Throughout the Bible we are told to be strong and of good courage! As we understand our struggle with temptation and the battle that rages within the heart of every person, we are reminded that we must be strong in our desire to follow the truth. Paul was confident that his ultimate victory over sin in his body was through Jesus Christ when he writes in 1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” As we yield our lives to the Spirit of God, we will be strengthened by His strength. God provides spiritual strength as we exert discipline and self-control rather than yielding to the world, the flesh and the devil. The problem with many believers is that they are unwilling to pay the price of discipline. To be great at something we always have to sacrifice some of the pleasures of the world. Every athlete understands that it is hard work and sacrifice that enables them to excel in their sport. Their reward is set before them as the prize of winning. As followers of Jesus Christ we need to press toward the mark of the prize of … READ MORE

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 gives us 5 commands for victory over sin in our lives. We have seen that we are to be alert, and stand firm in our faith. Today, we are reminded that we are to be mature! One of the hardest things we do as an individual is grow up. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 13:11 “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. Paul doesn’t tell us to use some magical formula in order to acquire victory over sin, he simply tells us to “act like men”. Often, we sin because like a child, we want what we want, and will do anything to get it, even sacrificing our moral convictions. As adults, we have to learn to say “no” to our desires, and learn to make correct decisions, based upon the Word of God. Many who claim to be followers of Christ have only a shallow knowledge of God’s Word. Often this is because they trust in personal experience or feelings as truth, or regard personal comfort and success as their priorities in … READ MORE

Overcoming temptation is a constant battle in the life of those who choose to follow Christ. To do so, we must first of all learn to be alert to the battle that is before us, and to watch for our enemy, Satan, as he sends his warriors to attack us. the second command found in 1 Corinthians 16:13 is to “Stand fast in the faith!” The Bible has no equal. It alone is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). In light of this truth, we need to affirm in our minds the authority of God’s Word, the person of Christ, and His resurrection. These are great cornerstones of our Christian faith. We need to determine in our minds and hearts that we are not going to allow anything nor anyone to move us from our position in Christ. Paul wrote to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:12, “I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is ab le to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. The key here is to remain firm in our understanding the revealed truths of God’s Word. Are you firm in your faith? Do you know who you have … READ MORE