Wow, I think I'll stop now. Obviously, you don't really care to listen what I have to say. And why the need to tear people down? I honestly believe there was a defining point when Jesus ascended into heaven and gave us his spirit. After Jesus was crucified sin was defeated, not before.[/QUOTE\]
Sorry, did not mean to be so harsh....
I was just going by your words....you said the HS empowers us not to sin, yet you admit you sin....so....can I logically deduce by your words...
a. You have not been empowered
b. You lack the empowering Spirit
c. You don't have it
OR there is option d.
We are saved, our spirit does not sin and we are still bound with a fallen body of sin that occasionally wins and we fail and sin?
1) Adam didn't have to sin. He didn't have the corrupt nature until he chose to disobey God and the curse came as a result
2) All children born to Adam (bloodline from a single man) are born into this curse. The flesh has as a default mode of operation to SIN.
3) A child born into this will not fall under this judgement if they die very young. However there comes an age of accountability (God knows this particular age/time for every believer).
4) Paul writes in Romans 7v9 "I once alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died". Paul is talking about the transition from his age of innocence into the bondage of sin through his conscience (con "with" science "knowledge"). This conscience actually slays each believer (tree of knowledge of good and evil) as we become aware of the law, or at least right from wrong, and we do the wrong anyway.
5) Paul goes on to confirm that the very law which points out transgressions is Good (verse 12,13)
6) Paul says that no matter what he tries, he cannot perform. Whether to try do good- he cant; to try avoid evil - he cant (verse 15-20)
7) Paul comes to the point of exasperation (verse 24). He realises that he cannot defeat sin in his own strength. Every true convert, if it is to be a true conversion --- HAS TO GO THROUGH THIS STEP. Awareness of transgression, awareness of their inability, and a realisation they need help.
8) verse 24 - WHO WILL DELIVER ME FROM THIS BODY OF DEATH? Finally the right question is asked!!
9) verse 25 - the SOLUTION. Jesus Christ
Now we get into a very interesting section. The start of Romans Chapter 8. Note three things in chapter 8.
a) Flesh - totally corrupt
b) Soul - Mind (here's a clue - this is where the decisions going forward will be made. A restoration of the situation Adam had - remember earlier - he didnt HAVE TO sin. He could choose not to. This is Free Will restored)
c) Spirit - Totally incorruptible. The God nature that is birthed within you once you accept Christ and are born again.
Now read chapter 8 in the context of what your SOUL (Mind) chooses. Take it step by step.
1) Ch8 v5 - For those who live according to the flesh SET THEIR MINDS on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. ---- do you see this? You choose what you set your mind to. After you become a believer (clearly) because an unbeliever doesn't have the Spirit. So clearly this passage of scripture can only be referring to the church/believers. And its saying there are CHOICES to be made daily.
2) Verse 9-13. Only a believer who has the Spirit of Christ dwelling within them can defeat the flesh on a daily walk (pick up your cross daily). Without the Spirit of Christ, the flesh rules. With the Spirit of Christ, the Spirit rules.
So can this be done? Can we take the bible at its word? Is it possible to this stop sinning? The bible says this is possible by the Spirit, and with YOUR PART. Co-operation with God. Setting your MIND on the things of the Spirit and not of the flesh. If you are not going to get with the program, don't for one second think you are going to get shoved into heaven.
God did His part already on the cross. Your part is cooperating with the plan.