A difficult series of blogs to write (Blogs 55-61). Negatively critiquing the work of my dear brothers and sisters in the faith gives me no pleasure. Brothers and sisters that—with nothing but the best of intentions—are also tirelessly and sincerely striving to glorify God and edify the Church. But neither can I remain silent. I cannot sit on news that can benefit untold numbers of still-struggling fellow believers (see www.wileygrafbooks.com/news/fresh-hope-for-the-83-percent-v9). I cannot sit on news that heaps praise on the oft-forgotten God of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. News that could potentially even help to ignite revival in the Church—a Holy Spirit Revival (see www.wileygrafbooks.com/news/revival-in-the-church-v8)! I take no pleasure in negative critiquing, but neither can I remain silent. I must share what I have learned firsthand of the Holy Spirit’s exceeding abundant inner-working power (Ephesians 3:20) to deliver believers from addictive lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16)!
All of the higher profile Bible-based purity programs insist that accountability is the addict’s only way of escape from addictive lusts of the flesh. But Scripture clearly teaches that there is another way. A wholly Spirit-powered way (Galatians 5:16). The fourth in a series of five blogs (4-of-5) that attempts to explain how easily Bible-based purity programs could have missed the Bible’s wholly Spirit-Powered Escape Plan. The fourth in a series of five blogs examining Bible-based (but Spirit-passive!) purity programs.
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
CLEAR TEACHINGS MADE HARD
The story is a familiar one to all students of Scripture. Nicodemus, a religious leader of the Jews, came by night with questions about the hard teachings of Jesus on the New Birth (John 3:3-8). Teachings that were made hard because Nicodemus interpreted Jesus’ words in only the physical/fleshly realm. While Jesus spoke of the spiritual.
In the war against the flesh, little has changed. Most builders of Bible-based purity programs still do not seem to know what to do with the hard teachings of Scripture on wholly Spirit-powered escape from lusts of the flesh (e.g., Galatians 5:16, Ephesians 3:20-21, Romans 8:2-4, Romans 8:12-13). Teachings that are made hard because most insist that flesh-starving accountability is the addict’s only way of escape (see www.wileygrafbooks.com/news/cure-for-cancer-v8). While Scripture clearly speaks of another wholly Spirit-powered way (Galatians 5:16).
PRAYING FOR A NICODEMUS-LIKE REVELATION
It is my hope and prayer that builders of Bible-based purity programs will one day come to the same realization as Nicodemus. Just as Nicodemus finally came to realize that the New Birth is accomplished via the Spirit (John 3:3-8), may they also eventually come to realize that most addict’s escape from lusts of the flesh may be accomplished completely and entirely via the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). But until that day arrives, the Way of Escape Battle Plan is the addict’s best wholly Spirit-powered option for escaping the lusts of the flesh.
A GAME-CHANGING BOOK HAS ARRIVED
In A Way of Escape, readers learn of a wholly Spirit-powered option for escaping lusts of the flesh. Readers learn how to escape—not by starving the flesh—but by stepping up the degree to which they “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). They learn how to build a library of Spirit-anointed, flesh-diffusing apps. Apps that are uniquely fitted to them, and their unique Spirit-filling triggers (Ephesians 5:18b-19).
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
The still-struggling now have another option. The still-struggling now have fresh hope for discovering that long-sought-after way of escape from temptation and resulting sin (I Corinthians 10:13). A way that—because it is wholly Spirit-powered—does not require enlisting the aid of an accountability partner or group. Truly, a game-changer!
THANK YOU, HOLY SPIRIT!
