You Have the Power to Say “No”
BY RICK WARREN — OCTOBER 26, 2014
“But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are now controlled by the Spirit, if you have the Spirit of God living in you.” (Romans 8:9 NLT)
Some people today insist that we should just give in to any desire that comes our way. It’s a destructive mindset. Just because you have the desire to eat an entire chocolate cake doesn’t mean it’s good for you.
Romans 8:9 says, “But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are now controlled by the Spirit, if you have the Spirit of God living in you” (NLT).
Before you became a believer, you only had willpower to fight against temptations. But it never was enough. You were relatively powerless against the great cravings that drove you.
As a believer, now you’ve got the Holy Spirit — and a new ability to say “no.” You still have the same compulsions, desires, lusts, and impulses you had before you began a relationship with Jesus, but now the power of God resides inside of you. Now you can say “no.”
Galatians 5:16 says, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” The Bible doesn’t say you won’t have sinful desires after you become a Christian, but it says the Holy Spirit will help you choose not to satisfy them.
If you ever hear someone say, “I’m a Christian, but I couldn’t stop myself,” they’re lying. They simply never called on the power of the Holy Spirit in the moment of temptation.
You have the power to say “no.” Use it.
Talk It Over
- What’s dragging down your spiritual life that you need to say “no” to?
- What factors (like friends, family, work, and other external stresses) make it difficult for you to say “no” to temptations you’re facing? How can you reduce some of those factors?
- Who can encourage you and help you say “no” to temptations?
This is the Will of God
TODAY'S SCRIPTURE:
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV
1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV
TODAY'S WORD:
So many people today wonder what God’s will is for their lives. Oftentimes, they look for big things, signs and supernatural events. But really, God’s will for us unfolds each and every day as we obey Him and serve Him with a thankful heart.
When you wake up every morning with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you just took a step toward your destiny—you are walking in the will of God. When you go throughout your day, thanking God that His hand of blessing is on you, thanking Him for ordering your steps, thanking Him for a new day, you are taking another step in His will.
Today, remember to keep the right perspective. We should have goals and dreams and look forward to a bright future, but the way you live your life today is what’s going to get you to where you need to be tomorrow. Keep praising, keep believing and keep thanking Him because that’s what will keep you moving forward. Submit every area of your heart to Him and walk forward in His will for your life!
When you wake up every morning with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving, you just took a step toward your destiny—you are walking in the will of God. When you go throughout your day, thanking God that His hand of blessing is on you, thanking Him for ordering your steps, thanking Him for a new day, you are taking another step in His will.
Today, remember to keep the right perspective. We should have goals and dreams and look forward to a bright future, but the way you live your life today is what’s going to get you to where you need to be tomorrow. Keep praising, keep believing and keep thanking Him because that’s what will keep you moving forward. Submit every area of your heart to Him and walk forward in His will for your life!
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Father, I come to You today with thanksgiving in my heart and a mouth full of praise! I bless You because You are worthy! Thank You for redeeming my life from the pit. Thank You for leading me in the way everlasting as I keep my heart and mind on You today in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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