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November 22nd Life
and Power from the Spirit But
when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because
of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through
the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us
generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by
his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7
NIV One of the challenges recovering
sex addicts may face is the temptation to rely too heavily on their own efforts
to break free instead of relying on God as the primary power source.
When we put our trust in our own strength to walk in purity, we will run
into trouble. Jesus told the
disciples, “Watch and pray so that you will not
fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak”
(Mark 14:38). The
key to getting our bodies strong is to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit. He literally gives us life and power to put the sinful deeds
of our bodies to death. We keep in
step with the Spirit by obeying his promptings and staying in fellowship with
the Lord daily (prayer, worship, Bible study).
As we work with the Holy Spirit in a heavenly “partnership,” we will
be regenerated, renewed and resurrected to live as a new creation in Christ.
Paul wrote: But
if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of
him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from
the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives
in you. Romans 8:10-11 NIV It
is not you who will be able to erase the porn images you have filled your mind
with. The Holy Spirit will work in your life, heal your mind, erase those
images, enable you to resist the devil, wash off the decay and dirt of sin from
your soul, mind and spirit and walk with you in your new life in righteousness. Questions
for further thought:
Prayer: “Father in Heaven, Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to live in me. Just as you raised Jesus from the dead, so raise me from my dead condition caused by my sin. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and was resurrected from the dead. Please fill me afresh with your life and power so that I may walk in purity and be completely free from the sin that has held me. Please wash me, renew me and heal me. I apply the blood of Jesus to every sinful thought I have savored in my mind. Please unite my heart to fear you and serve you with unswerving devotion. Thank you, Father! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.” |
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