There should be a difference between our lives and the lives of unbelievers, because while we are in the world, we are not of the world!
Ephesians 2:1-3 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
What anyone thinks will always affect their belief system and result in an action. People of the world have their thought life influenced and dominated by the evil one, and there is a stronghold over it, so they will follow the craving of their sinful nature, desires and thoughts.
For us, there is a tremendous difference the moment we receive Christ into our lives, because we are no longer a slave to sin where like we used to be when we were under its bondage. We are now free, and everything that we do should be for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
However, we need to remember that it is only in Christ, when we are dependent upon Him and act upon His promises and authority, that we will triumph in life circumstances, trials and temptations. Because man has been a given a free will to choose, the victory that Jesus has won on the cross of Calvary is not automatically ours till we choose to exercise the authority that is given to us. Therefore, let’s take charge of the world’s mental influences by exercising our authority in Christ!
2 Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.
Sermon Series: Exercising Your Authority in Christ!
操练你在基督里的权柄
我们的生命与非信徒的生命应当有所不同，因为我们虽然活在世上，却不属于世界。
以弗所书 2:1-3 你们死在过犯罪恶之中，他叫你们活过来。 那时，你们在其中行事为人，随从今世的风俗，顺服空中掌权者的首领，就是现今在悖逆之子心中运行的邪灵。 我们从前也都在他们中间，放纵肉体的私欲，随着肉体和心中所喜好的去行，本为可怒之子，和别人一样。
人的思想总是会影响他们的信仰体系并引发后续的行动。属世之人的思想生活受到那恶者的影响与控制，有营垒压制其上，所以他们会随从其罪恶的天性、欲望和想法。
对我们来说，在我们接受基督进入我们的生命的那一刻，就有了一个巨大的不同，因为我们不再像从前一样是罪的奴隶，受其捆绑。我们现在已经自由，而我们所做的每一件事都是为了神的荣耀。
哥林多前书10:13 你们所遇见的试探，无非是人所能受的。 神是信实的，必不叫你们受试探过于所能受的；在受试探的时候，总要给你们开一条出路，叫你们能忍受得住。
然而，我们需要记住只有在基督里，当我们依靠他，并且依照他的应许和权柄来行动，我们才能够在生命中的各种情况、试炼、和试探中得胜。因为人被赋予自由选择的意志，所以耶稣在各各他的十字架上所赢得的胜利不是自动归于我们，而是需要我们选择去操练这个赐给我们的权柄。因此，让我们操练我们在基督里的权柄，来掌管心智免于世界的影响。
哥林多后书 10:3-5 因为我们虽然在血气中行事，却不凭着血气争战。 我们争战的兵器本不是属血气的，乃是在 神面前有能力，可以攻破坚固的营垒， 将各样的计谋，各样拦阻人认识 神的那些自高之事，一概攻破了，又将人所有的心意夺回，使他都顺服基督。
讲章系列：操练你在基督里的权柄