperence in their daily life. -walking in humility-walking with joy (not a miserable, beating yourself out of sin type of 'victory'... or fear of not being saved 'victory'... or fear going to hell 'victory' even I have had that and it doesnt last for more than a few montths and it isnt what Jesus has called us to!)-walking in Him, with Him, for Him, daily doing His will in a current, real relationship. I would like to re-emphasize the point, DO NOT RESPOND unless you have found this out and have lived it out in your practical, daily life for a long time (not just a couple of weeks or months). I am not looking for a theory. Thank you,Love,Joe

sermonindex Apr 25, 2006

Joe, you better fasten your seat belt, because I think you are too brave to post this because of the multitude of "how to's" you're probably going to get.If you mean "sinless perfection" in this lifetime, I couldn't say a word about that, because it's not attainable in this present state we are in.If you mean, never having a low days, that too is not possible in this present state.We will always have "us" in one form or another and God never intended to "destroy 'us'" ... but uses our low days to just draw us closer and that is why Romans 8:28 is FOR vs 29.Don't seperate the "Fruit" of the Spirit as it's "singular" "Fruit" but actually see it as what it really is "HIS IMAGE". That is God's complete plan, is to conform us into HIS IMAGE.Walking in Him or in the Spirit, is not having our eyes on OURSELVES ... but only HIM and OTHERS ..... that is how HE WALKED WHEN HERE. HE said, "My sheep are continuously "hearing" My Voice and continuously "following". He will lead you in every step of your day if you "keep your ears and eyes fixed upon Him and not dependent on yourself. That's FAITH. And if we are not totally walking "In Faith"... then we can't please Him ... and that Faith is In Him.Not with HIS eyes on Himself at all. Only on The Father and Others, for His Will and for the good of others. Being willing to be poured out like a drink offering for Him for others.All I can add now is what I just wrote the other day.For 30 years I read every book ever written on how to find the "Crucified Life" - "How to Die to Self" - "That He may Increase and I Decrease" .... it was my obsession and my driving passion.I never watched TV or went out anywhere's, except for fellowship and visits to family.I wanted to spend every minute of my waking hours for all of these years trying to find HIM.Or better stated to KNOW HIM as in Phil. 3.I'd read up to five Classics a week. I'd cry and pray and cry and pray until I think even Heaven was sick of it after a while - ha.But finally, more like, FINALLY - it came. I had been asking God for all those years to show me, "But HOW do I die to self, etc. etc. ?"Then he sent a very wise old man into my life who only taught that GOD IS AGAPE/DIVINE/LOVE.Love the Lord your God with all of you and others. The Only Two Commandments Jesus gave, because thus we are fulfilling all of the Law and prophets... by Agape Love.Every single thing HE has done has been because HE IS LOVE.The ONLY way we can die to self is to seek, find, and allow 'HIS' LOVE to fully have it's way .... no matter the consequences.When LOVE INCARNATE came to earth .... THEY KILLED HIM.WE cannot muster up or "try to" love as HIS LOVE.Only HE can do that in us, if we're willing to die to reputation, what others think of us, our own desires, etc..How will we know HE is instilling HIS love into us ?First (the way) will be our desire for HIM will increase as no desire we've ever felt on earth. LOVE DESIRES !For HIM and HIM ALONE.Not ever feeling lonely or bored again, even if in one room for years. Consumed with HIM.Secondly (the truth) is our desire for TRUTH, because HE IS THE TRUTH. BIBLICAL TRUTH ONLY.Not even a speck of non-truth will we settle for any longer, because WE WANT HIM --- ALL OF HIM.LOVE REJOICES AT THE TRUTH ! 1 Corth 13:6Thirdly (the life) is our walk from then on.Not one step is for us,(except for normal needs - but even in them, His timing is there.), because our desires have become HIS desires and we don't know any other way anymore. We're 'consumed' with THAT which is ETERNAL. We are seated in Heavenly places finally makes sense or becomes reality to us. LOVE DESIRES TO BE ALWAYS 'HEARING' AND 'BEING WITH' OUR BELOVED.Staying BIBLE ONLY when seeing what HE was like on earth and what Paul was like, is our only true example. No one else on earth can show us The Way, The Truth and The Life. Their words are NOT 100% INNERANT.Loving Him and others with HIS LOVE 'is' dying to "self". And "that" is VICTORY.All the best as you search HIS WORD.Annieedited.

J
Josiah777 Apr 26, 2006

JFEdgar,I have been truly saved, born again for the past 17 years. I hear your heart yearning in your question. My boast is in our Lord Jesus Christ, not in anything I've attained. Pertaining to all the things on your list, I can testify of the Lord's grace has been sufficient to sustain me in Him, for His glory. I cannot give you a computer print out step A, step B, step C so on HOW it happened; I just know it did. Perhaps that is not satisfying to you, but I can at least mark out a few things that I know for sure have been key contributors to this life. I believe the Lord grants us the "Promised Land" little by little, but it is one of ever increasing glory.First, victory is not an "it" nor is it a "thing" that God gives you as a gift separate from the giver. Victory is a Person--Jesus. (I'm not going to develop the theology on that one here). I want to be practical, but I cannot separate it from God's revelation from His Word; they go hand-in-hand. But in brief, these things have become real to me and God has breathed life into what He has shown me.1. Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time thing. About 3 years ago John 7:37-39 became very real about my need to be ever thirsty for Living Waters and asking my Father for Him (the Holy Spirit). My "eyesight" into His Word greatly increased and an increasing awareness of His presence.2. A daily reflection on what Jesus has done for me. Every day has a place where I remember what Christ did for me on the cross. I never get tired going over passages about His loving and giving Himself for me. It humbles any pride I have that I'm somebody. I not only see how free I am from sin because of Jesus' finished work; His grace truly has flowed to take full possession. It's all of Him.3. Really understanding the DIFFERENCE between the new covenant and the old covenant. Spiritual perfection only comes through not only knowing this, and applying this, but seeing Jesus Christ as my mediator and surety. A lot of my continual spiritual defeat (pride especially) was because I was mixing up old and new covenant life (out of ignorance). Brother Zac Poonen was instrumental in teaching me plainly, and I have sought the Lord in earnest to lay hold of Jesus--and He has not disappointed me at all.--These next ones are fairly recent developments, but nonetheless real and I speak from experience not theory---4. Seeking to see Jesus Himself in Scripture, not focusing on anything else. When the Lord showed me what it meant for Him to be my Bright and Morning Star (Rev. 22:16) in connection with 2 Pet 1 and Mount of Transfiguration, it radically altered my study of the Bible. It didn't realize my focus was hazy, not clearly seeking the Lord Himself but other things (like victory, or blessing, or power for service, etc.). When I depend as a little child upon the Holy Spirit to show me Jesus in Scripture, the same Holy Spirit has been transforming me from glory to glory (2 Cor. 3:18). Meditation on the Lord Jesus all the day long has become very easy.5. Jesus is my SUBSTITUTE for LIFE not just for sins. I've never really understood what Paul meant in Gal. 2:20 (It is no longer I that live but Christ that lives in me). I've read it, sung it, taught it probably a hundred times, but the awesome reality of it was hidden from my daily experience. I am walking in the newness of life (Rom. 6:4) not because I can do it, but because Jesus (having been raised from the dead) now does it perfectly. And when I am in Him, He is my substitute for life, and I too can walk in the newness of life. The same goes for serving in the newness of the Spirit (Rom. 7:6). May the Lord open your eyes to see it and apprehend Him as your perfect substitute for living."Consider what I say; and the Lord give you understanding in all things." Only God can reveal Himself. I can testify, but He must reveal Himself. He will; keep seeking Him with your whole heart; you will find HIM, and in Him is your victory.Ken

sermonindex Apr 26, 2006

Ken, I hope you don't mind me making comment on what you've written. I got a smile inside throughout the whole thing.There aren't multiple truths, so to speak, but CHRIST and Who He is and what He's done and is doing by His Spirit and Word.You kept the focus on HIM and HIS WORD.Thank you.Annie

M
murdog Apr 26, 2006

JFEdgar,I think you have received your answer in these two posts and I believe I have as well. I have been wanting victory over sin in my life also. And I have come to realize victory is not something that just happens but it must come from the battle. We cannot be victorious without a battle. I have learned that I cannot develop self control in my flesh. I must depend on the Holy Spirit and trust that he is able to keep me without sin. I just never hated sin enough or I would rationalize it to myself. I am at a point in my walk where I am tired of banging my head against a wall, "repenting" of the same sins all the time. I don't want to be a hypocrite any longer. I want to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. The reason I am saying this is because the word says confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so you may be healed.I am through with pretending I have it all together when I don't. Isn't that what hypocrite translates to is "pretender"? For me the most convicting verse in the bible is Hebrews 10:26, If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have gained knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left.I will keep you in my prayers.Murray

O
Onesimus4God Apr 26, 2006

Dear JF, Good testimonies indeed. I found out that my victory is in the shed blood, and it's wonder working power. I first of all accepted the biblical fact that all my righteousness is in Him, and He has imputed it to me, when I placed my faith in Him. Even with that, there was always me, the old flesh to deal with. Then I began to hear the message about how only God could take from me what was not of Him. Everybody has a secret weakness, some not so secret. Others live in pretense well, and we don't realize they have one. What I have may not be what you have, but we all have something, some sin that we are ashamed of, yet know we are powerless over it. I was blessed by being encouraged to take "it" to God and ask Him to take if from me. Well, the weakness is still there, but it does not rule my life or have dominion over me any longer. God has given me a new desire, a desire to be His bond servant. He has accepted my faith in Him and changed my heart. What do I do when I find myself weak? I find He is strong. When I have nothing else to lean on, I know that I have favor with God that is unmerited. I didn't do anything to deserve it, He just chooses to give it to me. Jesus is my all in all. He is the air I breathe. I desire to give Him thanks and praise in all I say and do. Even when I go to the bathroom, I thank Him that my bodily functions work normally, and that my body is disease free. Glory to God. See, my life has been swallowed up in His life, immersed and hidden in Him. It is no longer I who live, but He Who lives in me. Joe, you will never be strong enough, never learn enough, never hope enough, in your own abilities. Christianity is distinct from all other religious practices. It relies on God's power and sacrifice instead of man's works, efforts, and abilities. When I am weak, His strentgh is made perfect. He has done what I fell way short of in my own efforts. My feet are on the Rock of my salvation, Jesus Christ. I stand complete in Him, saved to the uttermost, a joint heir with Him. All that He has, I have. How? By faith in His victory at calvary. I dont' have to do, I am, because He says so, and I have a witness in my heart to tell me it is true. The witness? Why His Holy Spirit alive in me, ever taking me closer God. My wife and I were at a conference a couple weeks ago. This lady that we had just met during the conference told us that all she saw in us was Christ the whole time we were there. Tears came into my eyes. Oh I'm so glad He shows through me. It has not always been so. But it's a work that He has done in me. Thanks be to God. And you know what, He will do it for you too, if only you ask Him too. I know that you will, and I will stand with you in asking our God to bless you with even more than He has me. How's that? So just set down in a quite place, and rest all your burdens, all your cares upon Him. Worship Him and give Him thanks and praise, regardless of circumstances or events. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. It's that simple. It's so simple that many miss it. It's God!Worshipping and giving thanks,"O"

W
W_D_J_D Apr 26, 2006

ok, in resonse to MeAgain's response....do not mock God and His word. (all things are possible with God) (ask and you shall recieve) (fight untill bloodshed against sin) (you shall be perfect)Just because you have not experinced true victory do not shoot someone down for seeking it.You are teaching contrary to the word of God MeAgain, im sorry but it is simply the spirit of the anti-christ that is behind you....i did not read your whole post because it from the start is against scripture...... you saidIf you mean "sinless perfection" in this lifetime, I couldn't say a word about that, because it's not attainable in this present state we are in.That is not teaching other people to observe everything that Jesus taught you. The lawless one is coming very soon (2 Thes. 2) and he has many followers in the church today paving the way for him. Jesus taught you must be perfect. why do people say "you cant be"????? when Jesus says "be"?MeAgain what about 2 Corinthians 7:1????what about titus 2:12???? in this present world???you are causing a young christian or a strugling christian to RELAX because it is "too hard" for YOU to keep God's commandments....Luke 17:1-2Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.Listen not to the false prophets/preachers/people who commend your sin weather directly or inderectly......Col 1:28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Col 4:12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Heb 12:23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, Leonard Ravnehill said I'm not saying that it's impossible to sin. I'm saying that it is possile not to sin."Can i also suggest that MeAgain that that view you hold that "it is impossible to do what Jesus says to do" that view is at odds to what the majority of what the older generation of strong preaching says that is on this very sight....I must say.... weather or not your view is one that you mastered it is not from God.Do not lower Gods standards.....you say not in this age???? well look to..... Re 21:27 - And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of lifeHave you not overcome any sin in your life????if yes....why not the sin that you now struggle with.To the original post......forget what everyone says to you just go back to the scriptures and follow them....listen not to those decievers who say "Peace, Peace" when there is no peace.....God bless u all! And to MeAgain....yes my post was strong, i pray that it doesnt offend you but only brings you closer to God.

sermonindex Apr 26, 2006

W_D_J_D - May God Himself forgive you for using the term "antichrist" in regard to what I wrote.I myself am not offended, but had you read on .... you would have seen just how dreadfully wrong you are.God forgive you. And I pray you find a Good apologetic type teacher to teach you about "The Doctrine of Sinless Perfection".May God have mercy on you and may you have mercy on others by having the courtesy to read their entire post ... because you missed Christ in it 100% and called "total surrender to HIM" - "antichrist".You'll be in my prayers and I forgive you but I would seriously recommend you pray and then read my WHOLE post.I think you may have something different to say to me after you do.God help your hastiness to judge and condemn without full investigation of a post or knowledge of the person's prior posts through-out.

W
W_D_J_D Apr 26, 2006

MeAgain.....i went through it very roughly the first time....and the second time wasnt worth it....i will ask u this......"can we be perfect on this earth"? from your post clearly no!i dont care what else u think u wrote that was so briliant...i dont need some guy with a phd. in systematic theology etc. to lead me in a "good idead or teaching of sinless perfection"...what ever you got i dont want.what you wrote in your post was NO different to what i hear from any other spiritualy dying church out there.....again i say answer me clearly (can we live perfect?)no i didnt call "total surrender to Him = antichrist...u said, i said that......i say ur teaching on that "u cant be perfect on earth" is from the lawless one = antichrist.no matter what u said after that is a contradiction....Forget your teachers and go to the bible...go back to my post and answer me where do u get your theology or doctrine from???what do u mean by total surrender?God bless u! and i pray for your eyes to be opened.

sermonindex Apr 26, 2006

Dear brother...You have the victory, already in Him. You dont try to attain victory, that would be struggling in your flesh. Just rest and walk in the Spirit, put on your spiritual armor. Christ overcame it all for you already. Dont put legalistic blinds on your eyes or live under some LAWS. "The law of the (Spirit) of Life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law(of the flesh) of sin and death"Rom.8:2 Focusing on "Not falling" may make it even harder. We walk by grace, talk by grace, eat by grace. The yoke of SLAVERY(perfection) is taken out of the way. Walk in peace, walk in Victory, and know that that is what is pleasing to God, not some man-made theory or requirements.

sermonindex Apr 26, 2006

Phi 3:7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Phi 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, Phi 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: Phi 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; Phi 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Phi 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Phi 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Phi 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The reason it sounds "different" to you W-D-J-D, is because you are the one who has been taught the error of the ages.First, you must learn the Greek. There is more than one word that is translated as "perfect".I don't like "teaching men", so I withheld correcting you in my first response to you, but now I won't bother with that fear of teaching a "man".We are to be "comformed to the IMAGE OF CHRIST".And THAT is what I wrote.If you think that we are destined to just stop "this or that" and that makes us "perfect" than you are the one who has been fed the deception of the ages and I'll say that again.Sin means - "To Miss The Mark".So what is the "mark" sir ?The "mark" is the absolute IMAGE OF CHRIST HIMSELF.When you have become identical to HIM, THEN AND ONLY THEN ARE YOU "PERFECT".That is why the "doctrine of sinless perfection" is a complete heresy and will be so until we see HIM. Just type it into Google, even the Calvary Chapel site will tell you that is complete and outrageous heresy.Does that mean that we promote sin ? Paul said, God Forbid !But you cut yourself short in more ways than can be numbered, if you "think" you are sinless.Paul said he was not perfect and had not "attained". You distain "scholarship" and that is why you are so nasty right now and foolishly making statements that may actually risk your own salvation. Read Galatians. And learn some Greek, because the verses in 1 John are talking about a "consistent lifestyle of sin" except for verses 8-10, that apply to ALL of us.We are to "WALK IN THE SPIRIT" ... and that is what I wrote about in my first post.That means to be 100% dependent on and leaning on Him and to have our ears "continuously" "hearing" Him every second of the day and "continuously" "following" ... as that is the Greek Grammar in John 10.Can you sin when you are doing that - NO !If you obey the Two Commandments to Love God & others, can you sin while practicing that love to both - NO !But, 1Jo 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1Jo 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1Jo 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. Your meager "don't sin" doctrine is what's held back the Church for centuries from "walking in the Spirit" and why Paul wrote Romans 8 and Galatians.The "GOAL" is His Exact Image being 'formed' in us and His Love manifested ... but if you limit it to just "not sinning" ... to one man, one thing is "sin" and to another it is not. That is called legalism and is the sin that Jesus condemned the Pharisees for. And I mean REALLY CONDEMNED.You CANNOT LIST SINS ... because ANYTHING that is not ORIGINATED FROM HIS SPIRIT AND COMES FROM US IS SIN .... IF you really want to get to the brass tacks of it all.All our obedience in the flesh and good deeds in the flesh are the wood, hay and stubble that will be burnt up at the judgment.The road to hell 'is' paved with good intentions.He wants "Spirit and Truth" only.The "perfect" that is most used in the N.T. is when one comes up to the "measure of his present knowledge" and Not how you are using it.God looks at the heart .... YOU DON'T.Do you NOT MOVE until you hear the Holy Spirit say move ???? Then if not .... YOU ARE SINNING.Walking autonomous of Him or His Spirit (same thing) is "sin" sir.But we are to "strive" to enter in and with Paul, "Press on to the mark" for that "desire for His Likeness" will we be judged.I think I've said enough to you.Judge on sir.

sermonindex Apr 26, 2006

And again - Thank you Ken, "O" and Dave, for not throwing a bunch of Pharisitical damnation at our brother Joe.Whatever is not done in and by FAITH IS DEAD.Without FAITH, it is IMPOSSIBLE to please Him.We lean in dependence on His Spirit because we have the FAITH to know HE SAID HE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE TO GUIDE US - EVERY STEP OF THE WAY - BECAUSE "HE" IS FAITHFUL WHO CALLED US AND HE WILL DO IT. :-)Hebrews 6 and 10 and 1 John speaks of those who make a 'lifestyle' of sin 'after' knowing Christ.So Murray ... that verse in Heb 10 does not apply to you.All that we have is by Grace through Faith and I challenge anyone to show us differently.That is why Jesus got so furious at the Legalists, because they robbed the FAITH THAT SAVES from the people.Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Col 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. How did we "receive Christ Jesus the LORD" ???By FAITH - so continue to walk in that same way.Phi 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus ChristLove Him with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength. We Love Him because He First Loved us.Hebrews 11 again. :-) AMEN

sermonindex Apr 26, 2006

wyattearp wrote:Joe,This is the first post I have ever done in my life but your question "How do I get victory" is prompting my post. I hope this helps. To get victory over sin requires faith, "This is the victory which overcomes the world, even our faith". Conversely unbelief keeps us from victory. I had allways thought God would do this for others but not me because I did not really believe that He loved me as He said He did. This was the source of my unbelief. I secretly held this doubt about Him all my life. Unbelief comes not from a lack of credible evidence but from a willingness to believe a lie. If He was not truthfull about His love for me than the fault was in Him and not in me. I had done all I could to try to persuade Him i.e. prayed for victory, but He would not do His part. The problem was He was not telling me my part was to pray, but my part was to believe. And not just believe something in general but to believe something specific. That He loved me and gave HIMSELF for ME. Joe I believe that when the Bible says the heart it means the will. So when God brought to my heart through a book I was reading that I was to believe His love for me really did mean me I willed right then and there that I was going to take Him at His word and would listen to nothing that sought to contradict His word. I didn't get half way out of the room before this thought came to me "That doesn't really mean..." and there I cut it off. Loved me means ME! My reply to your question "How do I get victory" then would be this. There is in you a willingness to believe something that is not true and/or an unwillingness to believe something God has said. I do not know what that might be but you do. Settle that once and for all."He that hath received His testimony hath set his seal that God is true". John 3:33 Welcome to the forum wyattearp !

T
teamtoucan Apr 26, 2006

Hi Joe,God has certainly given me victory over besetting sins that I had. How? By faith, that is, by believing that when the Bible says that God will not allow any temptation to overcome me, but that he will always provide a way out, well, he means it, and Faith says that I believe what God says, and Faith says, Thank you God for doing the impossible in me.And He has done it for me. Victory.Here is what Ravenhill has to say on this:With all this limitless resource to inherit in this life, why then, do we settle for minimum spirituality? These scriptures just quoted shatter all our excuses for carnal Christianity and explode all our feeble excuses on bumper-sticker evangelism: "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven." Some backslider must have written that one. Sinning is not permitted to believers. "Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin." (I John 3:9) Not that it is impossible to sin; but it is, by the blood of Christ and the Holy Spirit, possible not to sin. John again shouts the triumphant note, "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." (I John 4:4) God, then, has made it possible for you and me to have victory over the world, the flesh and the devil! (End of quote from Ravenhill)God expects us to expect Him to do the humanly impossible all the time. That’s what faith is. Keep thinking about how powerful God is, and Believe that He is willing to give YOU that power in conquering any sin, through the power of the Blood of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Praise the Lord!God bless,Brian

sermonindex Apr 26, 2006

Dear Annie,Is it really necessary to flare up every time someone challenges you? I realise you may not realise you do, but, that is how it reads. It would really have been great if you could have gone back and re-read your post - not to re-justify what you said the first time - but looking for the reasons anyone saw something different in it. Then simply accept, that no matter what you thought you were saying, you did give a different message to someone reading your words from the background of their personal experience - of God - not just their point of view; knowing it is the same God who speaks to you..... and give them some respect.I'm really put off when you start posting chunks of scripture in bold, because it looks like you're raising your voice, which, if you were reading it to someone you would not do. So, I've posted my testimony in the thread accidentally started by wyattearp.I also should say, I have noticed how you introduce discussion about sinless perfection, every time victory over sin is mentioned. Is this necessary? It wasn't the question asked.Therefore, I agree with W_D_J_D that it muddies the waters, (my paraphrase) because it looks very like you are saying, there is no such thing as victory over sin. And without doubt, that is an unscriptural stance.So I have sympathy with this statement, Just because you have not experinced true victory do not shoot someone down for seeking it.because I, too, have felt this is the underlying message of what you have posted in this thread (and others, previously). If we are wrong, please re-consider how you reply to the topic of victory over sin, so that it answers the question in hand so clearly, there is no confusing message..... So, we were all invited not to participate in this thread unless we had a testimony, and I suspect you have plenty of personal examples to choose from, because you mention Spirit and Truth a lot. Please share how this has worked for you in a practical example (of overcoming) from your walk with the Lord, that we may learn all learn from your experience? Thank you. :-)

sermonindex Apr 26, 2006

dorcas, did you read the "whole" of what transpired on page one, because I did not "flare up because someone challenged "me" ..... W_D_J_D's First post to me was .....W_D_J_D wrote:ok, in resonse to MeAgain's response....do not mock God and His word. (all things are possible with God) (ask and you shall recieve) (fight untill bloodshed against sin) (you shall be perfect)Just because you have not experinced true victory do not shoot someone down for seeking it.You are teaching contrary to the word of God MeAgain, im sorry but it is simply the spirit of the anti-christ that is behind you....i did not read your whole post because it from the start is against scripture...... you said

If you mean "sinless perfection" in this lifetime, I couldn't say a word about that, because it's not attainable in this present state we are in.That is not teaching other people to observe everything that Jesus taught you. The lawless one is coming very soon (2 Thes. 2) and he has many followers in the church today paving the way for him. Jesus taught you must be perfect. why do people say "you cant be"????? when Jesus says "be"?MeAgain what about 2 Corinthians 7:1????what about titus 2:12???? in this present world???you are causing a young christian or a strugling christian to RELAX because it is "too hard" for YOU to keep God's commandments....Luke 17:1-2Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! 2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.Listen not to the false prophets/preachers/people who commend your sin weather directly or inderectly......Col 1:28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Col 4:12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Heb 12:23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, Leonard Ravnehill said I'm not saying that it's impossible to sin. I'm saying that it is possile not to sin."Can i also suggest that MeAgain that that view you hold that "it is impossible to do what Jesus says to do" that view is at odds to what the majority of what the older generation of strong preaching says that is on this very sight....I must say.... weather or not your view is one that you mastered it is not from God.Do not lower Gods standards.....you say not in this age???? well look to..... Re 21:27 - And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of lifeHave you not overcome any sin in your life????if yes....why not the sin that you now struggle with.To the original post......forget what everyone says to you just go back to the scriptures and follow them....listen not to those decievers who say "Peace, Peace" when there is no peace.....God bless u all! And to MeAgain....yes my post was strong, i pray that it doesnt offend you but only brings you closer to God.
And my first reply back to him was not "flaming". But I don't suppose you see all that he was saying at me and "assuming" without having read my post as he stated, he used quite aggressive words in his first three paragraphs and again afterwards. You don't see that part though.Yet, my first response was giving him the chance to reread it, as in the benefit of the doubt of misunderstanding my words.I asked that he "would" read the whole of it, as he had said he hadn't and this is what he came back with ....by W_D_J_D on 2006/4/26 4:18:45MeAgain.....i went through it very roughly the first time....and the second time wasnt worth it....i will ask u this......"can we be perfect on this earth"? from your post clearly no!i dont care what else u think u wrote that was so briliant...i dont need some guy with a phd. in systematic theology etc. to lead me in a "good idead or teaching of sinless perfection"...what ever you got i dont want.what you wrote in your post was NO different to what i hear from any other spiritualy dying church out there.....again i say answer me clearly (can we live perfect?)no i didnt call "total surrender to Him = antichrist...u said, i said that......i say ur teaching on that "u cant be perfect on earth" is from the lawless one = antichrist.no matter what u said after that is a contradiction....Forget your teachers and go to the bible...go back to my post and answer me where do u get your theology or doctrine from???what do u mean by total surrender?God bless u! and i pray for your eyes to be opened.If this was how my very first post ended .... MeAgain wrote:First (the way) will be our desire for HIM will increase as no desire we've ever felt on earth. LOVE DESIRES !For HIM and HIM ALONE.Not ever feeling lonely or bored again, even if in one room for years. Consumed with HIM.Secondly (the truth) is our desire for TRUTH, because HE IS THE TRUTH. BIBLICAL TRUTH ONLY.Not even a speck of non-truth will we settle for any longer, because WE WANT HIM --- ALL OF HIM.LOVE REJOICES AT THE TRUTH ! 1 Corth 13:6Thirdly (the life) is our walk from then on.Not one step is for us,(except for normal needs - but even in them, His timing is there.), because our desires have become HIS desires and we don't know any other way anymore. We're 'consumed' with THAT which is ETERNAL. We are seated in Heavenly places finally makes sense or becomes reality to us. LOVE DESIRES TO BE ALWAYS 'HEARING' AND 'BEING WITH' OUR BELOVED.Staying BIBLE ONLY when seeing what HE was like on earth and what Paul was like, is our only true example. No one else on earth can show us The Way, The Truth and The Life. Their words are NOT 100% INNERANT.Loving Him and others with HIS LOVE 'is' dying to "self". And "that" is VICTORY.then, How may I ask him and now you, "HOW is this Promoting SIN ?" How could 'anyone' get "sinning" out of these examples that I gave ?That is the most puzzling question of the day, I suppose.And Then -- what he is saying is that "he is perfect" and that is why I felt that God's Word is worthy to be put in bold, where Paul says he "is not perfect" for the sake of Joe and whomever else is coming under a false condemnation and is why I came back as I did .... NOT for me, but for others .... whether you understand that part or not, but that is usually the only time I come back strong. I am nothing, and don't feel like anything at all .... but I worry about how others are being led to believe about themselves or others.I was not personally offended as I replied to WDJD the first time, but the second reply to his second comments, merited God's Word for those who are teaching The Sinless Perfection Doctrine, which btw I have seen here and why I brought it up at the first to Joe, because that is a faith killing false doctrine and because that is what WDJD 'is' teaching.Lastly - You asked for my "personal experience" ... well that is all I gave in my First post on page one.That was obvious.As obvious as why you've posted this to me. :-)

R
RobertW Apr 26, 2006

I wanted to weigh in for a moment as I feel it is easy to talk past each other and get all up in arms. When I first arrived on the forum's Philologos and I flew into a heated exchange over this topic. It don't take long.MeAgain defined sin as missing the Mark and that Mark is the person of Jesus Christ. Charles Finney for example, believed that folk needed to be 'broken down' a few times a week by seeing that they still had sin in their life so they could repent of it. He believed that 'pouring light' on a person required a response, so the idea was to keep searching out more and more 'light' for use in this process. The problem was, he was sinless perfection/government of God in his soteriology (salvation doctrine). He believed that if a person did not respond right to the light they have and any 'new' light they may receive then they instantly lost their justification and were on the same footing with God as any other unsaved sinner. He viewed our estate before God as Christians more as a 'governor's pardon' than a judicial aquittal. Even this was 'conditional' to Finney as any new crime, no matter how small, immediately put a person back on 'death row' (so to speak) or as we might say, in danger of Hell fire.So, for me, the discussion is quite important because many people have many different views of their security before God from Finney's no security to Charles Stanley's eternal security. If I preach an absolute sinless perfection (which I will examine Finney's in a moment) to a people who believe eternal security that is one thing; but if I preach it to folk who have a hair trigger judgment, thin ice salvation, it is quite another. Now, let me quote from one of Finney's lectures on Death To Sin:3. Death in sin implies a self-indulgent state of mind. To consult ones own ease, happiness, reputation, and interests is natural to him who is dead in sin. If he is on board a steam boat you will find him ready to contend for the best berth (bed), and hastening to obtain the best seat at the first table. If riding in a stagecoach you will observe him seeking for the best seat. To consult his own comfort, his own indulgence and happiness is the law of his mind. And in ten thousand ways will this state of mind develop itself.But a death to sin implies a self-denying state of mind, a disposition to give others the preference, a choosing to accommodate others, and bless, and benefit others, at the expense of self-interest or self-indulgence.4. A death in sin implies the real and practical regarding of ourselves as our own. But death to sin is the real and practical regarding of our whole being as God's.5. A death in sin implies the love of our own reputation. Death to sin implies the making of ourselves no reputation as Christ did.6. A death in sin implies the practical regarding of our possessions as our own. Death to sin implies the real and practical regarding of our possessions as God's.7. Death in sin implies the dominion of the flesh and a will in subjection to the flesh. A death to sin implies a subjection of the body to the soul. It implies the keeping the body under and bringing it into subjection, and that all its appetites and propensities are brought into subjection to the will of God.8. A death in sin implies a state of mind that is influenced by sensible objects, by the honors, riches, opinions, and things of this world as much as if its possessor expected to live here forever. Death to sin implies the giving up the world substantially as a dying man gives it up. Its riches, honors, amusements, pursuits, ambition, strifes, and envyings, what are all these to him? If he knows himself to be a dying man, he regards them not. He desires them not. He seeks them not. He does not, cannot, under these circumstances, will to have them. He chooses nothing of this world's goods, but those things that are really necessary for the few hours or moments which remain to him of this life. A little more breath--perhaps a few spoons full of water-- a little of the kind attention of his friends are all that is left for him to desire of earthly good. Now death to sin implies this giving up all desire and expectation of the wealth, honors, and selfish pursuits of this world. The man who is dead to sin is as absolutely satisfied with a competency of earthly good as a man is who is on a bed of death. He would no sooner lay his schemes of earthly aggrandizement, or for enlarging and perpetuating his selfish gratification, than a man would upon a bed of death. In a word, he has given up the world as an object of pursuit, as really and emphatically as if he knew himself to be doomed to live but one hour. He has entered upon a new and eternal life. All his plans, desires, and aims are heavenly, and not earthly, sensual or devilish.*****Notice how he begins and things sound very good and the more he writes the tighter the message gets upon the hearer. Keep in mind, that to fail in any detail of what he has written would be soul jeapordizing sin. In Finney's perfection there would never be another fishing trip other than for the food it yielded. Food would not be salted unless it is for the preservation of the meat and never for the pleasure of the tastebuds. Man eats to live and therefore would not eat for any real pleasure. In Finney's perfection, the wedding party Jesus attended to turn water into wine I truly believe to him (Finney) would be an excess. This is Finney's idea of 'light' being shed on our behavior. If new 'light' reveals it to be a working not in harmony with the afore mentioned regulations then it is sin that must be forsaken or Hell awaits. This is why Ron and my conversation went off the rails. I grew up in a semi-Oberlin theology (Finney's salvation theology). Your salvation was always on the line for the silliest of errors. This may seem excessive or exaggerating, but I have not told the half of it. There used to be here in Missouri 'holiness or hell' preachers that made almost everything to be a sin. The story is commonly told that an elderly woman bent on living holy heard her minister preach against coffee (yes you heard me right) so she went home and poured a hot cup of water, added cream and sugar, and drank it for fear of displeasing the Lord. I visited an elderly woman in a nursing home that feared hell like that who had to be one of the most holy people I have ever met. YET, she always said, "I sure hope I make it." That woman lost her mind as death came nearer and nearer and last I seen her she was in a hospital bed restrained and caged in like an adult sized baby bed. BTW, I still believe that Finney loved the Lord and has a great many good things to teach us. Same goes for Wesley. It's told that he plucked up the flowers and planted vegatables lest the flowers cumbereth the ground. As much as I admire these men, I believe there were some fundamental misunderstandings still yet on what it means to please the Lord. Glean from them what is good and discard the rest.

B
beenblake Apr 26, 2006

Hey Joe,Sounds as though what you are looking for is a real life experience. So here goes.....A couple years ago I was saved. At the time, I was a heavy smoker. When I became a Christian, everyone was telling me "You have to quit smoking." Well, this seemed really strange to me. The whole reason I even came to Jesus was because I needed His help. I could not stop myself from sinning. And so, why would I stop smoking on my own, if I couldn't stop from fornicating and other such sins. So, I decided to talk to Jesus about it. I was completely honest with the Lord. I said, "My Lord, I like smoking. I really do. I have tried to quit many, many times. I can't quit. And so, if you want me to quit, tell me, and I will do whatever you ask. But you will to help me, because I can't do it." And I left it right there at His feet and went on smoking. About a week later, the Lord spoke to my heart. He said, almost plain as day, "You have to quit smoking." So, I said, "Okay Lord. I will smoke until midnight tonight, and then trust in you." At midnight that night, I put down my last cigarette.Because I was faithful and trusted in Jesus, He helped me through. I hardly had any cravings. I didn't struggle with it. I just stayed close to Jesus, and let Him help me. I have never smoked again and have complete victory over cigarettes.When I had this experience, I didn't realize the full and practical implications of what was going on. But, years later, I have learned how to apply this same experience to give me victory over sin in other areas of my life. The first thing you must realize is that you cannot conquer sin. You cannot do it with your own power. Don't try. You will fail. You may have a small and temporary victory, but then you will fail again. Once you realize this and accept it, then you are ready to turn to Jesus. You must give your sins to Jesus and let Him conquer sin in you. Now, I realize that this is a really abstract thing. How do you do this? Firstly, give up. Yes, give up. This means you stop trying to fight against sin. Once you given up, give to Jesus. Draw closer to Christ. How do you do this? Always remember this.....Jesus is with you everywhere you are. Start practicing the presence of God. This means, acknowledge Jesus at all times. Keep your thoughts and mind focused on Him. Think about this....Jesus is always with you. Everywhere you go, everywhere you are, Jesus is with you. Even when you are sitting on the toilet, Jesus is right there. This will help you. When the Devil comes, and you start to think about sin, remember that Jesus is there. Would you do those things in front of Jesus?Call out to Jesus. When temptation comes, call to Jesus for help. Don't try to fight on your own. Usually, I will pray and pray and pray calling to Jesus until He answers my prayer. At first, you may have to do this quite a bit. However, as you learn to walk with God, you won't have to repeat yourself. You will be confident and strong and immediately say, "Get away from me Satan. Jesus has already beat you on the cross." You will experience failures at first. However, don't be discouraged. These failures happen because God is teaching you to have a strong faith. Every time you fail, you must repent and then leave it with Jesus. But, if you go around thinking, "I am such a terrible person, look at me, look at how I sin"....then you have not accepted the forgiveness of God. Remember, you have been cleansed by Jesus Christ. This means that God does not see any of your sins. They are gone. All your sins. Even the ones you will commit years to come. You must remember this, because if you don't, if you allow sin to have power in your life, it will draw you away from God. Sin was conquered on the cross. You need God's grace and forgiveness. Don't ever, ever deny it. Always accept His love. Always apologize for what you do wrong. Confess all your sins openly to Christ. Then, leave them there. Don't think about them or remember them. Lastly, it is important to realize your part and God's part in victory of sin, and also in God's labors. Remember this....your part is always to have faith, and God's part is always to do the work. What does this mean? This means that Jesus, your God and Lord, is the one who is strong and powerful. He is the one who fulfilled the law, conquered sin, and reigns as King. He is the one who must do the work in you. You, however, must always be faithful. This means you always trust in God. You always listen to what Jesus tells you. You constantly say, "Yes Lord." If the Lord asks something of you, or tells you something, He will do it. He will give you all the words, the power, and the equipment to do what He asks. You just have to let Him do it in you. Always be willing to obey the Lord with an eager heart.Don't do anything apart from Christ. If you do, you will be greatly disheartened and anxious. You will not be able to sleep at night, and you will constantly fight with yourself. However, when you draw close to Jesus, you will always have peace, and be filled with joy. This does not mean you won't have struggles or hardship, but even through hardship you will praise the Lord. Give everything to Jesus and let Him be the Lord of your life. May Christ bless you indeed, and may you draw close to Him.Your brother in Christ,Blake

W
wyattearp Apr 26, 2006

Joe,This is the first post I have ever done in my life but your question "How do I get victory" is prompting my post. I hope this helps. To get victory over sin requires faith, "This is the victory which overcomes the world, even our faith". Conversely unbelief keeps us from victory. I had allways thought God would do this for others but not me because I did not really believe that He loved me as He said He did. This was the source of my unbelief. I secretly held this doubt about Him all my life. Unbelief comes not from a lack of credible evidence but from a willingness to believe a lie. If He was not truthfull about His love for me than the fault was in Him and not in me. I had done all I could to try to persuade Him i.e. prayed for victory, but He would not do His part. The problem was He was not telling me my part was to pray, but my part was to believe. And not just believe something in general but to believe something specific. That He loved me and gave HIMSELF for ME. Joe I believe that when the Bible says the heart it means the will. So when God brought to my heart through a book I was reading that I was to believe His love for me really did mean me I willed right then and there that I was going to take Him at His word and would listen to nothing that sought to contradict His word. I didn't get half way out of the room before this thought came to me "That doesn't really mean..." and there I cut it off. Loved me means ME! My reply to your question "How do I get victory" then would be this. There is in you a willingness to believe something that is not true and/or an unwillingness to believe something God has said. I do not know what that might be but you do. Settle that once and for all."He that hath received His testimony hath set his seal that God is true". John 3:33

H
habakkuk3 Apr 26, 2006

Brother Joe,The Lord is dealing with me right now about this very thing. The old-timers would call this "praying through" or "entire sanctification." There's a whole host of terms for this phenomenon. There are some mainline Protestant churches that believe this doctrine. I absolutely rejected it when I was younger and the Lord has brought me back to it, nearly 40 years later.Has the Lord achieved some level of victory over sin in my life? Yes, it's been His work and the blood of Jesus has definitely broken things from my heart. Anger, bitterness, smoking, cursing, television, smoking, the list could go but it was a work of Jesus. These were broken by the blood of Jesus but yet the work is not finished in my heart.There are some testimonies available online at Wesley Center online available in the "Holiness Classics" section. They are testimonies entitled "How They Entered Canaan." There's also a short book that Adam Clarke wrote I believe it's called "Entire Sanctification" and it's also available on this same website.Here's a brief excerpt, from the preface of this book. Adam Clarke was a holiness preacher and scholar. He was enthusiastically committed to Methodist doctrine and experience and particularly to Wesley's understanding of Christian perfection. In a sermon preached from Phil. 1:27-28 titled "Apostolic Preacher," he explained Christian holiness: "The whole design of God was to restore man to his image, and raise him from the ruins of his fall; in a word, to make him perfect; to blot out all his sins, purify his soul, and fill him with all holiness, so that no unholy temper, evil desire, or impure affection or passion shall either lodge or have any being within him. This and this only is true religion, or Christian perfection; and a less salvation than this would be dishonourable to the sacrifice of Christ and the operation of the Holy Ghost.... Call it by what name we please, it must imply the pardon of all transgression and the removal of the whole body of sin and death.... This, then, is what I plead for, pray for, and heartily recommend to all true believers, under the name of Christian perfection."Duncan Campbell's testimony is also here and I love this quote "Make me as holy as asaved sinner can be." That's the cry of my heart. It's not to achieve something but to have this total union with Christ.1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.Peace be with brother in the precious name of Jesus. He is going to bring you through to victory.

This discussion is locked.

Archived
1 of 45 posts