Declining the Offer

The world’s offerings are constantly in our eyes just like media advertisements. Just like adverts are meant to be appealing to raise our appetites to buy that product or service sold, the world’s offerings are meant to be appealing to raise our desires to commit sin.

But we thank God for His grace that is revealed and brings salvation to all men. This grace further “teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age,” (Titus 2:12 NIV). Through his grace, Jesus Christ ‘gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.” (Titus 2:14 NLT).

We see that God, through Jesus Christ desired that we are set free from the power of sin. However, the sinful nature (flesh) continues to fight and draw us to the world of sin. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to overcome the power of sin. While the secular world promotes that where there is a will there is a way (i.e. will power can see us conquer anything), unfortunately not with sin. Our will power cannot  destroy the power of sin. Only Jesus can.

The world offers a craving for sin. This touches on our desires. If we are to enjoy our fellowship with God we need him to change our desires. We need him to cleanse us, purify us or sanctify us. We need him to make us holy because he is a holy God. Only Holy Spirit can produce holy desires in us. That is the reason we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. That is the reason we need to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. It is Holy Spirit that will continually build our character, shape us and mould us, transforming everyday that we are conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

The Apostle Paul shared a very beautiful advice with the Galatian church which is very needful and helpful for us even today. He said;

“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite of what sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions… Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

 – Galatians 5:16-17, 24-25 NLT)