The Origin

I have been becoming increasingly aware that the people of God are simply tired. I see it in their eyes. I see it when they look at their schedule, when things don’t seem to go as planned…I even see it when they are trying to celebrate…there is this deep wariness that invades the mind and the heart.

They continue on in the midst of this wariness with the idea that this is just the way it is. There is the spiritual battle that we are in the midst of and until Jesus comes we will all just have to deal with it.

What if there were a deeper and more meaningful view of the God we serve and a more correct view of the nature of sin that we have been missing?

I am convinced that there is a more biblical view of life that leads to rest, peace, joy, and and over all sense of fulfilment if we would give up this idea of being in a spiritual battle.

I am not saying things won’t be difficult and I am not saying that satan does not prowl around like a lion seeking those whom he may devour…I am saying that it is not up to us to fight evil or satan.

That job has already been done and won.

The truth is that the battle is a one sided fight. God is not at war with satan or evil…becuase satan and evil are not equal opposing forces to the goodness of God.

The Origin of sin or evil is not from not knowing God but knowing God and choosing the opposite.

Sin and evil only have the power that we give to them. Understanding and living into this truth has the potential offer a freedom that is truly uncommon.

Much of our time is spent trying not to do A, B, or C which robs us of our ability to live in the freedom that salvation and sanctification can bring.

Our scripture today is often preached by focusing on the acts of…sexual immorality, wickedness, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip.

This has lead many people to believe that these acts are sin…These acts are wrong and these acts are immoral but Sin and Evil take root long before these acts are commited.

The Key to this passage is not to avoid acts of immorality but to reject the root of sin...

What if Sin was not simply an action?

Could this change the way you live your life? In what way?

What if Evil or Sin was not some outside force you had to fight but a decision YOU make before you face it?

Paul makes no mention of Satan or any other evil agent in this passage. He focuses instead on the thoughts and resulting actions of humans—persons like you and me—who are deceived by whatever means, and then stray from the truth.

In other words the devil didn’t create evil he like those who know God today and choose to self self over God create evil themselves…

The origin of evil comes from within not from the outside.

New Living Translation Chapter 1

13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

What does the thought of the origin of evil coming from within and not from without do to your view of God?

John Wesley says:

Sin is a willful transgression of a known law of God. Or to put it another way sin is to know the truth and choose the lie. This is where evil in born into the heart of people.

Moral acts and transgression are not sin themselves they are the outcome of a choice in the heart to pervert that which is good instead of living in the boundaries that God has given and these lead to the consequences of sin.

We will not change unwanted or immoral behaviour until we choose a deeper walk with the Creator.

Stop blaming others for sin in your life....Deal with your choices.

What could you gain if you were to engage into a deeper walk with the Creator instead of feeling like you are fighting Satan or the Spirit of Evil?

When we choose a deeper walk we can focus on those things that bring peace and growth into our lives.

When we are fighting for our lives there is no room to live it as God intends us to live it. We are always focused on injustice and the next great battle instead of being able to rest in the awesome presence of the Holy Spirit.

Being in a constant state of war lends to self preservation not selfless engagement in the world for the sake of the Kingdom of God.

Mother Terresa said “We fear the future because we are wasting today.”

God is not fighting against the evil of this world because God is to busy pouring himself into those who are open. God does not have to fight evil because evil is the equal to God’s goodness.

What do you and I really stand to lose if we engage in growing in faith instead of fighting the world?

Stress, worry, unrealistic expectations, indecision, self doubt....etc....Imagine all of your anxiety and fear of the future melting away simply becuase you were predetermined to the goodness or Holiness of God.

Who wouldn’t want this life? Yes it may mean that you have to make a few adjustments to your life but if you could live the rest of your life this way wouldn’t it be worth it?

God Really is Good....God Really is All Powerful....You really can live in victory!

What needs to change in order to make this growth a priority?

Share if you are willing????

Communion