Summery:- Regeneration doesn’t eradicate the sinful nature with in us, nor the world around us. That cause unexpected failures. Be vigilant always and humbly depend upon the Lord for sustained success.
“My son will never do it” affirm the parents. “How can he do that” friends wonder. They were so shocked at the unexpected wrong carried out by a ‘godly’ young man. This is not an isolated issue. Certainly it is very difficult for the dear ones to come in terms with the unfortunate incidents unfolded in the lives of those whom they love the most.
Nevertheless, we ought to remember well that no one is immune to temptation and failure. However godly one may be as long as he/she lives in this mortal body on earth, the possibility of a breakdown is always there. Salvation experience through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has not eradicated the sinful nature with in us. The environment around us also is the same. By trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross, we do escape the penalty of our sins, but the power and presence of sin is still there. Cf.1John.1:8, 10; Rom.7:18-- 8:1. Apart from that, the evil forces are out there well prepared to harass the Christian. 1Peter.5:8.
Does it mean that a Christian should always expect failure and we can excuse ourselves for all the faults? Never, we can definitely live a victorious life, provided we make use of the resources graciously provided by the Lord. For example, we see two local churches in Asia Minor where the Lord Jesus Christ found no evil at all! Rev. Ch. 2& 3. Further, in each message the Lord calls upon the messenger to overcome. That means the Lord expects us to be overcomers.
So, both victory as well as failure is likely in a believer’s life. Potential for success should not make us complacent. Similarly, possibility of defeat should not discourage us. What we need to do is to be vigilant and stay close to the Lord.
Listen to what Apostle Paul says in this perspective: “For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do…..O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God –through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Rom.7:19, 25. “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” 1Cori. 9:27. Notice how Paul realizing the possibility of defeat takes the necessary precaution. Did he succeed? Yes, by the end of his life he did declare, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2Timothy. 4:7.
Just like the triumphant Paul we have examples for failure too. The denial by Peter, doubt of Thomas and the desertion of Demas etc should teach us lessons. Even the pages of Church history are filled with such sad stories. What shall we do? Remember the vulnerability and always be on our guard. How shall we do that? Four things are noteworthy:-
- Fill the heart with the word of God. Psa.119:11 “Your word I have hidden in my heart. That I might not sin against You.”
- Control our thoughts and affections. Prov.4:23 “Keep your heart with all diligence.” Cf.1Jn.2:17.
- Experience death! Colos.3:5 “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth..” cf. Rom.6:11
- Stay close to the Lord. James. 4:7, 8 “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Of course, there are much more in connection with our part in living a successful Christian life. The most significant point is this: never suppose that we are super spiritual giants who will never fail. It is His grace that keeps us. We have nothing to boast. Let us continue to trust the Lord and humbly yield to Him for strength and safety every day of our life.
Do not forget Paul’s admonition, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” 1Corin.10:12.
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