Urges Series

There are four things we need to define:

1. OUR INTEGRITY

What is our moral compass?

What guides us to do the things we do?

It cannot be:

The Culture — the culture is constantly changing

Our Emotions — our emotions are incredibly unreliable

Our Up-bringing — people are imperfect and do imperfect things

Psalm 119:105 (NLT2)

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:11 (NLT2)

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:9 (NLT2)

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.

If our moral guide is anything besides the Word of God, then we cannot have a logical discussion.

2. OUR INSTABILITY (vs 12-13a)

Romans 8:12-13

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do…For if you live by its dictates, you will die.

Let’s take a closer look at the struggle because it is very real

WRITE ON MARKER BOARD — SEXUAL URGES; WORD URGES; ADDICTIVE/DESTRUCTIVE URGES

1 John 2:16 (NLT2)

For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

James 1:14-15 (NLT2)

14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.

15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV2011)

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

3. OUR IDENTITY (vs 12, 14)

Romans 8:12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do…?14  For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Let me make a bold statement…just because you have a sinful urge does not mean that is all of a sudden your identity

Your identity is not dictated by your urges.

Your identity is not dictated by your mistakes.

Your identity is dictated by the cross of Jesus Christ and the Word of God!

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT2)

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

1 Peter 2:9 (NLT2)

…for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

Galatians 3:26 (NLT2)

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

John 3:16 (NLT2)

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Refuse to believe that you are nothing less than what God says you are!

4. OUR INABILITY (vs 13b)

Romans 8:13

But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.

We can not try to defeat these urges on our own! We have to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives!

Run with a GUIDE

Galatians 5:16 (NLT2)

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.

Run from SIN

2 Timothy 2:22 (NLT2)

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts.

Run toward GODLINESS

2 Timothy 2:22 (NLT2)

…Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

The devil will RUN from you

James 4:7 (NLT2)

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.