Table of Contents
The Inner Conflict of Compromise
How many of you would say you are always pushing the envelope; in fact, you have been comprising. You’re not necessarily trying to rebel against God, but there you are finding yourself flat on your face once again. “I try to do my best for God, but my best isn’t good enough.” You’re absolutely correct, it’s not good enough. No one’s best ever is, which means it’s time to stop trying to do your best.
Galatians 5:4-6 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Doing your best as it were, is all about you; not Him. Anytime you employ self-effort, you depart from the truth of the Gospel. In essence, you place yourself under the law, while departing from grace. In this context, effort is not faith, pure and simple. By reading Galatians and Romans, you will find a clearer perspective about works and the righteousness that is of faith.
Submit to Holy Spirit, and Say Goodbye to Compromise
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
The best and only way to say goodbye to compromise is by submitting to Holy Spirit. What does it mean to be a child of God? Check this out: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God (Romans 8:14). Is there anything in this statement that refers to works? To be clear, there are to be works; however, there is a proper order to them. Our works are to be the result of faith; or if you prefer the short version, works follow faith. Dead works rely on the flesh, which leads to striving and following rules. Works of God, our labor of love, or works of faith are based on obedience.
To obey means to believe with the intent to conform to the desires of God out of love. We know the sin issue has been dealt with on the Cross. Forgiveness and righteousness come through faith. Our works now become the result of who we are in Him.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship (masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (see also 2 Corinthians 5:17-21; James 2:8-26).
The Importance of Belief
We know Holy Spirit will never lead us into sin; quite the contrary. By cooperating with Him, compromise will have no place in you. Here’s the caveat: you must believe. It would be difficult to follow biblical principles if you didn’t believe God. Obedience is entrenched in belief. If you don’t believe, you will not follow.
Some have not been fully converted. They’re not all in, because they haven’t made the decision to do so. Could it be, they want full control of their life, and the idea of submitting to God scares them? The flesh will always try to steer you the opposite direction. It uses the same methods of the devil to lead you into unbelief and rebellion, which includes, “Did God really say?” This is why it must be crucified. God doesn’t want the old man reformed; He wants him dead!
Romans 8:5-6 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
