Frost and Snowflakes by Pezibear from Pixabay

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (II Corinthians 3:18)

As we grow in the Lord, we will have a deeper sense of our own failures, our own weaknesses, and of our own sinfulness.

This is in direct contrast to what we are often taught in our churches. As with the idea that we will become better and better and more aware of our own ability to overcome sin and temptation.

The young believer, who generally lacks experience and discernment, is very prone to this false way of thinking. Because successes are often easier and more dramatic in the lives of the young. Especially those who’ve come out of some deep experience of immorality, drugs, or rebellion. Some, even experiencing an immediate and outwardly-miraculous deliverance from sin, temptation, or addiction.

But, in the lives of older believers, this is not the normal experience.

What we are talking about here is our hideous confidence in the flesh.

Which means, the misplaced confidence we believers often have in our own ability “to live the victorious Christian life”. Or to successfully overcome sinful habits. 

The churches commonly teach that one will become more successful in “living the Christian life” as they mature in the Lord. But this is an illusion. 

The believer never arrives at such a state in this life. Nor does he become “better” as the years go by. Even though believers make many zealous attempts to prove this to the contrary. 

The Reality 

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” (Romans 7:18)

Most people either do not truly understand this or simply don’t believe it. Or they think that this statement by Paul represents an earlier stage in his life. And that he moved upward and onward from this struggle. 

Many in the Holiness and “sinless-perfection” movements believe this. Which results in a miserable struggle throughout their lives to prove that they can overcome sin by prayer plus discipline plus will power. 

But Paul said, “no good thing“. This passage, taken in conjunction with many other passages, indicates that Paul did not have confidence in anything good that he could draw from out of himself. 

Except for the presence of the Holy Spirit within him.

The whole “success story” of this Christian life must come back to a very basic, profound truth. That we must grow increasingly unsatisfied with anything “good” we do and with our own abilities to do it. 

And that we must become more and more satisfied with who Christ is. And with all that He has done.

And with all that He has been “made unto us” by the Father and the Holy Spirit. 

“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (I Corinthians 1:30,31)

Image by Pezibear from Pixabay