SATAN’S TEMPTING IS MORE DAMNED AFTER REBIRTH
Why do many people struggle with sin even after they are born again? The answer lies in the process of sanctification – a long-term journey, not an instant one. Rebirth is a renewal of the soul, but the flesh still needs to be disciplined and trained to obey the Holy Spirit.
- Rebirth is Only the Beginning
When we receive Jesus, our soul is renewed, but the flesh does not immediately lose its sinful desires. As Paul says in Romans 7:21-23, he still sees the law of sin at work in his body even though his spirit wants to obey God.
This does not mean you do not love God. God does not condemn you, but He invites you to enter into the process of sanctification – allowing the Holy Spirit to clean up the remnants of your old life.
- The Spirit Needs Cooperation
Transformation does not happen automatically if you do not yield and cooperate with the Holy Spirit. You can pray, go to church, but if you do not give up old habits, the devil will use “unbroken strongholds” such as anger, lust, greed, etc. to continue to manipulate you.
Deliverance is the first step, but sanctification brings lasting transformation. That is why believers need constant repentance, renewing of mind, prayer, fasting, and discipline.
- Sin Does Not Go Away
Temptations still exist after you are saved. The flesh does not let go easily. As James 1:14 says, “Each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own lust.” Satan is not always the sole cause; many temptations come from within our flesh.
We need to actively “crucify the flesh” (Colossians 3:5), and live by the Spirit (Romans 8:13), every day.
- Cooperate in the Sanctification Process
Hebrews 12:1 calls us to “lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily entangles,” and to run the spiritual race with patience. No one is automatically sanctified. We need to:
Fasting, praying
Study and meditating on God’s Word
Reject lies
Confess sin and live in the light
Close the door to temptation, maintain a spiritual environment
- Spiritual Warfare Is Lifelong
The Spirit gives us the strength to reject the passions of the flesh, but the battle continues until we meet the Lord. As 1 Peter 2:11 reminds us, “Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.”
We are called to live vigilantly, faithfully, and walk in the Spirit – not by our own efforts, but by faith in the power of Christ.
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6