Kingdom Principle:  Sin is destroyed or sin will destroy, your confession determines the destiny

The foundation for the blog this week is based on understanding: The purpose of Lent & Suffering. The purpose of test vs. temptation.

In Christ, sin has no power over me; (Romans 7:8, 8:12-13) therefore I confess, my need to be all that more in Christ. This is to be my confession, “LORD,  I need you to forgive me!”  (1 John 1:8-9)When I confess the covering of Christ, I am also confessing my freedom from sin and the power over sin. (Col. 3:5-11) Unfortunately most people are unable or unwilling to make the confession, “Sin has no power over me” for they look at the realities and restrictions of their life, rather than the reality and freedoms of the life of Christ.

Are you ready to confess your Identity, Authority and Motivation in Christ? This is your IAM.  The temptations leveled against Jesus by Satan are an attempt to corrupt his I AM. (see Gospel of John ) Satan begins by tempting Jesus to question his Identity, “If you are the Son of God…. turn stones to bread”. This temptation immediately follows the baptism of Jesus and provided the opportunity for Jesus to question the identity the Father has spoken over him, “You are my Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Jesus confesses his Identity as found only in every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.  Next, Satan tempts Jesus to doubt Jesus’ authority. Again, saying, “if you are the Son the God”… because Authority is relationally established.  Satan is twisting the Scriptures knowing that Jesus has the authority over the angels, but will Jesus establish his will over the Father’s will.  Jesus confesses his trust in the will of the Father.  Finally, Satan calls Jesus to confront his motivation. Does the “end justify the means”, or shall Jesus follow the motivation of Love of the Father?  This love is motivation of Jesus to lay down his life. Jesus confesses based on his Identity and Authority that Satan shall be gone from him and that his focus is alone to worship the Father.  Jesus is establishing that his confessions are not to Satan, rather that this exchange was between he and the Father. This test has been passed and temptation shall have no power over him. Jesus does not empower Satan by having a conversation with him, Jesus has been confessing unto the Father the whole time.  Our confession does not to be verbal; and often we attempt to hide behind what we say,  rather it is about our calling and the expression of our heart.

As seen in the blog regarding test vs. temptation – temptation is not new. Satan tempted Jesus to question his humanity, ( as if he did not make himself nothing, in human likeness – Phil 2:6-11) while Eve was tempted to question her divinity (you will be like God only when you know good and evil).  Eve succumbed to the temptation.  The question of Identity was compromised as soon as Eve took the bait to entertain the question of the serpent.  The twist of the serpent leads Eve to answer in the negative of what God is restricting rather than seeing how God has granted direction and provided freedom. This negative light is the compromise of Identity. It is subtle, and it is as subtle as when we see the 10 commandments as restrictions and taking away our freedom, rather than as a gift of gratitude to lead us to joy and life.  In this same way today, anyone who views the church as restrictive is compromising the Identity that God has given to the Church. It is the truth which sets us free and this freedom comes through the Epiphany of Christ, who is our head. (Review the last two weeks)  Further, Eve oversteps her Authority by adding to the restriction. This again is subtle – but very clear. God did not say “you must not touch it” but Eve did… This is much like the slight exaggeration that proves your point or the white lie, that is really not a lie but it certainly not the truth.  Finally the serpent goes after the Motivation of Eve, never once does the serpent suggest or direct  Eve to eat the fruit, this is the choice of Eve.  The serpent merely provides the context and confusion for Eve to doubt her I.A.M. (Identity, Authority, Motivation). Temptation is not sin. Sin is the action rooted in your heart, (Matt. 12:34, Luke 6:45, Romans 6:17, Ps. 15:2) as the sin is expressed you will either confess the covering of Christ – this confession is FORGIVE ME, or you confess your condemnation which say GIVE ME DEATH.  (Romans 6:16, 23; 1 John 1:8-10)

The key component this week and as we enter in to Lent is the Confession.  Confession is the verbal expression of your Convictions, as opposed to good intentions.  Confession is the articulation of Faith that is held in your heart. (Romans 10:9-11) This confession will result in overcoming Satan’s temptation and will be made in Confidence and Humility rather than Compromise with Haughty eyes.

The Psalm & Romans passages are the key to this week’s Principle: The Lord will hold you up, bring you through, and deliver you according to your confession of faith and trust in Him. The reality is that we all need deliverance; we are all in need to confess our indebtedness to Christ.  It is alone through Christ’s life and perfect sacrifice that righteousness was offered to us. This gift of forgiveness is the call to confess your faith in the great I AM, which has become your I.A.M. This is the true state of Blessedness.  This is the call to be Perfect and the Lord is Perfect. This must be possible not, since heaven has come to earth and we are called to live this life.

THEREFORE:

1. Confession of Faith is a good exercise of your heart.   We are called to share the gospel and be ambassadors of reconciliation. I believe the best tool you have to do this work is your personal story of  Faith. What do you believe, and how will you be prepared to given and answer for the hope that you have.  Lent is a season of preparation for this declaration. In this you are confessing your in-perfection, and declaring yourself as forgiven. This serves to break the chains of the enemy. (James 4:7-8, Eph. 4:20-27; 6:12)

2. Don’t Entertain the Enemy.  The power of confession held in the hands of the person whom you are confessing to… not the confessor. Meaning… If you confess to a crime, but you confess to someone without any power to convict you your confession is empty.  Don’t give Satan any power over you by engaging in his games. This is a battle for your mind. (Phil. 4:8, 2 Cor. 11:3, Romans 8:5-6, 12:1-3)

3.  Open the Gift of Righteousness and Holiness by taking on the Identity, Authority & Motivation of Christ. This can be further understood by seeking the LORD’s instruction and guidance through Prayer & Reading the Scriptures & Memorize them. (Ps. 1:2, 19:14; Col. 3:1-3; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Eph 6:17; john 1:14, 10:27-30; Phil 4:13, Joshua 1:8)

Finally reflect on this – where is temptation hitting you? And where is your battle taking place? – the answer will key you in to how the enemy hopes to thwart Your Destiny  – while the LORD is guiding you to fulfill your IAM.

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
Author Unknown