THE WORLD THE FLESH & THE DEVIL

In the bible, the phrase "the world, the flesh, and the devil" encapsulates the three primary sources of temptation and spiritual struggle that believers face. Each of these elements represents a different aspect of the challenge to live a faithful and righteous life.

Understanding the Struggle

1. The World: This term signifies the system of values, beliefs, and practices that oppose God and promote sin. It embodies a culture that often prioritizes materialism, selfishness, and moral relativism. In 1 John 2:15-17, believers are warned against loving the world or its ways, as these can lead to spiritual distraction and decay.

2. The Flesh: Referring to the sinful nature inherent in all humans, the flesh encompasses our carnal desires and tendencies toward sin. Romans 7:18-25 illustrates the internal conflict between the desire to do good and the pull of sinful inclinations. The flesh represents the human inclination to rebel against God’s laws in pursuit of self-gratification.

3. The Devil: As the spiritual adversary, the devil seeks to lead people away from God through deception, temptation, and accusation. Ephesians 6:11-12 encourages believers to put on the "full armor of God" to stand against the schemes of the devil, highlighting the need for spiritual vigilance and strength.

How to Overcome

Overcoming the challenges posed by the world, the flesh, and the devil requires a multifaceted approach rooted in spiritual disciplines and reliance on God. Here are key strategies:

Repentance and Being Born Again

Repentance and being born again are fundamental. They represent key aspects of the believer's journey toward salvation, transformation, and a renewed relationship with God. Both are essential for understanding the process of coming to faith and living a life aligned with God's will.

Repentance

Repentance, involves a sincere turning away from sin and a commitment to change one's life in accordance with God's will. It is not merely feeling remorse for one's actions but involves a profound change of heart and mind. The Greek word for repentance, "metanoia," means to change one's mind, reflecting a transformation in attitude towards sin and God.

1. Call to Repentance: Throughout the Bible, God calls His people to repentance. In the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah urged Israel to turn from their sinful ways (Isaiah 55:7; Jeremiah 25:5). In the New Testament, John the Baptist's ministry was characterized by a call to repentance (Matthew 3:1-2), as was Jesus' message (Mark 1:15).

2. Repentance is a Condition for Forgiveness: Jesus emphasizes the necessity of repentance for forgiveness. In Luke 13:3, He states, "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." Similarly, in Acts 3:19, Peter calls on people to "repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out."

3. Joy in Heaven Over Repentance: The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin (Luke 15:4-10) illustrate the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, highlighting the significance of repentance in God's eyes.

4. Ongoing Process: Repentance is not just a one-time event; it is an ongoing aspect of the Christian life. Believers are called to continually evaluate their lives and turn away from sin (1 John 1:9).

Being Born Again

Being born again refers to the spiritual rebirth that occurs when a person accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Thriugh this process a person experiences the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of a new life in Christ.

Biblical Teachings:
1. Jesus’ Teaching on Being Born Again: In John 3:1-8, Jesus explains to Nicodemus the necessity of being "born again" to see the kingdom of God. He clarifies that this rebirth is not a physical one but a spiritual one, born of water and the Spirit.

2. New Creation in Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he isThe Bible places great emphasis on the concepts of repentance and being born again. These are central themes that speak to the transformation and restoration of the human soul.

Repentance:
The Bible teaches that repentance is the number 1 crucial step in the process of salvation and spiritual growth. Repentance involves a genuine change of heart and mind, where an individual turns away from sin and towards God. This is exemplified in passages like Luke 13:3, where Jesus declares, "Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."

The biblical understanding of repentance goes beyond simply feeling remorse for wrongdoing. It involves a willingness to forsake sinful ways and instead embrace God's will for one's life. Acts 3:19 states, "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out." This demonstrates that repentance leads to the forgiveness and cleansing of sin.

The Old Testament prophets frequently called the people of Israel to repent and return to the Lord. For example, in Ezekiel 18:30-32, God exhorts, "Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!"

Being Born Again:
The concept of being "born again" is closely linked to repentance and is central to the biblical understanding of salvation. In John 3, Jesus speaks with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, and tells him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3).

Being born again signifies a spiritual transformation, where an individual experiences a new birth and a radical change of heart and life. This is facilitated by the work of the Holy Spirit, who brings about regeneration and renewal in the life of the believer.

The Apostle Paul describes this transformation in 2 Corinthians 5:17, stating, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." This new creation is the result of repenting from sin and placing one's faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

The Bible emphasizes that being born again is not merely a superficial or emotional experience, but a deep, lasting change that alters the trajectory of one's life. It is marked by a renewed love for God, a desire to obey His commands, and a transformed perspective on the world and one's own life. You then have interface to communicate with God personally and to understand his Word.

1. Prayer: Regular (conversations) communication with God is essential. Jesus taught His disciples to pray for deliverance from evil (Matthew 6:13), emphasizing the need to seek divine help. Ask the Savior to help you. In ALL ways look to him, and He will direct YOUR path.

2. Scripture: Studying and meditating on the Bible equips believers with the truth to counter deception. Jesus demonstrated this during His temptation by using Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). Find out what he wants you to do. Tevin Campbell wrote a hit love song called, “tell me what you want me to do.” When you read his word, you are asking God to tell YOU what you He wants YOU to do!!

3. Community: Engaging with a supportive Christian community fosters accountability and encouragement. Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of fellowship in remaining focused on spiritual goals. Before accepting God and being born again your community may have been the clubs or other ungodly things—NOW you need to hang out in places where God honor dwells and with people that call on the Lord with a pure heart—not hypocrites but people that really try to live as the bible says.

4. Avoiding Temptation: Being proactive in avoiding situations that lead to temptation is crucial. Setting boundaries and being mindful of influences can help maintain spiritual integrity (1 Corinthians 10:13). Resist the devil and his temptation and God promises that THE DEVIL WILL FLEE FROM YOU—just RESIST!

5. Cultivating the Spirit: Walking by the Spirit and cultivating the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25) helps believers resist the pull of the flesh. When you become born again God impart the fruit of his spirit, love, joy, patience, long suffering, faith, etc. Walk in them. Don’t let the world’s anxiety get to you. The whole WORLD is in his hands.

6. Repentance and Forgiveness: Quickly confessing and repenting of sins is vital. God’s promise of forgiveness (1 John 1:9) allows for spiritual growth. If you fall, just REPENT but make sure to turn away from it because no one with God spirit continues to practice sinning.

7. Focus on God’s Promises: Meditating on God’s promises provides strength and encouragement. Philippians 4:13 reassures believers that YOU can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. WHY? Because the spirit of God lives in You. He can do all things and so can YOU.

8. Serving Others: Engaging in acts of service shifts focus away from self and reflects Christ’s love, enhancing spiritual growth (Matthew 20:28). It is BETTER (more emotionally rewarding) to GIVE than to RECEIVE. Try it.

9. Setting Spiritual Goals: Establishing clear spiritual goals fosters intentional growth in faith and practice. Now, your direction in life should be how you can please God.

10. Trust in God's Sovereignty: Believers are encouraged to rely on God’s power and grace, recognizing that overcoming sin is a process supported by His presence. Look to Him

Promises for Overcoming

The Bible provides numerous promises for those who overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil:

1. Eternal Life: Revelation 2:7 promises access to the tree of life in paradise for those who overcome.

2. Crown of Life: James 1:12 assures that those who persevere will receive the crown of life from God.

3. Victory through Christ: Romans 8:37 affirms that believers are "more than conquerors" through Christ.

4. Inheritance in the Kingdom: Revelation 21:7 promises that the conqueror will inherit all things and be a child of God.

5. Strength and Help: Philippians 4:13 emphasizes that believers can do all things through Christ's strength.

6. Reward for Faithfulness: Revelation 3:21 promises that victors will sit with Christ on His throne.

7. Freedom from Condemnation: Romans 8:1 assures that there is no condemnation for those in Christ.

8. Peace and Assurance: John 16:33 provides comfort, stating that Christ has overcome the world.

9. Spiritual Growth and Maturity: 1 Peter 5:10 encourages that God will restore and strengthen those who endure trials.

10. Presence of God: Revelation 21:3 promises that God will dwell among His people, signifying ultimate fulfillment.

Conclusion

The journey of overcoming the world, the flesh, and the devil is one of perseverance, reliance on God's strength, and active engagement in spiritual disciplines. The promises found in Scriptures serve as encouragement and hope for believers as they navigate their faith journey, assuring them of the rewards that await those who remain faithful to God. Through prayer, Scripture, community, and trust in God's promises, believers can find the strength to overcome and experience the abundant life He offers.

When you follow these instructions, you will experience what it means when the WORD says NOW —not tomorrow but NOW in Romans 8:1-2 when it says this:

“therefore NOW no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk NOT after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me FREE from the law of sin and death.”

This means the WORLD, FLESH and The DEVIL.

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