WE ARE IN A CONSTANT BATTLE WITH THE FLESH AND SPIRIT

2 Peter 2:20-22 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”

Some of us know Christ and have experienced freedom from sin, but because we have been serving the flesh longer than the spirit we get weak and return to our old ways and become entangled again.  Now, we are worse off than we were in the beginning, because we are no longer in a state of ignorance, now we have rejected Christ.  We would have been better off, not to have known the ways of righteousness, than to know and reject Him. Believers are in a constant battle with our flesh and our spirit and the one we nourish the most will win out.  Our day to day living is consumed by either moving toward God or moving from Him.  This is why we need to communicate with Christ daily for His courage, strength, and the Holy Spirit, that keeps us moving toward Him and not backward.

Father, we understand that there will be ups, downs, and unexpected turns in our walk with Christ, Lord, please hold our hands and let us not go backward Spiritually.  Lord, baptize us in the Holy Spirit so we do not go back to our undesirable ways.  Father, let us not forget to pray, study the Word, or fellowship with other believers' to help us not backslide.  Lord, order our steps in Your will, so we do not deliberately indulge in a life of sinful pleasures, but focus on the things of the spirit, so we will honor and be submissive to You.   Father, help us understand that our backsliding will also sadden and bring grief to our loved ones, as well as turmoil in our lives.  Lord, let our guilt and Your Word give us conviction, correction, and guidance so we can stand on Your Word without wavering, in Jesus name Amen