Is a Sinless Life Possible (Part 5 of 5)

Sinful acts are not predestined.  Although sin is a powerful force (1Cor 15:51), it can be resisted, (James 4:7), “Because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world,” (1John 4:4).  When sin exhibits too much authority over our life, it does not automatically reflect an absence of effort on our part, but it does indicate an absence of Divine Assistance available from the fullness of the Spirit within us.  Although I may not have yet achieved the fullness of the Spirit, I should take reassurance in knowing that a greater fullness of the Spirit is not only possible, but promised, “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off,” (Acts 2:39).  Only by obtaining a greater fullness of the Spirit can an individual be empowered by the Divine Assistance capable of resisting the evil inclination that tempts us in our flesh. 

I confess that I have not yet achieved a life free from sin, but I do believe the continuing presence of sin reveals the opportunity for a greater filling of the Spirit.  I am convinced, as was Dietrich Bonhoeffer, that all human beings are capable of crying out to God for Divine Assistance whether we lay crippled along the road (Matt 20:31), sinking into the water (Matt 14:30), or nailed to an adjacent cross (Luke 23:42).  If we cry out in earnest sincerely of heart, the LORD will respond, for the LORD “jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”.  It is God who gives “greater grace” to those who “cleanse their hands” and “purify their hearts”.  Those who submit to God will be empowered to resist the superhuman forces of the devil until he will flee, as written,

“Do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”?  But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”  

Submit therefore 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.  Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom.  Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:5-10)

“When all is said and done, the life of faith is nothing if not an unending struggle of the spirit with every available weapon against the flesh” (The Cost of Discipleship - Dietrich Bonhoeffer). 

THE END - Scott