Maybe we’ve had them before, thoughts that are not of our character, or thoughts that we did not want to have, yet continued to struggle with them. Such thoughts may seem like a new phenomenon, but we may find comfort in knowing that they are not.
16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. (Romans 7:16 – 20 English Standard Version)
As sin still dwells within us, since we are in this fallen world, temporarily, we understand that the evil that we do not want may happen within us, yet such is not from our Helper.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. (John 14:26 New King James Version)
So, may peace be found if a question like, why did I just say/do that?, follows. For that is indicative that such was not from the Holy Spirit within us, as what took place caused confusion, and not peace.
For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians 14:33 King James Version)
If we do what we do not want in the Spirit, then may we also find encouragement in knowing such is not ourselves, but rather the sin that dwells in us.
24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. (Romans 7:24 – 25 English Standard Version)
Serving God
Our minds serve the law of God, and in servitude of Him, we may rebuke any thoughts that are not of Him, and cast them onto Him.
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7 New King James Version)
Likewise, our Lord is vengeful, and He will repay everyone according to their deeds (and we will be repaid by reward through our faith in Jesus Christ); therefore, by casting what we are attacked by unto Him, we may give place for His vengeance to happen, unto His glorification.
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19 New King James Version)
God knows of these thoughts, and He knows they are not of us. As we are in battle and war with the flesh, sometimes it may be forgotten how terrible battles and wars can be.
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. (1 Peter 2:11 English Standard Version)
So, these terrible thoughts, or the like, that take place from the sin that dwells within us, may be reminders of the battle that we are in. Yet, may we be comforted in God, as He is a warrior, and therefore does not leave us without the resources to fight against such lies.
The LORD is a warrior, the LORD is His name. (Exodus 15:3 Berean Study Bible)
As we may know and experience such terrible things that can take place from sin, may such encourage us to abhor what is evil, and love good, as evil causes much strife within oneself.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. (Romans 12:9 English Standard Version)
Conclusion
We may now cast out evil with perfect love, which is Jesus Christ, as we emulate walking in truth, justice, boldness, and without fear, against such things. Furthermore, we can thank God for allowing such thoughts and knowing of them, since we then have opportunity to grow in our faith through casting our thoughts onto Him, ignoring or resisting giving time to them, and rebuking them, all unto passing the test or trial of not worrying or doubting our salvation, for more glorification to Him, and eternal reward from Him.
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 English Standard Version)
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 English Standard Version)
Now, may we take heart, continue to focus on the Lord, and progress in preparedness and eagerness for His second coming and rewards, as our Lord does not stop loving us, nor will we be moved away from Him, due to a fleeting thought, or the like.
Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22 New King James Version)
How do you battle such thoughts?
With love,
Claire Belle
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