“…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. For to be CARNALLY MINDED IS DEATH, but to be SPIRITUALLY MINDED is LIFE AND PEACE. Because the carnal (sárx: the earthly nature of man without divine influence) mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh CANNOT PLEASE GOD.” (Rom. 8:5-8)
Paul is talking about an unsanctified (unholy, unconsecrated, profane) life. “Do not let sin CONTROL THE WAY YOU LIVE; do not GIVE IN to sinful desires. DO NOT let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin.” (Rom. 6:12-13) So, how do we prevent sin from controlling our lives? First, remember this, “…we are MORE THAN CONQUERORS (hupernikaō: to gain a decisive victory) through Him who loves us.” (Rom. 8:37)
This would be a good prayer to start with, “SEARCH ME, O God, and know my heart; TRY ME, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And LEAD ME in the way everlasting.” (Psa. 139:23-24) Paul asks this question, “Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? BY NO MEANS! We are those who have DIED TO SIN; how can we live in it any longer?” (Rom. 6:1-2) Sanctification is the process of being MADE HOLY and dying to sin! How do we receive sanctification? We ASK GOD to sanctify us!!! I received salvation on May 17th 1972, I was addicted to drugs and alcohol. I attended a revival at the Seattle Church, sanctification was being preached on and when the altar call was given I went forward and asked the Lord to sanctify me. So, He SANCTIFIED ME and spoke to me to go home and get rid of all my drugs and alcohol. 10 bags of newly purchased Alcpolco gold marijuana, high levels of THC, contribute to the, very much in demand, euphoric high of this drug. As I poured it down the toilet, I began to experience a HOLY EXHILARATING feeling, God showing me how SUPERIOR HE WAS to anything we may find on this earth. That was 49 years ago, Oh what tremendous joy I have experienced on my journey!!!
“Now may the God of peace Himself SANCTIFY YOU COMPLETELY; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. 5:23)
-Bill Stockham