Why do horror movie characters make such poor decisions? The midnight trip to the creepy basement to investigate that weird noise; the ignored warning to stay away from that house because “strange things” happen there; the refusal to pick up a weapon when danger is imminent; and the most famous of all—the inability to run when the enemy appears. You watch in utter disbelief as they keep falling and crying. You want to scream—why don’t you run!
Unfortunately, many Christians find themselves in the same predicament–caught in a horrible trap because they don’t take their enemy seriously. Just take a look at this video clip…
Sin is our enemy. Think of it this way…
“If you’re in the flesh, you make poor decisions. If you want to save your soul, run from sin. It’s just what God advises you to do.”
Sin leads to death.
James 1:14-15, New King James Version – “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”
Run from lust and anything that gives you evil thoughts. Your life is at stake.
2 Timothy 2:21-23, Living Bible – “If you stay away from sin you will be like one of these dishes made of purest gold—the very best in the house—so that Christ himself can use you for his highest purposes. Run from anything that gives you the evil thoughts that young men often have, but stay close to anything that makes you want to do right. Have faith and love, and enjoy the companionship of those who love the Lord and have pure hearts.”
There has no temptation come to you that is not common to man, but God has made a way for you to escape. (Jesus knows the escape route—follow Him!)
1 Corinthians 10:12-13, New King James Version – “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”
Renew your mind by reading the Word of God.
Romans 12:2 – “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Ephesians 4:21-24, New King James Version – “…if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.”
Renewing your mind is like upgrading the Operating System of your soul. If you stop the download midway, the process is never completed. Yes, you initially clicked the button that said download (you received Jesus Christ as Savior), but when you stop reading the Bible, stop going to church, stop praying, etc., you cancel God’s process midway.
Carnal Christians say yes to Christ, but do not follow through by renewing their minds. We cannot afford to be carnal. Why not? Watch the info-graphic…
Renewing your mind is how you resist temptation. A renewed mind does not have the desire to sin.
Hebrews 6:4-8, New King James Version – “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.”
We can choose life or death. (God has given us free-will–choose life.)
Deuteronomy 30:19-20, New King James Version – “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days…”
Submit to God, resist the devil and he will flee. (God is ready to help you. Trust Him.)
James 4:6-8, New King James Version – “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Do not be fooled, all of the truly good things in life come from God.
James 1:16-17, New King James Version – “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
God’s plan leads to life—an eternity in heaven with Him forever.
Jeremiah 29:11, Living Bible – “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
John 14:1-3, New King James Version – “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”
