SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1240

“The Siren Song of the World”

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. – 1 John 2:15-16

‘The devil made me do it’ was a catch phrase popularized by comedian Flip Wilson in the 1970’s. The saying that art imitates life holds true in that so many of us chose that catch phrase to fall back on as an excuse for our sin when in reality, it was our own evil desire succumbing to the siren song of the world.

But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. – James 1:14-15

Jesus came and experienced every temptation we are faced with yet did not sin. He showed us that, with a close relationship with God, it is possible to avoid sin.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. – Hebrews 4:15

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

God’s love for us is manifested in the person of Jesus Christ who came to bear the punishment for our sin and bring the promise of eternal life to all who would repent and believe in Him as their Lord and Savior.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. – John 3:16

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6

Jesus, the Lamb of God, willingly suffered and died on the cross to bear the punishment for our sin. He sacrificed Himself, died and was resurrected so that we could be forgiven and have the hope of eternal life.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 2 Corinthians 5:21

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. – 1 Peter 2:24

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit – 1 Peter 3:18

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead – 1 Peter 1:3

The siren song of the world appeals to our flesh and entices us to wander from the path of righteousness that Jesus calls us to follow Him on. Jesus shows us that we can overcome the lure of lust of the world by the power of the Resurrected Christ living in us. It is a choice we make – friendship with the world or friendship with Father God.

You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. – James 4:4

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2

This Easter season we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Have you spiritually crucified your natural flesh desires and welcomed the life of the resurrected Christ to abide in you as you abide in Him?

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. – Galatians 2:20

Come to Him and accept His sacrifice for you.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. – 1 John 5:4

He is Risen!  He is Risen indeed! May this Easter celebration be your born-again celebration also. In the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen!