Man, having fallen and therefore lost the image of his Creator, is now consigned to the dictates of our more base, animal nature and the will of the god of this world.
There are four groups in Paul's list of 15 manifest vices or Deformities of an Image Lost:
1) Sensual Sins 2) Idolatry 3) Personal Relationships 4) Excesses
How can a man avoid living according to the flesh? He must acknowledge his sinfulness and recognize Christ as his Savior. You must believe the Gospel.
When he does, he becomes free; a new creature now able to love God and live according to Word. Yet, he is not altogether removed from the presence of sin. There is a principle of the flesh that though we have been granted an entirely new nature in Christ (Jn. 3; Ro. 8:9; 2 Cor. 5:17), still the effects of lingering sin tempt us to fall.
The great practical lesson taught in this portion of Scripture is:
In order to make progress in mortifying sin and growing in holiness, we must yield ourselves, our minds and hearts, to the transforming influence of divine truth. Truth that is efficacious only when attended by the Spirit of Christ in the new born saint.
The humble, diligent study of the Bible and the living out of its principles, coupled with the fervent prayers of the believer, are the principle means of sanctification.
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
