Tag: Sin

The Harmony of Word and Spirit

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DAVID INGRAM

Many Christians make the mistake of separating the Spirit from God’s Word, thinking that spiritual life can exist apart from the truth of Scripture. But true spiritual living requires both the guidance of the Spirit and the grounding of God’s Word. The two must work together to transform our lives.

The Spirit brings the Word of God to life in us, showing us the truth and helping us live by it. Without the Spirit, the Word remains a dead letter, and without the Word, we lack a solid foundation of truth. As David prayed, “Give me life according to your Word,” we too must seek to be transformed by the Spirit working through Scripture.

Some may claim to have deep spiritual insights apart from the Word, but Jesus warned that the Spirit would not bring new teachings. Instead, He would remind believers of everything Jesus taught. Therefore, the Spirit always works in harmony with the Bible, never contradicting it.

Christians must test every spiritual teaching by the Word of God. Only when the Spirit and the Word are in harmony can we truly live according to God’s will.

Outward Religion vs. True Spirituality

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DAVID INGRAM

One of the greatest dangers for Christians is confusing outward religion with true spirituality. Many believe that as long as they avoid major sins and engage in religious activities, they are walking by the Spirit. However, being spiritual is not just about avoiding obvious wrongs or doing good deeds in public.

True spirituality involves living by the Spirit, not just following religious routines. The flesh can still dominate a life that looks religious on the outside. If a person’s heart is filled with pride, greed, or anger, they are still living according to the flesh, regardless of how good they may appear to others.

Walking by the Spirit requires more than outward actions—it demands a heart that is devoted to God. This means daily communion with Him, not just in formal prayers or church services, but in every part of life. It is about letting the Spirit shape every thought, every word, and every action.

Christians must continually ask themselves: Are my religious actions truly spiritual, or are they just outward forms with no heart behind them?

Restoring God’s Image in Us

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DAVID INGRAM

Sin has marred the image of God in humanity, but Christ came to restore it. Before sin entered the world, the soul ruled over the body. This allowed humans to live in harmony with God. However, when Adam sinned, this order was reversed, and the flesh began to dominate.

The result was chaos. People were no longer guided by their souls’ connection to God but by their bodily desires. This is why, in the Bible, those who do not know Christ are often described as living according to the flesh—they are controlled by the physical and not the spiritual. However, salvation through Christ offers a solution.

When someone is born again, the Holy Spirit takes control and restores the proper order between the soul and the body. This regeneration allows believers to live as they were originally designed to—by the Spirit, not by the flesh. Christ’s work in us brings us back to our intended state, where our soul connects us to God, guiding our actions and desires.

This restoration is crucial. Without it, we remain trapped in a life dominated by the flesh, disconnected from God’s will.

The Danger of Fleshly Desires

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DAVID INGRAM

Living by the flesh is dangerous. It leads to spiritual death, even though it may seem appealing or comforting at first. The flesh promises satisfaction but delivers destruction. To live by the flesh is to follow a blind guide that will never lead to heaven.

Christ offers a better way—He has given us His Spirit to guide us to eternal life. The Holy Spirit is the believer’s constant companion, pointing them toward truth and life in Christ. This guidance leads not only to heaven but to a life of purpose and peace on earth, free from the bondage of sin.

Many people mistakenly believe that only the worst kinds of sins are evidence of living by the flesh. However, sins like anger, pride, and greed—often overlooked—are just as dangerous. These too reveal a heart that is not fully surrendered to the Spirit. A life led by these desires shows a person who is still controlled by the flesh, no matter how respectable they may appear.

Christians are called to examine their hearts, making sure that they are not deceived by these more subtle sins. We must ensure that we are truly walking by the Spirit, rejecting all forms of fleshly living.

Understanding Unbelief: Its Impact on Faith and Salvation

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TEXAS GOSPEL STAFF

One righteous person can save a city, much like Elisha in Samaria, where the king and people had turned to idols, abandoning God. Because of their sin, God allowed their enemies to oppress them. Yet, Elisha, God’s servant, brought hope, prophesying that food would soon be affordable despite the dire conditions.

The people rejoiced at Elisha’s words, but one official doubted, claiming that even divine intervention wouldn’t make it happen. His disbelief was sinful, especially after witnessing Elisha’s miracles, including Naaman’s healing and the defeat of armies. Despite overwhelming evidence, he mocked the prophet’s promise, leading God to declare that he would see the miracle but not benefit from it.

When the prophecy was fulfilled, the official was trampled in the streets of Samaria, witnessing the miracle but unable to enjoy it. This story illustrates two key points: the man’s sin and its consequences, specifically the sin of unbelief.

Unbelief manifests in various forms, from a false humility that questions God’s forgiveness to doubts about His power. Some deny God outright, while others refuse to acknowledge their doubts as sinful. It’s surprising how many don’t see unbelief as a sin, even though the Bible clearly states it is.

Unbelief is serious because it leads to other sins. The fall began with Eve’s doubt, and since then, it has fueled countless wrongdoings, including the murder of Jesus. Unbelief encourages sin and hardens hearts, preventing people from recognizing their need for salvation.

For believers, unbelief can be even more damaging. It can lead to other sins and a lack of faith, impacting their actions. When faced with trouble, a strong belief in God’s provision leads to righteous actions, while doubt can result in sin.

Unbelief stifles good works and can hinder the effectiveness of prayers and worship. It serves as a barrier between individuals and the Gospel, making it impossible to please God without faith.

In summary, unbelief is not just a lack of faith; it is the root of sin that damages our relationship with God and limits our ability to do good.