Bel Air #8
Bel Air Sermon • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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When should we fast and pray
When should we fast and pray
7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. 8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead. 9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death. 11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me. 12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. 13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. 16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. 19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. 20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. 21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Pray
Introduction
Have you ever thought to yourself
What I thought about that again?
Why am I doing that again?
When will I grow out of this?
People think
Thank God for counselors
Thank God for guidance from my friends
Thank God for my family
I think if I just had a spa day, things will be ok
Maybe if I just have a drink
Maybe if I just escape reality
I know I will just get engrossed in a movie
No
No solutions
Why
The best treatment for every issue of the human heart is God Himself
in the middle of your rebellion, declares the LORD
Return to me
People ask how do you do that
With fasting
Family, you have no idea what God will do when you turn your plate down and you get serious about consecration and prayer
and fasting and going after Him with all of your heart
People have prayed and God protected
People have prayed and God intervened
People have prayed and God healed
I like this one
People have prayed and God answered for hours
There have been times that I prayed
I prayed for hours and I thought I was empty
I remembered what Paul wrote to the church of Rome
Paul talks about in him that his flesh there dwells no good thing
Paul goes on to explain about the war between his flesh and the spirit
He says the things he wants to do , he doesn’t do them
He falls short
I was like I want to pray
I want to read
I want to study
I was always falling short
I don’t want to do the things I find myself doing
I was lusting
I was smoking
I was drinking
I was distracted
My focus was elsewhere
I was grieving over that
I remembered that Paul had to wrestle between the flesh and the spirit
I was thinking about that
I was praying
crying inside myself
disgusted
I thought about the thing I hate the most that brings me the most grief
It is like a thorn digging into my side
It is me
It is my flesh
It is the nature that I can not take off
I can not take it off until Jesus delivers me from this body
This is why I look forward to spending eternity with God
People who think they know me truly do not
I look forward to that day
That day I leave this life to go and be with the LORD
Honestly, my only desire to stay here is for Gina, my wife
Andy, my son and his family
my congregation here at Bel Air
and to spread the gospel
I have no other desire to be here
I am being changed in the presence of my Savior
Listen
The things that used to matter to me does not matter anymore
This is a true story
So I thought back about the man with the thorn in his side
this flesh
when you grow with God, you start to hate the flesh
it makes me feel like this thing, it frustrates me all the time
Have you ever felt like this?
Man, I am doing that again?
I am talking like that again?
when will I grow out of this
Have you ever felt that?
Have you ever been angry at your own flesh?
Then I thought to myself, there was actually a time when this was not a problem.
when the first human beings were created perfect
they had moral perfection
they walked with God in perfect intimacy
they had no issues with the flesh’
until they thought they were smarter than God
and they were deceived by the enemy and plunged the whole world into sin
What was the result?
all of us have to keep wrestling with the flesh
we look at each other with our crooked lives
Our lives are crooked because of our flesh
the darkness of our own hearts
our sinful nature
From that fountain flows all of the issues you hate
your guilt
your shame
your insecurities
your jealousy
your pride
your arrogance
your judgment
your criticism
your martial issues
your relationship issues
your friendship issues
divorces
fights and wars
sickness and disease
aging
death
all the things we hate
they flow from the issues of the heart and the sinful nature
and while we who are followers
we have to live in a way as to keep subjecting to the flesh while we try our best to connect with the Lord in intimacy
a lot of us do not realize that the best treatment for all of the issues of your heart is the presence of God.
We will discuss that after we go over our text today
Let us get started
7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
Paul has previously written about the connection between the law of Moses and human sinfulness
an example
20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
As with many spiritual ideas , it is easy to miss the context of a statement
misunderstand it
and take offense as a result
Paul’s critics suggested he was teaching that the law was, in itself, a bad thing
He quickly answers, God forbid
Instead, it is a way that God reveals to humans that we are sinful
It shows us what sin is and reveals our desire to sin in a specific way
Paul uses the example of coveting
8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
Now Paul describes how sin took advantage of that command to cause him to become covetous
I want to to notice something
Two ideas are at work here
One is humans are naturally rebellious in our sinfulness
as soon as we hear about a restriction, we want to break it’
the very existence of that law provokes us to cross that line
in other words, the mere existence of that law is something our sin nature will use to encourage us to sin
Two, God’s law shines a spotlight into our hearts that allows us to discover the existence of sins that we did not even know about before
They were still sins
they were still in our hearts
but the law reveals them to us
Sin exists whether we know the law or not
but knowing the law both highlights and tempts us with respect to sin
9 For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
Paul describes himself as someone who once lived with no awareness of the law
in that state, he was “alive”
He is no suggesting he was without sin
no
He is speaking only of his awareness
his perspective
He felt alive ,in some sense, spiritually
At least he had no awareness of his spiritual disconnection from God
This was a matter of perception
Paul saw himself in one way, only to find his perspective was wrong
so when Paul and other people learned about God’s law, they died spiritually
That means , it was the law that made Paul aware of his own sinfulness and separation from God
10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
Now he writes that the commandments promised life
That is, some people believed the purpose of the law was to show human beings how to live in order to be righteous with God
If we just keep the commandments, in other words, God will give us life
True though that may be, Paul write the law could not actually keep such a promise
why
Because nobody can keep the commands of the law
we all break them
11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
Paul writes sin seizes the opportunity created by God’s commands in the law
Paul describes sin as deceiving him or leading him astray
Sin lied to Paul, as it lied to all of us
How does sin lead us astray?
It convinces us that acting on our own desires is better in some way than obeying God.
The truth is God is good
sin always leads to death
Paul writes here that sin’s deception killed him
He is describing his spiritual death and separation from God
Sin does the same for all of us
and the law makes us aware of our sinfulness
12 Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
Now Paul says that the law of Moses is holy
it is God’s law
the commandments of the law are holy and righteous and good
The law was a great gift from God to the people of Israel
In the law, God reveals His heart and His standards for right living
Paul is pointing out the greatest benefit of God’s law
it shows us we can never keep the law, that we are instead sinners that are in need of saving
13 Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
Paul returns to his central message
Our sinfulness is what causes our spiritual death and separation from God
It is not God’s law
Sin only takes advantage of that law
God reveals the standard of right and wrong
God did this to clearly demonstrate that we are sinners
It leverages our rebellious nature to use our knowledge of the law as an inspiration for more sin
God’s law shines the spotlight on just how sinful we humans really are
we continue to disobey God even after we hear His law
In fact, we find ourselves sinning even more
14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
Here Paul writes the law is spiritual
If we were simply spiritual beings, perhaps we could keep the law
However we are “fleshly” beings
We exist in a body which is driven by sinful desires
Paul describes himself as living in a body which has been sold under sin
Paul is describing his life as a Christian
he is saying that his body, his flesh, was previously sold as a slave to sin and still has desires for sinful things
though he has been freed from sin through faith in Christ
He is making a broader point here
our unspiritual minds and bodies, which contain those sinful desires and impulses that keep us from obeying God’s spiritual law
Now let us get into the heart of our discussion
15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
Paul characterizes himself as a person who continually does the opposite of what he himself wants to do
Instead of doing the things he wants, he does what he hates, instead
this is frustrating
Why is this happening?
Paul is being deeply honest with his ongoing battle with sin
Although Christians have been freed from sin’s power
we continue to live under its powerful influence
If we are truly honest
We feel exactly as Paul describes
We continue to do what we hate
we sin
even when we mean to do what is right
it is not that we are still slaves to sin
we are divided by our own competing desires
Look at this
2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:
this is part of being a fallible, mortal human being
16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Paul is saying here that his desire to do good , even if he doesn’t actually do it, shows that he agrees that God’s law is good
In other words, a Christian wants to do what is right, instead of doing what is wrong is itself evidence that God’s law is good
Wanting to do good shows that we humans know that God is right in thew commands He has given to us, even if we do not keep them
17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Paul says the problem is not with his intentions
Rather, it is the sin in him that overcomes his intentions and leads him the wrong way anyway
He is talking here about sin’s powerful influence over those who have been freed from sin’s ultimate power and authority
the sin that remains in us is not our master but it remains powerful and persuasive
18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Paul’s struggle with sin has brought him to a blunt declaration
He has learned that nothing good lives in his flesh
his unspiritual mind and body
As a physical human being , good does not come out of him, no matter his best effort
Why would Paul say such a thing?
He has observed the pattern in himself over and over again
if we are honest, we have seen the same pattern in ourselves
Paul wants to do the right thing
He is sincere
Still, he ends up doing the sinful thing he hates
He has accepted the fact that he , on his own, is not the source of what he calls “good.”
He has the desire, but not the ability, to do what is right
19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Paul is describing an endless battle between good intentions and actual actions
Is this describing what you are experiencing?
Are you struggling with your decisions?
I am honest and I can say that I struggle everyday
I am constantly having to watch my actions before I act out and I always seems to get it wrong
I am constantly asking for forgiveness
I am constantly getting conviction
20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
Paul is clearly wanting to make sure his readers understand the battle he faces
his battle between good intentions and the sin that lives in him
He describes his intentions as wanting to do good, to follow the law of Moses, to obey God
That is the real him
The sin in him, though, wins out over his best inclinations
What does this show us?
As Christians, we are not under the obligation to sin, but we “catch ourselves” in the act of doing the exact opposite of the good thing we set out to do.
We continue, on some level, to feel divided between our desire to sin, and our desire to serve God
21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
Paul has been describing his inability to keep the law of Moses, to consistently obey all of God’s Old Testament commands
Now he uses the word “law” to describe not the law of Moses but a universal principle of human behavior
Whenever we want to do what is right, evil is waiting nearby
Why do you think he uses the word evil?
He is not describing his tendency to sin in the face of his good intentions as a bad habit or a disorder
He is describing sin as his desire to do evil
the opposite of good
Paul feels the desire to do what is right
and then he experiences the sin inside him take over
then he chooses to do evil instead
Think about that
the principle that evil lies close at hand even when we set out to do good holds true
22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
Paul says he is delighted in the law of God in his inner being or inner man
This is quoting (Psalm 119: 16, 24, and 47)
Look at these verse
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Paul describes the same thing in those verses
Paul is describing the experience of Christians in this section as evidence of regeneration
In other words, only someone who is in Christ will delight in the law of God in his/her inner being
Paul is saying he really truly loves God’s law and wants to follow it
23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
He finds three universal principles to be true about all of his attempts to do good in his own power
First, he sees in his members, his body, a law or principle that is waging war against the law of his mind
In other words, the sinful desires that live in his flesh and blood and body go to war against the law of his mind that wants to do what is right
a great conflict takes place
The result of this war
is he is taken captive by the law of sin that lives inside of the members of his body
In the end, he does not do the good he sets out to do, but he does the evil he never met to do
Paul here is describing why and how Christians sometimes give in to sinful temptation and end up trapped, in a way, by sin’s deception, but still free from sin’s authority over us
24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Although he has been freed from slavery to sin
he has not lost the desire to sin
Sin in his body continues to trip him up even as he sees it for the evil that it is
Perhaps he cries out to be released from his sin-riddled body and be given a new body beyond the reach of his own sinful desires
Perhaps he cries out for the Holy Spirit to give him power to overcome the sin from which he cannot escape
25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Paul has just asked who would deliver him from his body of death
Now he answers that question, Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord
Paul understands that only God can save him from sin and death and that God does it through faith in Jesus Christ
By faith in Christ, God gives us credit for Jesus’ righteousness and takes Jesus’ death as payment for our sin
In the same way, only God can give the Christian the power to set aside our desire to sin and to do what is good and right
Galatians 5 calls this walking by the Spirit
in His power instead of our own power
It is the only hope any of us have to serve God in this life
Paul declares that he serves God’s law with his mind but his natural, sin stained body is tempted by the law of sin.
Conclusion
I wanted to show you the battle you have going on in your life
If you are honest with yourself, you experience this battle
we were discussing how to treat the issues of our fleshly heart
we need the presence of God
But the flesh often times keeps this veil between us and God
sometimes it is hard to get close to God because of issues of the flesh
And there is one ancient practice that significantly weakens the flesh and it makes the spirit grow strong
That through that practice, we tap into God in a way where we have our antennas up
We can hear Him clearly
And it is this ancient discipline of fasting and prayer for those who have never heard of this
What is fasting?
It is not just getting rid of social media
It is not just getting rid of music
Biblical fasting is the abstinence of food for a period of time for the sake of consecrating the heart to grow closer to God through prayer
It is not a hunger strike
It is denial of the thing the flesh wants most
Food and pleasure
No food, no sex
No food, no social media
No food, fill in the blank
It is telling your flesh, I have authority over you
That is the way it should be
You have authority
I will deny you what you want most for a period of time
I will grow strong in intimacy with Christ
And when you fast, you hear God more clearly
When you fast, you draw closer to God than ever before
And God might be so inclined to move on your behalf if you would humble yourself
consecrate, fast, pray, and seek
implore God
Trust God to move to meet the need that you have right now in your life
Here is a group of people fasting, God responds by meeting the need
1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
As they were fasting, the Holy Spirit spoke and said “Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them”
Then after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off
Do you see that?
This group fasted and prayed , God gave them guidance
Just like many of us right now, we need guidance
Should I take this job?
Should I move to the city?
Should i marry this person?
Should I sign this contract?
I’m wrestling with this decision
some of us just need guidance
They will say God, why can’t I hear you?
Maybe you need to quiet your flesh.
Sometimes you need to quiet your flesh , fast, pray, and seek God
Your antennas go up
You can hear Him more clearly
I just want you to see from Scriptures that God speaks during fast
He meets needs
He speaks
He gives guidance
So we get guidance during a fast
Look at this one
12 Therefore also now, saith the Lord, Turn ye even to me with all your heart, And with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, And turn unto the Lord your God: For he is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness, And repenteth him of the evil. 14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, And leave a blessing behind him; Even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God? 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: 16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, Gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: Let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. 17 Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, And let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, And give not thine heritage to reproach, That the heathen should rule over them: Wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
this is for anyone who deals with guilt
anyone who deals with shame
Everybody feels like “ I don’t know if I could consecrate because you don’t know what I have been doing”
They are thinking
There is no way God is going to listen to me
I have been in sexual immorality
I have been far away from God
I know it is a new year
but I am not feeling God right now
I am far away
This is for all of us who may be dealing with those feelings and emotions
In verse 12
God says in the middle of your rebellion
return to me
Return to me with all of your heart
How do you do that?
with fasting?
with weeping?
with mourning ?
Break yourself?
shed tears
Cry over the issues of your heart
Come to me and tell me how far away you are
tell me you are cold
tell me your prayer life sucks
tell me you don’t read the bible
tell me, return
return to me with fasting and weeping and mourning
and I like the next verse
Rend your hearts and not your garments
God is saying here
I don’t want empty praise
I don’t want no dead service
I want your heart
He says , break your heart
Pour out your heart
Confess
Tell God you are struggling
with Lust
with Jealousy
with Pride
with Anger
Pour out your heart and fast and pray
God says do not try to fool anyone
Pour out your heart and return to the Lord your God
for He is gracious and merciful
He is slow to anger
He is abounding in steadfast love
God can give you a breath of Listen
He can give you a personal revival
You can have excuses
My marriage is cold
My prayer life is cold
My service is cold
My bible reading is cold
My heart feels cold
The Lord says here
Return to me with fasting, weeping, and mourning
Pour out your heart
Ring out your sin
Confess
tell God what is going on
He can give you a personal revival
Some of us just need to be set on fire again
The Lord revives
The Lord does mighty things during fasting and prayer
Let us pray
