The Bible Speaks - Words of Inspiration - The Inner Me

[00:00:00] Let us pray, pray together on our knees

[00:00:07] Let us pray, pray together on our knees

[00:00:14] When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun

[00:00:21] Oh Lord, never see all the knees

[00:00:27] Welcome to the Bible Speaks with Elgin Carelock

[00:00:30] The Bible Speaks is a weekly ministry of Harvest International

[00:00:33] Our prayer is that the Bible Speaks will encourage you in your study of God's word

[00:00:38] You will be able to contact Elgin at the address given at the end of this broadcast

[00:00:44] And now, here's Elgin

[00:00:46] I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord

[00:00:52] Brothers and sisters, I welcome you in the name of our risen Savior, Jesus to Christ

[00:00:59] To another episode of Words of Inspiration

[00:01:04] And today we are going to discuss a topic that I don't think we spend enough time discussing

[00:01:12] And it is you

[00:01:16] Our subject is the inner me

[00:01:20] The scriptural inspiration comes from Romans chapter 7 verses 15 through 18

[00:01:29] Which reads, For I do not understand my own actions

[00:01:34] For I do not do what I want

[00:01:38] But I do the very thing I hate

[00:01:41] Now if I do what I do not want

[00:01:45] I agree with the law that it is good

[00:01:48] So now, if there's no longer I who do it

[00:01:52] But send that dwells within me

[00:01:54] For I know that nothing good dwells in me

[00:01:58] That is, in my flesh

[00:02:00] For I have the desire to do what is right

[00:02:04] But not the ability to carry it out

[00:02:08] As I mentioned in our discussion on Sunday

[00:02:12] Our flesh can get us into more trouble than Satan

[00:02:16] Because it knows what we like and what we want

[00:02:20] Also, when you gave your life to Christ, it was spiritual

[00:02:25] The transformation of your flesh is a daily battle

[00:02:31] One of the keys is the concept of immersion

[00:02:35] Your subconscious runs 90% of what you do

[00:02:39] If you don't believe me

[00:02:41] Has there ever been a time when you pulled up in front of your home

[00:02:45] And you didn't remember the ride home?

[00:02:48] Or have you had something in your hand and it slipped

[00:02:52] But before it fell to the ground you caught it

[00:02:55] That is your subconscious

[00:02:58] But unfortunately, your subconscious does not have a filter

[00:03:03] It behaves based on information that is given

[00:03:07] Your environment and what you think

[00:03:10] Move from your head to your heart

[00:03:13] To your subconscious

[00:03:15] And when it gets into the subconscious

[00:03:17] It becomes who you are

[00:03:19] That is why the Bible tells us in Proverbs 4 verses 23-24

[00:03:27] Above all else, guard your heart

[00:03:31] For everything you do flows from it

[00:03:34] Keep your mouth free of perversity

[00:03:37] Keep corrupt talk far from your lips

[00:03:41] When a person comes to faith in Christ

[00:03:44] They are considered to be born again

[00:03:47] Receiving a new nature that is oriented toward God

[00:03:50] And his righteousness

[00:03:53] This new nature desires to obey God's law

[00:03:56] And live according to his will

[00:03:59] However, the old nature influenced by sin

[00:04:03] Does not simply vanish

[00:04:05] It coexists with the new nature

[00:04:08] And internal conflict

[00:04:11] The apostle Paul describes this experience vividly in Romans 7 verses 15-25

[00:04:19] Where he talks about the frustrating experience of doing the evil that he does not want to do

[00:04:25] Rather than the good he wishes to do

[00:04:28] This passage highlights the distressing reality of the believer's dual nature

[00:04:36] The ongoing struggle is part of the process of sanctification

[00:04:41] The gradual growth in holiness and becoming more Christ-like

[00:04:46] Sanctification involves daily decisions to yield to the spirit's leadership

[00:04:52] Rather than to the impulses of the sin nature

[00:04:56] It is a lifelong process that requires vigilance, prayer, and regular engagement with God's word

[00:05:05] Each choice either strengthens the believer's spiritual resolve

[00:05:09] Or gives in to sin nature

[00:05:12] Affecting spiritual growth and maturity

[00:05:16] I've heard many pastors use the expression, eat the word

[00:05:20] Which means to consume it as if it were your daily bread

[00:05:25] And I want to add to that

[00:05:28] You are what you eat

[00:05:32] The aspect of your surroundings from the physical settings to social interaction

[00:05:38] Influences your subconscious, continually feeding it with information that molds beliefs, habits, and perceptions

[00:05:47] For example, a person raised in a nurturing and supportive family

[00:05:52] Is likely to develop a subconscious belief in their own worth and potential

[00:05:57] Which can lead to higher self-esteem and confidence

[00:06:01] Conversely, an environment characterized by criticism and negativity

[00:06:06] Can implant subconscious beliefs of inadequacy and fear of failure

[00:06:12] For Christians overcoming the sin nature to live a life of holiness is a fundamental aspect of our Christian journey

[00:06:22] This process is anchored in the transformative power of the Holy Spirit

[00:06:27] And the practice of spiritual discipline

[00:06:30] According to biblical teachings, particularly those found in the New Testament

[00:06:35] The first steps toward overcoming sin is through faith in Jesus Christ

[00:06:41] Who provides forgiveness and indwelling of the Holy Spirit

[00:06:45] The Holy Spirit then plays a crucial role in sanctification

[00:06:50] Which is the process of being made holy

[00:06:53] This is not an instantaneous occurrence but a progressive journey of becoming more like Christ

[00:07:02] Believers are called to walk by the Spirit in Galatians 5 and 16

[00:07:08] Which involves daily submitting to the Spirit's guidance and relying on His power to resist sinful desires

[00:07:17] As we grow in our relationship with God through regular prayer, meditation on the Scripture and fellowship with other believers

[00:07:26] They cultivate the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control

[00:07:39] All of which are essential qualities for a holy life

[00:07:44] One of the most important things to remember is the ability to walk by the Spirit

[00:07:50] Is to have a relationship that allows you to know His voice over your flesh

[00:07:56] If you are uncertain about an urging, ask if it aligns with the Word of God

[00:08:02] Of course, you would have to know the Word of God for that to be applicable

[00:08:08] Studying and meditating on the Word is a sure way to be able to identify worldly thoughts and desires

[00:08:17] Brothers and sisters, living a life of holiness requires intentional action to avoid circumstances that lead to sin and to engage in behaviors that promote spiritual growth

[00:08:31] This practical aspect of sanctification involves both avoiding sin and doing good

[00:08:38] We are encouraged to put on the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6 verses 10-18

[00:08:45] Which symbolizes various spiritual defenses such as truth, righteousness and faith that protects against spiritual deception and temptation

[00:08:55] Regular involvement in a community of faith provides accountability which is crucial for maintaining spiritual health and growth

[00:09:04] Moreover, acts of service and love not only benefit others but also reinforce the believer's commitment to God's command and the pursuit of holiness

[00:09:15] Through these combined efforts of depending on the Holy Spirit, practicing spiritual discipline and actively participating in a faith community

[00:09:25] We can progressively overcome our sin nature and live out the holiness that reflects our identity in Christ

[00:09:34] I thank you for joining me once again

[00:09:38] And I look forward to our conversations next week

[00:09:42] Until then, God bless

[00:10:13] Ocala, Florida 34478

[00:10:16] Again, that's Harvest International, Post Office Box 6690, Ocala, Florida 34478