“Going Deeper with God” Pt 4:
Becoming a Christian does not mean Satan gives up fighting for your soul. In fact, in the early days of your new life, the battle usually gets more intense. He makes us doubt our decision and tries to convince the new believer they can never live a Christian life. Here’s what the great Apostle Paul said about himself, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate to do is the very thing I do” (Romans 7:14-20).
Satan hates God but knows he’s no match for Him. The only way the evil one can hurt the Lord is by hurting God’s people. He tempts them every way possible with the desire of dragging them back into a sinful life. Becoming a Christian and surrendering ourselves completely to God and being filled with His Spirit doesn’t mean we will never sin again. But there’s a difference between a momentary failure and returning to a lifestyle of sin.
We can’t fight the battle of sin alone – even as a Christian. We need help and that help comes in the form of the Holy Spirit. The Bible says we die to sin (Ephesians 2:1) and not to be drunk with wine but be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Romans 12:2 instructs us to allow God’s Spirit to renew our mind which will transfer your thoughts to things that are right rather than conforming to the things of the world.
In 2 Corinthians 10:5 Paul gives us wise counsel; “to actively STOP destructive thoughts, but take those thoughts captive”. Taking a thought “captive” is like a military victory. Instead of letting a thought take you captive, you control it. The goal is that every thought is filtered and brought into submission to the truth.
Some of you may be thinking, “This is really tough stuff – I can never do these things!” And I will say, you are right! Being totally committed to Christ requires a full surrender to God making Him first in everything concerning your life.
Luke 3:16 says, “John answered, “I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” This is what happened to the disciples at Pentecost. There are various forms of water baptisms, but the main one is immersion. This is when a person is totally submerged under the water in a lake or baptismal tank. It signifies one who has died to sin and is symbolically being buried (immersed) and bringing them up signifies a “new life in Christ.”
It’s easy to picture a person being engulfed in water as they are baptized after becoming a Christian. Try to picture your life when you totally submit it to the Lordship of Christ, not only being filled but completely engulfed by His Spirit. It’s God’s Spirit which empowers us to live a dedicated and committed life. It’s called “Holiness.”
Pastor Carnes
