The Apostle Paul - “I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6)
Whenever our sinful natures rise up, we tend to forget the Lord, His indwelling Holy Spirit, and other godly resources He’s given us to help us fight off and defeat our sinful natures. In today’s devotion, we’re going to review four of those resources. First, the Lord has given each of us a godly nature to help us combat our sinful nature. The Apostle Peter writes, “Because of His glory and excellence, He (the Lord) has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” (2 Peter 1:4) In other words, because of the presence of the Lord living in us in the person of the Holy Spirit, we now have natures that encourages us to think right, talk right, act right, and do right.
Second, the Lord has given us His Word to help us overcome our struggles with our sinful natures. The Psalmist writes, “I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) As Christians, we should daily read and study the Word of God so we can know His ways and His plans for our lives. It’s important for each of us to find or develop a strategic plan of Bible reading so we can be consistent in our daily reading, study, and meditation of God’s Word.
Third, the Lord has given each of us godly individuals to help us in our battles with our sinful natures. It is important for Christians to surround themselves with Christian friends who will draw them closer to the Lord. King Solomon, one of the wisest men who ever lived, wrote “As iron sharpens iron, so friends improve one another.” (Proverbs 27:17) We all need good and godly friends in our lives. When we embrace them, they will challenge us regarding our bad attitudes and habits, and help us become better and stronger followers of Jesus.
Finally, the Lord has given us His Spirit to help us overcome our sinful natures. The Apostle Paul writes, “Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” (Galatians 5:16) When we’re living daily in the power of God’s Spirit, we will be able to overcome our sinful natures. Jesus once said, “But when the Father sends the Advocate as My representative - that is, the Holy Spirit - He will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:6) What better help could we possibly receive than the help of the Lord through the Holy Spirit?
Followup Activity - In your journal or on a piece of paper, write out a prayer to the Lord, thanking Him for the godly resources He has given you to help you battle with your sinful nature. Ask Him to help you explore each so your faith might grow. If you’re leading your family through this devotion, lead them to complete the same exercise, then pray as a family.
Prayer for Today - Lord, thank You for giving me resources to help me overcome my sinful nature. Help me to use them wisely. In Jesus’ name, Amen.