Obedience by Faith

Many of you have heard me teach about confession of sin and how to be free from bitterness, or you have read booklets on the same subjects. You may have figured out that these two subjects seem to be endemic sins. It was brought to my attention that I have not taught on how not to sin. I have taught on it, but not as much, for the simple reason that when I show up to teach the people are bitter or living in unconfessed sin.

There are several talks on how not to sin on our SoundCloud page (CCM Media at SoundCloud.com). A few of these are:

Obedience is Normal

Obedience is Easy

Obedience and Faith

In addition to these teachings, I have written a book titled Dead and Alive on God’s requirement of obedience and His provision for our obedience.

If you are living in the joy of the LORD’s salvation, I encourage you to listen to these teachings or just pay attention to God’s provision and expectation when you read the Word.

There seem to be two extremes in disobedience: legalism and licentiousness. There is drifting between these two. All three of these are sins.

The world’s answer to legalism is the works of the flesh, i.e., licentiousness. “The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21).

The world’s answer to the works of the flesh “touch not, taste not, handle not” is legalism (see Colossians 2:20).

The Christian has crucified the flesh, and the Christian is dead to the basic principles of the world. “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). The Christian is in liberty and has the fruit of the Spirit.

This post coordinates with today's reading in the To the Word! Bible Reading Challenge. If you are not in a daily reading plan, please join us at TotheWord.com. We would love to have you reading with us.

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