Standing
alone, we are not sinless, because we are not equal to God. We cannot trust in
our self for salvation (Proverbs 28:26; John 15:5). Righteousness is not
attained by human self-effort (Galatians 3:1-3).
The
shelves of self-help books in the stores can give us a clue about what we need
to change, and we may even discipline some character flaws out of our
personality. However, we cannot perfect our self (2 Corinthians 3:5).
Paul
chronicles his struggle with sin and death in Romans 6-7. In his desperation as
a wretched human being, he calls out for deliverance (Romans 7:19).
It
is then that He realizes that the law of the Spirit of life in Jesus Christ our
Lord already delivered us from bondage to the law of sin and death (Romans 7:24-25, 8:2).
God
gives us His grace and saves us through faith in Jesus’ work on Calvary’s cross
(John 1:17; Ephesians 2:8). We no longer need to focus on sin or the world, but
on the righteousness of Christ in us, who is our hope of living in eternal
glory (Colossians 1:27).
Jesus
in us already overcame sin, death and the devil by His death and resurrection
(Colossians 3:15; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8). Therefore, God’s Spirit changes us
over our lifetime by His anointing in our spirit, soul and body (Romans 8:11;
2 Corinthians 3:18).
We
walk in His ways by His Spirit within us (Ezekiel 36:27). We simply heed God's
conviction, obey His direction and live through faith in His faithfulness, so
that we are able to walk in His holiness one moment at a time (Romans 1:5;
16:26).
Prayer:
Father
God, create in us a spotless heart, and renew a righteous spirit within us
(Psalm 51:10). Work in us according to Your good pleasure and perfect us until
the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6, 2:13). Give us Your power and
anointing to accomplish Your will in the earth each moment of our day
(Ephesians 3:16).
Thank
You that You already perfected our spirit, because we are born again by Your Spirit
- through justification; once we see Jesus, perfection will come to our body
through glorification; and You perfect our soul – our mind, choices and
emotions – from one stage of glory to another through a lifetime of
sanctification.
Thought
for the Day:
Christ
in us is greater than both our carnal nature and also all of the powers of
darkness in the world. - I John 4:4
