1 John 1:8 (NIV) If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. What causes us to try to hide our sins from God? When the Holy Spirit convicts us of a sin and makes us feel guilty, what causes us to try to forgive ourselves, justify ourselves, explain it away, and go to our friends to see if they will tell us it wasn’t our fault? The world has taught you self-esteem and self-confidence. In the principles of the world, you ARE your deeds. If you DO or say good things, you are considered to be a good person. If you do or say wrong, bad, or evil things, the world considers you a wrong, bad, or evil person.

1 John 1:9 (NIV) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from ALL unrighteousness. If we have God-esteem and God-confidence, then we will evaluate ourselves based on our record WITH GOD. Rom 7:20 (NIV) Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. If you agree with this principle, then you will be willing to stand with Jesus on one side of the line and deal with the deeds of your body. Since the deeds of your body don’t represent YOU, you and Jesus can attack them and NOT attack you.

1 John 1:10 (NIV) If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives. When the Holy Spirit and the Bible speak to your conscience and tell you that you are feeling, thinking, saying, or doing something wrong, bad, or evil, if you aren’t willing to confess it, admit it, and repent of it, you make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in your life. You no longer have the “want” and the “hate” described in Romans 7:15. You either like what you are involved in and don’t want to give it up; you are in disagreement with the Holy Spirit and the Bible and don’t see it as a sin; or, you have self-esteem and self-confidence and CAN’T admit it is a sin because of what it would say about you.

Rom 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.

Rom 12:2 (NIV) Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--His good, pleasing and perfect will. Just do it! The Bible takes this approach a lot; it tells you what to do and then seems to leave you with the responsibility. However, these verses and many others are based on a person’s spirituality, maturity, and Bible knowledge. The Bible isn’t set up to have a section for new Christians, a section for older Christians, and a section for mature Christians; it is based on the principle of love.

1 Cor 2:6 (NIV) We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. Those who are more advanced in spiritual growth are responsible for making sure you are exposed to those Scriptures that you need. You must read your Bible on a regular basis; but, you must also be trained by those who are mature. Those who love you and are willing to make sure all your spiritual needs are met MUST spend time with you. They MUST see to it that Scriptures from all over the Bible are put together to meet your special needs.

Eph 4:11-13 (NIV) It was He Who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Those who yield to these gifts will submit to Jesus and allow Him to prepare the studies you need for each level of your spiritual growth. Jesus has been seeing to it that these studies are already ready for you. So, when you get exposed to a Scripture like: Mat 5:48 (NIV) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect., there will be information and training available to help you with it.

2 Tim 2:15 (AKJV) Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. The Bible is like food; some of the Scriptures are already ground up and prepared for new Christians to drink like milk or soft food. But, some of it is solid and has to be cut and chewed before it can be swallowed. Jesus has these studies prepared so you can grow to the place where you will be able to prepare your own food.

Heb 5:11-14 (NIV) We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. There can be all kinds of spiritual food and drink presented to you; but, it is up to you to take advantage of it. There are people who are very old Christians who never applied themselves. They are like people who never grew up. Just like in the human life, you have a birthday as a child of God. If you have been a Christian for ten years, then God expects you to act your age.