Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ
As STG said, legalism is of no use in restraining the flesh.
I watched an interesting thing that happened when the external restraints of TLR were released on about 40 saints who left the church in Fresno when it split apart in October 1985. Several of them began participating in even sinful activities, but all of us relaxed quite a bit on what we would do. I was puzzled at those who went whole hog into sin, knowing that wasn't what the Lord had called us to. I don't live in Fresno now, but know where most of the saints are today through various means and know what they are up to today. The lion share figured it out, love the Lord Jesus, and live godly lives that express the fruit of the Spirit rather than the flesh. A few didn't though.
https://www.stjohnsmcc.org/new/Fruit...anslations.php |
The fact that many went "whole hog into sin" tells me that it mainly was just an outward restraint. I've certainly had the same experience with the flesh - when I've used my religious flesh to tamp-down the sinful flesh, a rebellion always has resulted with a "season of sin." But looking to Him and allowing His operation to work in us is what really causes renewing of the mind and transformation of the soul!