EVERY WORD OF GOD FOR DAILY LIVING BY PASTOR PAUL RIKA:
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR Holiness Revival Movement Worldwide
TITLE: DOUBLE CURE FOR SIN
DATE: MONDAY MAY 3 2021
TEXT: Ephesians 5: 25-27
KEY VERSE: John 17: 17, ‘Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.’
The Scriptures present sin in two forms: practice of sin and inherent nature of sin. This two-fold nature of sin requires a two-fold approach to overcome sin completely. The inherited nature of sin manifests after salvation experience in some believers as an inner irritation, an unholy passion within a man that stirs up unrighteous desires, and appetites that are contrary to God’s demands.
The cravings of this sinful nature are entirely contrary to God’s and it will never surrender to the laws of God. This usually baffles the true believer who is both astonished and ashamed of the appearance of such base thoughts and desires. Its sole purpose is to influence the believer to engage in sinful ways of life. It is this manifestation of sin that the second definite Christian experience or work of grace called sanctification deals with.
In our key verse, Jesus prayed to the Father that His disciples might have this definite experience. At this point, these disciples had been with Him for more than three years. He prayed this prayer for these disciples and for as many who will come to salvation as a result of receiving His words. Salvation and Sanctification are two different experiences. If the Lord Jesus prayed for His disciples to receive this second work of grace, it establishes the fact that all those who profess to be His disciples must fervently seek this second work of grace in their lives also. It is needful to rid oneself of all inner strivings, evil passions, and all the sinful tendencies within one’s heart.
From our text, the Scriptures tell us how Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her so as to present her unto Himself without spot or blemish. Jesus gave Himself to sanctify His Bride (the Church) – to cleanse her of all filth and unrighteousness and to make her fit for Himself. When the believers become sanctified, the glory of God will manifest in the church.
Thought for the day: But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Song for the day: Wash me O Lamb of God, wash me from sin….
Bible reading for the day: 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 23:27-38