We have died to sin, and it is important to recognize this fact. However, this does not mean that we are capable of living without sin. Instead, we are considered righteous because of the work that Christ has done on our behalf. Christ, who is the eternal Son of God, was sent to save us from our sins and from the personal battle against the effects of the curse. We are delivered from sin because, when we were saved, God graciously gave us everything we need. In this sense, we lack nothing. Although we still struggle with our sinful nature and face challenges from the world and Satan, we can overcome these struggles because Christ has already dealt with the curse. He willingly became a curse for us, not only earning our acceptance but also breaking the power of the curse.
What is the significance of this concept? Rather than engaging in a struggle using our own abilities and efforts, we acknowledge that it is through God's work that we are made whole and deemed worthy. We recognize our own limitations and understand that we no longer seek approval or rewards from the world's standards of justice. Instead, we align ourselves with God's standards of justice, which do not make exceptions and are held to the highest standard. God accepts His people based on Christ's obedience to the law, leading us to dismiss any other methods of seeking favor with God as insignificant.
However, I have engaged in significant philanthropic endeavors on behalf of those who are helpless and in need. Yet, it is imperative to recognize that all of our earthly efforts pale in comparison to the work accomplished by Christ on our behalf. We regard our labor as insignificant and devoid of value, as our primary focus is to attribute all glory to God. We have relinquished the inclination to distort moral judgments, perceiving good as evil and evil as good. This aspect of self-reflection is instrumental in our personal growth. We perceive ourselves as our own adversaries and renounce our subjective assessment of the worth of our endeavors. We consistently acknowledge our role as servants of God, and as such, we must comprehend His divine purpose. Not only has Christ undertaken the necessary work for our acceptance, but He also serves as the force that vanquishes any opposition we encounter. He annihilates our adversaries from all angles.
It is imperative that we engage in the spiritual battle using the tools provided by God. We must persevere against all obstacles in our journey, aligning our perspective with God's divine wisdom. Our reactions should mirror those of God, as straying from this path invites his judgment upon us. God has declared a curse upon the world, but through his defeat of evil, he has liberated us from worldly attachments. This concept of being "in the world but not of the world" emphasizes our separation from worldly influences. By acknowledging God's authority over all things, we assert our authority over anything that opposes us. Through God's powerful word, we renounce the allure of the world, allowing us to grow spiritually by rejecting sin.
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