Daily Bread 2-1-18

The Sermon on the mount(cont'd)

Matthew 5:29

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

ref. - Mk 9:43 - And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched.

The parts of us that cause us to sin need to be cast out. A visual explanation is to remove the part of the body that is causing the offense. But the Spiritual part of it tells us to get rid of what it is inside of us that is causing the sin. But let us speak on the carnal for a moment. If there is someone in our lives who is promoting or trying to convince us to sin and go a different direction than the true Gospel that we have been given we need to get away from them. If a person is causing us to become disobedient to them that have the rule over us, no matter who it is, we need to find a way to silence their voices and refrain from listening. If there is something or someone who is causing us to take on the actions of a nonbeliever we must mark them and avoid them in our lives. If there is anyone bringing us any other gospel than that which is written in the Holy Bible and given by Christ we must not listen(Gal 1:8,9). The easiest way to do this is as the scripture says. Mark them which cause division and avoid them(Ro 16:17). Now that we have covered the carnal thinkers, let us get more into the Spiritual. In order to remain in God's favour we need to remain pure(1P 1:16). This is pure in heart and pure in Spirit. All other things will follow. If we have certain thoughts or desires that ride the border of impurity or sin we must get rid of those thoughts and desires. In Jesus Christ we have the power to be transformed and converted from these thoughts. But in no other name than that of Jesus Christ will we achieve a Spiritual cleansing that we need to refrain from these things. Even if these things, people, thoughts or actions have been in our lives since birth, it is better for us to feel like we have lost something or that we are unwhole than to lose all that has been offered in Jesus Christ. This goes with our beliefs and Doctrine as well. If the word of God says that we are a product of the New Testament and are led by able ministers of the New Testament(2Co 3:6) then we may have to let go of some of the beliefs that we have been holding for years. If there is no condemnation under the law to those who live under grace in Jesus Christ(Ro 8:1) but that no flesh shall be justified by the law(Ro 3:20, Gal 2:16) then we had better find the way to get out from under the law. This rather than trying to live partially under the law and partially under grace(Jas 1:8). Our whole body will be cast into hell as the law says that if we offend in one part we are guilty of all(Jas 2:10). Well, it causes offense to God when we are paying attention to other Doctrines or gospels and not that of Jesus Christ who died for our sins. So, it is better for us to get rid of the little that holds us back and not be cast into fire than to hold on to those things which will put us there. This includes people, places, and things, but most of all, the things in our hearts, minds, and souls, that will take us to the fiery pit. Press forward in Jesus Christ and leave the world behind! It is possible if we can only believe!! Have a great day!!!