After meeting Jesus, the apostle Paul accepted him as his king and savior, and pledged to follow him.
At the beginning of his journey with Jesus, the apostle Paul believed that he would easily dominate his flesh to avoid evil and do what pleases God. It was after finding that he could not achieve it by his own efforts that he said:
« I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. »(Romans 7:18-19)
Indeed, by his own efforts, no man can dominate his sinful nature. It is only by Christ that he can.
The apostle Paul came to see later that he could dominate his sinful nature and overcome all temptation and declared:
« I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. »(Philippians 4:13)
Indeed, no one should brag about his ability to overcome temptation, it is Jesus Christ who makes him capable of it.
The apostle Paul also recognized that if he came to avoid evil and do good, it was only because of Christ.
If we too have accepted to walk with Jesus Christ, he will surely make us as Paul, capable of dominating our sinful nature and overcoming all temptation.
Then, later, the apostle Paul came to the last line of perfection. Jesus brought him to the level where any man can imitate him if he wants to please God.
He rejoiced and said:
« Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. »(Philippians 4:9)
Who among us today can say like the apostle Paul?
Can we dare to tell people to take us as an example?
And yet, this is where Jesus wants us to come with him.
Where are you arriving with Jesus my brother/sister?
PRAYER:
Our Father who art in heaven, grant us to walk with your Son Jesus Christ and be guided by the Holy Spirit so that we can be an example of righteousness to others.
It is in the precious name of your son Jesus Christ that we pray, Amen.
THE LION OF JUDAH MINISTRY IN THE WORLD©
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