We humans tend to be rather predictable, to God at least, when it comes to breaking old habits. There’s a good reason He likened us to ‘sheep’, which I am told are not very intelligent animals. And I can tell you with a good bit of confidence that one trait we seem to share with those Israelites we read about way back in the OT...is we seem to forget easily...that God really means...what He says. Go figure. And God made a point to repeat Himself, often... hoping His people would ‘get it’. They didn’t. And neither do many of us today.

There’s a quote I remember from a history class years ago that was written on the board my first day of class. It said: “The only thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history”. – Welcome to Modern Day Christianity 101.

We’ve been looking at the short story-lesson Jesus provided for us in Matt. 12:43-45 that pretty well explains why there is so much ‘spiritual carnage and wreckage’ dotting the landscape today. Lots of sincere people may have started out ‘professing Christ’ and/or ‘joining a church’ where a lot of nice people attended. But it was only a matter of time before they ‘crashed and burned’ in their own personal walk of faith, and primarily due to a ‘lack of (needed) knowledge. (Hosea 4:6). And while people want to debate as to whether ‘backsliders’ are truly ‘saved’...or not, Jesus taught ‘those who endure till the end will be saved’. (Matt. 24:13; 7:21-23) What are we supposed to be 'enduring'?

So what happens to so many of these people who ‘came forward’ at a local church service? Sadly, many are never taught to ‘overcome’ those ‘sins that easily beset them’. (Heb. 12:1; Rev. 3:21). In fact, the majority of believers are taught they will remain a ‘sinner saved by grace’ and will always continue to ‘sin on this side of heaven’. To suggest otherwise might invite the label of heretic on anyone who points out such verses like 1 Pet. 4:1-2, 1 John 2:6; 3:6-9; 5:18. So much for becoming a ‘new creation’, right? (2 Cor. 5:17)

Now make no mistake about this...one cannot walk like Jesus did...unless He is actually dwelling IN them by the power of His Spirit. And there are many verses that promise great victory and assurance to those who are actually ‘In Christ’. So do you recall what was the ‘opening’ for those other ‘wicked spirits’ that entered that soul we read about in Matt. 12:43-45? The ‘house was empty’.

Jesus taught the importance of us ‘abiding in Him...and Him abiding IN us’. (John 15:4). Apart from Him...we could ‘do nothing’ (5). He also makes the point to teach the importance of His ‘word abiding in us’ (7), not to mention His Spirit as well (John 14:17; Rom. 8:10-11). And guess what? IF...we are abiding in Him, and He in us...we won’t continue to practice sin....since we will be ‘walking as He walked’. (1 John 2:6; 3:6)

IF...a true follower of Jesus is abiding in Him...guess what they will do when any ...’unclean spirit’ seeks to return and find entrance? They will ‘resist’ him. (James 4:7), just like Jesus did when He was tested by the devil (Luke 4:1-13; Heb. 4:15). And Jesus does not expect you to do this on your own and be ‘successful’. Truth of the matter is...you will never overcome these tests outside of the abundance of grace God is willing to provide for you. (Heb. 4:16; 2:16,18; Tit. 2:11-14).

I suppose the real question that needs to be asked is how badly do we want to overcome all sin, the devil, and the flesh...and be ‘made well’? (John 5:6). And if you are ‘on the fence’ and not really sure how to answer that...may I ask... what other options do you have, given what Jesus taught in Luke 13:3 & 5?

The lame man Jesus asked that question about wanting to be ‘made well’, was healed ‘immediately’. (John 5:9). Yet when confronted by Jesus a bit later in the temple, what was the somber warning Jesus issued to him? “Go...and sin no more...or something ‘worse’ may come upon you.” (14) Oh...what was the condition of that man in the end of our story in Matt. 12:45...who had an unclean spirit evicted from him? It seems we read that he failed to follow through...and ended up...in a ‘worse’ condition.

Have I mentioned of late how serious all this really is?