Following Jesus is not Easy      
 

by Jonathan Perz

 

Anyone who pretends following Jesus is easy is tragically mistaken. It is war and the first front of that war is one of the most brutal. To do the will of God, we must fight and win battle after battle over the voracious and sinful appetites of our flesh. As long as our spirits dwell within our fleshly bodies, the war between spirit and flesh will rage on. The enemy will keep attacking and we must continue fighting and resisting. At times, it will seem futile, we will tire of fighting against temptation and we will want to surrender. Much like the Israelites of old, we will wonder why God dragged us out into this dry and barren wilderness to die when turning back to Egypt—even as a slave—seems so easy and comfortable. We will lose battles to temptation. We will succumb to sin. We will feel like giving up the fight and giving in to sin, becoming its slave, will be a reprieve. This is when we must remember Christ. Christ died to free us from that slavery. He is our strength in the struggle. He gives us the will and wisdom to win. He makes us more than conquerors. He empowers us against our adversary. He shows us the way of escape and gives us victory. He gives us grace over death when sin wins the day. But we must continue to choose Him over our flesh. We must remember and choose His will over our own will. We must love Him more than sin. We must continue to fight! Why? Because Jesus fought and died for us! He fights for us even today! Ephesians 6:10–13 (NKJV): “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Read Romans, chapters 6-8, also.       Other Articles by Jonathan Pez Spiritual Pushovers and Terminal Hardheadedness An Open Letter to Christians Slow to Wrath God Help Me To Be A Better Listener The Reluctant Disciple Light or Darkness "Confused" by Truth  Dressing Our Daughters Like Prostitutes Is the New Testament a Law? Coming to the Defense of Sin and Error Fellowship With God is Conditional   For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com