Thoughts that deceive

2 Cor. 10:4 – 6

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, (Empahsis mine)bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

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You know, the thought occured to me today that when I have a sinful thought about something or someone, that that thought is actually exalting itself against God (Jesus) which dwell within me. It is PRIDE in its greatest form and guess what… it comes from my old sinful heart – that dump of stuff from my old life. Pride within me exalts itself up against the knowledge of God within me.

My sin says to me:

1.Do this and you will really be fullfilled. What God has said isn’t enough. If you do this “sin” then you will finally fullfill that void witinin you.

My sin has never one time fulfilled anything with me. Sure there my be a temporary pleasure in doing it – but  All I ever felt was terrilbe guilt and a broken relationship with God – and a testimony that I really don’t love God but my own way and will. I need to cast down that which exalts itself against God within me -quickly allowing it no time to take root –  and submit to the TRUTH of the word of God.

2.This will give you peace and rest. Afterall – you deserve it don’t you. You work hard and have for many years…so go ahead – just do it!. Don’t worry about the consequences or what someone may say. Be a man!

Well… once again the core corruption of pride is telling me that my sin will provide rest and peace. I have never found lasting rest and peace apart from my knowledge of God and His truth and my submitting to it. Is there really peace and rest in sin? Perhaps …  a temporary peace that is very hard to maintain, but Jesus said that I have come that you may have peace – PEACE in HIM not my circumstances – money – relationships – fun – pleasure.  Sin never brings real peace. It never has in the life of any person who has ever lived or ever will live.

3. This will be exciting and will be thrilling. You will finally have some fun man… Come on – GO for it! Just do it. No one will ever know.

Has your heart ever told you this? Mine sure has. There have been sinful opportunities that sometime present itself that pull at me. Life for many is sometimes mondain and can be considered boring – when they focus on all those around them “having fun.”  Sin exalts itself here again by promising fun and excitement. It can be related to Drugs – Alcohol – Porn – Sexual encounters  outside of marriage – Stealing money or some item – A party where there are unredeemed folks doing what their sinful hearts directs them to do (they are bound to the shakels of sin and must sin – it is their only freedom in life. Can they really choose to not sin? I say no.)

Excitement and fun is part of life. God created fun and excitement – and emotions – and fun people – and a sence of humor – and all good things to be enjoyed. But when mixed with sin and that which clearly is against the truth of what is revealed – it dishonors Him and He will judge. We – as God’s children – can and should have fun – but only in a pure conscience and a clean heart before God. Then you are free to enjoy all things that God has created within the FRAMEWORKHe has established. Sex should be in a marriage union only – drugs should be prescribed by a doctor for medical use only – Alcohol should be carefully considered before partaking of it in any form. (Ask yourself – could someone who is seeing me do this cause them to stumble? If yes … then do not do it ever! Be filled with the Spirit and not influence by alcohol. This feel better anyway and it is clean!) Smoking – why would anyone want to put some weeds in their mouth and set it on fire? This body does not belong to me – why would I hurt it by doing this? Party – Party like crazy with those who call upoon the Lord with a pure heart. Have some fun – but keep it clean!

Basically… Learn to let the Word of Christ direct you! Cast down the thought that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. Submit to the truth of scripture. Be filled with the Spirit of God and be free! Apart from us learning to cast down the thoughts that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God, there really is very little victory in a believers life. SO… get busy and rightly divide the word of truth – the Word of God – and be free.