Reasoning: A Work of the Flesh (I) The flesh is a mindset that agrees with anything that opposes the Word of God. It operates through reasoning and questioning. There is a difference between asking a legitimate biblical question and questioning the Word as a result of doubt and unbelief. Walking in the Spirit versus walking in the flesh is a way of thinking (Galatians 5:16-24). 1. The difference between walking in the Spirit and walking in the flesh is your point of view. a) Having God’s point of view = the Spirit. b) Having man’s point of view = the flesh. 2. You must read the Word to obtain God’s point of view. a) God looks out of a vertical window—from heaven and His Word. b) Man looks out of a horizontal window—only those things that can be comprehended by his senses. Reasoning is walking in the flesh. 1. Reasoning always takes the form of a question (Luke 5:20-23) that stems from doubt and unbelief. 2. When you question the Word, you are really looking for an excuse not to change (Matthew 13:53-58). a) People who practice reasoning will ultimately become offended (verse 57). b) Jesus calls questioning and reasoning “unbelief” (verse 58). 3. John the Baptist’s questions regarding Jesus’ true identity brought him into unbelief and offense (Matthew 11:2-6). a) He allowed his incarceration to cause him to lean to the flesh instead of to the Spirit. b) His questions blocked his anointing and blessing, and led him down the road to destruction. c) Avoid becoming offended with God, Who is your only Help in the time of trouble. 4. Paul and Silas leaned to the Spirit while incarcerated (Acts 16:26). a) When things happen in your life that you don’t understand, don’t question God. b) Allow praise and thanksgiving to bring you out. c) You must use your mouth to enforce your victory, not your defeat. d) When people see your deliverance from adverse circumstances, they will want to be saved.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 07:09:41 +0000
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