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A slave to our whims.......
A Slave to My Whims
Not long ago, I was reading in 1 Cor 6. I was reading this chapter in The Message. When I arrived at vs. 12, I whispered “wow”. This is a verse that most Bible readers would be familiar with. Let’s take a look at it in the King James first:
KJV
12All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
This verse is very enlightening for many reasons. When this verse began to shine as truth and light for me many years ago, I began to see that the first part illuminates our relationship with God and the law in that unmerited favor puts us much in the same position as an ambassador in another country. We are not subjected to their laws. However, disobeying their laws can cause problems, deportation for one. But you will not be punished for breaking a law of that country where you serve.
So while everything is legal, not everything is expedient. Paul says that even though we are not subject to the law, he himself would not be brought under the power of any. Amen.
I find this expression rather deep, something to contemplate, but not fully understood. So let’s take a look at it in the Amplified Version.
Amplified Bible
12Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power.
Yes, thank our Holy God Almighty we are under grace. But Paul says even so, he would not become a slave to anything or be brought under its power. This sheds more light on the subject for me. God’s people, though not subjected to the law and it’s just punishment, should not allow themselves to be enslaved to anything or anyone. Paul says that it is not good or profitable for him. Guess what? The same applies to you and I.
Now let’s move on to this verse in every day jargon:
The Message
12Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims.
When I read this verse this morning, yes, I went “wow”. It says that Paul did not go around doing whatever he thought he could get by with. Does that sound familiar to you? I have lived most of my life getting as close to “wrong doing” as thought I could get away with, without crossing over the line. Invariably, we cannot live at the edge of the law without slipping over, yoking ourselves to our whims and our sinfulness once again.
Paul is writing this letter to the Corinthian Church. We commonly call this the “Carnal Church”. Here is the epitome of carnal living. You and I both know that attempting to live as close to sin as we can without crossing over the line is as carnal as it can be. We are not fooling anyone but ourselves. We impose on God’s permissive will. And stretching as far as we can to be near our “old love” and life, we find ourselves continually getting into trouble. In The Message, it says we become “a slave to our whims”. My, my, my. Is that the truth or what? I lived most of my life as a slave to my whims. Am I the only one here? How can I say I’ve been set free if I am still yet a slave to anything? I make myself a liar. Then the whole thing just comes tumbling down on top of me. Fear and depression come roaring in, and there I sit in dismal misery. I have “fallen short” again, and again, and again. Over and over I’ve had to cry out to the Lord for forgiveness and help.
Paul is warning us. Do not take your “liberty” as an occasion of sin! Why? Because it will come back to bite you, that’s why! You will find yourself in bondage all over again!
This truth is exactly why I’ve recently and finally put to death, “my whims” (Lord help me)! God has not created me to be a slave to my whims. He sent His Son to die in my place, and to be a light to my path. He shows us “The Way” for He “is The Way”! He lives in obedience, so I must also. No “ifs”, “ands”, or “buts”.
I’ve cast aside anything and everything that have in the past enticed my “whims” and led me astray. Oh the loss I’ve suffered running here and there following whims. I have repented, and God has restored me in an unbelievable fashion. I have no fellowship with the powers of darkness! I do not tempt my flesh to rise from the grave again. In my mind, I do believe I have finally put my “old man” to death, at last. Glory be to God.
I could not do that on my own will power and determination. That is religion and it does not work. I had to cry out to God, “Help ME!” I know He has been waiting a very long time for me to do just that. Now He empowers me to live the way He desires me to live, day by day, one day at a time. I am so very humbly grateful.
Are you a slave to your “whims”? Just pause a moment and think about that……God will wait. Isn’t it time to be set free of all of that and get deep into God? Stop trying to set yourself free. Let His Son set you free. 1 Cor 1:18 says that the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing; but to those of us who are being saved, it is THE POWER OF GOD! How is this power introduced into and affect our lives? It gives us the ability to say “NO” to our “whims”, and say “YES” to our obedience to God! Alleluia! I’m going to end this right here, so you and I can spend some quiet time with God and get some things settled. May God richly bless us as we do. Amen.
Worshipping Him,
Lahry
Not long ago, I was reading in 1 Cor 6. I was reading this chapter in The Message. When I arrived at vs. 12, I whispered “wow”. This is a verse that most Bible readers would be familiar with. Let’s take a look at it in the King James first:
KJV
12All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
This verse is very enlightening for many reasons. When this verse began to shine as truth and light for me many years ago, I began to see that the first part illuminates our relationship with God and the law in that unmerited favor puts us much in the same position as an ambassador in another country. We are not subjected to their laws. However, disobeying their laws can cause problems, deportation for one. But you will not be punished for breaking a law of that country where you serve.
So while everything is legal, not everything is expedient. Paul says that even though we are not subject to the law, he himself would not be brought under the power of any. Amen.
I find this expression rather deep, something to contemplate, but not fully understood. So let’s take a look at it in the Amplified Version.
Amplified Bible
12Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do, expedient and profitable when considered with other things). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power.
Yes, thank our Holy God Almighty we are under grace. But Paul says even so, he would not become a slave to anything or be brought under its power. This sheds more light on the subject for me. God’s people, though not subjected to the law and it’s just punishment, should not allow themselves to be enslaved to anything or anyone. Paul says that it is not good or profitable for him. Guess what? The same applies to you and I.
Now let’s move on to this verse in every day jargon:
The Message
12Just because something is technically legal doesn't mean that it's spiritually appropriate. If I went around doing whatever I thought I could get by with, I'd be a slave to my whims.
When I read this verse this morning, yes, I went “wow”. It says that Paul did not go around doing whatever he thought he could get by with. Does that sound familiar to you? I have lived most of my life getting as close to “wrong doing” as thought I could get away with, without crossing over the line. Invariably, we cannot live at the edge of the law without slipping over, yoking ourselves to our whims and our sinfulness once again.
Paul is writing this letter to the Corinthian Church. We commonly call this the “Carnal Church”. Here is the epitome of carnal living. You and I both know that attempting to live as close to sin as we can without crossing over the line is as carnal as it can be. We are not fooling anyone but ourselves. We impose on God’s permissive will. And stretching as far as we can to be near our “old love” and life, we find ourselves continually getting into trouble. In The Message, it says we become “a slave to our whims”. My, my, my. Is that the truth or what? I lived most of my life as a slave to my whims. Am I the only one here? How can I say I’ve been set free if I am still yet a slave to anything? I make myself a liar. Then the whole thing just comes tumbling down on top of me. Fear and depression come roaring in, and there I sit in dismal misery. I have “fallen short” again, and again, and again. Over and over I’ve had to cry out to the Lord for forgiveness and help.
Paul is warning us. Do not take your “liberty” as an occasion of sin! Why? Because it will come back to bite you, that’s why! You will find yourself in bondage all over again!
This truth is exactly why I’ve recently and finally put to death, “my whims” (Lord help me)! God has not created me to be a slave to my whims. He sent His Son to die in my place, and to be a light to my path. He shows us “The Way” for He “is The Way”! He lives in obedience, so I must also. No “ifs”, “ands”, or “buts”.
I’ve cast aside anything and everything that have in the past enticed my “whims” and led me astray. Oh the loss I’ve suffered running here and there following whims. I have repented, and God has restored me in an unbelievable fashion. I have no fellowship with the powers of darkness! I do not tempt my flesh to rise from the grave again. In my mind, I do believe I have finally put my “old man” to death, at last. Glory be to God.
I could not do that on my own will power and determination. That is religion and it does not work. I had to cry out to God, “Help ME!” I know He has been waiting a very long time for me to do just that. Now He empowers me to live the way He desires me to live, day by day, one day at a time. I am so very humbly grateful.
Are you a slave to your “whims”? Just pause a moment and think about that……God will wait. Isn’t it time to be set free of all of that and get deep into God? Stop trying to set yourself free. Let His Son set you free. 1 Cor 1:18 says that the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing; but to those of us who are being saved, it is THE POWER OF GOD! How is this power introduced into and affect our lives? It gives us the ability to say “NO” to our “whims”, and say “YES” to our obedience to God! Alleluia! I’m going to end this right here, so you and I can spend some quiet time with God and get some things settled. May God richly bless us as we do. Amen.
Worshipping Him,
Lahry
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Carl Martin on
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Lahry,
How are you? It is kind a funny the way THE LORD works my boss and I were talking about this just the other day.
How we as christians need to be aware and know we are being watched by others unbelievers for sure and to do the right thing. Your message especially touched my heart because I got a mp3 player and was downloading gospel music from a website that says free downloads it may be lawful but as a christian should I be doing it, NO.
Thank you for your insight.
IN HIS SERVICE
Carl Martin -
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Permalink Reply by Lahry Sibley on
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Awe Brother,
You're the reason I do what I do, as the Lord leads. I'm so blessed that were encouraged. You're absolutely right. That was one of the worldly things I had to do, throw out the pirated music. Stop stealing the works of others.
Your testimony shows that you are led by the Spirit. According to Romans 8, you are a son of Yahweh and my brother. I'm delighted to make your acquaintance.
I love your icon pic by your message. I have an old friend back in Louisiana who sings that old song called "Three Old Rusty Nails". He has a few teeth missing and a long red beard. This song is like an eye witness account of the crucifixion. Nobody can do this song like this brother. Your picture instantly reminded me of him.
I love internet fellowship. I get to meet, and sometimes encourage people I never dreamed possible. God has made us missionaries to the whole world.
If you get a change, read Jeremiah 15:19-21. Note what he tells Jeremiah about seperating the Precious from the Vile! What happens if Jeremiah does so! A lady prophecied that over me long ago. It took a long time for God to get me to the right place. But He did, and I responded to His grace. Oh I'm so much better off now than ever before. I think I've got a piece somewhere on this passage. God has greatly blessed us in our determination to obey Him, no matter what the cost. Keep in touch.
Lahry -
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Hi Carl,
Thanks for the note. Sorry I'm just discovering it. I apologize for the oversite. I'm putting some of my blogs on audio. They can be downloaed and you can put them on your mp3 player if you like, no copyright at all, never. Just go to http://whosoeverwill.ning.com, and then blogs. You'll see the mini player at the top of the article if it is on audio. If you are blessed, please share it. God bless you as you do.
Giving thanks with you,
Lahry -
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Permalink Reply by tiffany daniels on
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That was great! Wow! I must add, as knowing christ, and having gone back to my whims...a time or two...I too thank him for his grace and mercy. Not to make any excuses,cuz too....as knowing christ, I know my excuses for my whims nail him to the cross again.... And the very thought of that saddens me... Thanks for that post! So what about the 232 mircle growth...any accountability partners out there! Ima make a commitment to the 232...and believe for change in personal relationship with christ! Any serious spectators want to tag up help keep each going?
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That was great! Wow! I must add, as knowing christ, and having gone back to my whims...a time or two...I too thank him for his grace and mercy. Not to make any excuses,cuz too....as knowing christ, I know my excuses for my whims nail him to the cross again.... And the very thought of that saddens me... Thanks for that post! So what about the 232 mircle growth...any accountability partners out there! Ima make a commitment to the 232...and believe for change in personal relationship with christ! Any serious spectators want to tag up help keep each going?
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Dear Charles,
First of all, I want to thank you for caring enough to take a few moments and write to me. God bless you. Sometimes I write and post, weeks and even months go by, and nothing but silence. Then I get a note like yours, and all of a sudden, all is well with my soul. To be used of God in any capacity to bless another is joy unspeakable and full of His glory. Thank You Lord.
Being crucified with Christ is never an easy decision, Charles. But we cannot get His life any other way, but to end our own. What matters to us ceases to be. The life we now live, is His to live as He chooses.
I so appreciate your transparency. That is very healthy, spiritually speaking. We've all fought those kinds of battles. But I can tell you this, from personal experience. When we cease all connections with everything that pertains to the old sin nature, all it's interests, attractions, anything and everything, it's so much easier to obey God. We are not at rest unless we are in perfect obedience, no compromise. Complete faith is completely entrusting Him with our lives. Everything! Then and only then, the glory begins to come alive in who we are.
Charles, God wants to be all He an be in YOU! In order for that to happen, you must be crucified with Christ. A crucified and dead man has no concerns for this world. Crucifixion is painful, but necessary. It is a one way, one time event, no coming back. The old nature must die, before the new nature can live. The new nature is Christ in you, the hope of glory. God can manage it all quite easily. Let Him! Nothing takes Him by surprise. Psalm 91 becomes who we are and Whose we are. Alleluia. Rest, true rest.....in Him...comes only by faith, and obedience unto death.
Rev 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
There it is! The patience of the saints. They keep the commandments of God, and the faith OF Jesus. Oh glory! It's all about Him, when we cease to be. Our vain struggle to serve two masters ceases. Worship prevails. Worship we become. Worship is the only response to His manifest presence. Everything else pales, in His presence.......including what we want!!!!! So let it die my friend. Good ridence. alleluia!!!
Blessings to you, and heart peace in the Holy Ghost. Thank you again for sharing your heart with me. You blessed me and encouraged me so much. The Lord used you to remind me, this is what I do for Him. What is I do? I operate a key board. If it blesses anyone, it's because He supplies everything there is to say. I just type the keys. So I can only give Him the glory, oh He is worthy of all our praise.
Have a blessed Sabbath, and keep in touch,
Bro. Lahry -
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