Next Steps 2.0 - Moving To Maturity

possible that we may have even felt that we were on “good terms” with God. But the reality is that outside of Christ all of our sinful actions and selfish deeds were out of sync with God’s purpose. The deeds that we did may have been good, but the motives behind them were not in harmony with God’s nature. Colossians 1:19-21, NIV For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. As humans we are all more or less controlled by our sensual appetites. We have various cravings or desires that long for satisfaction. Our desire for food, sexual freedom, financial prosperity, material possessions, significance, position and power can all be what we focus on satisfying. When we allow these things to be our primary end, we are being led by “the flesh.” Too often pursuit of these things runs cross current to the will and purpose of God. Romans 8:5-8, NLT Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires ; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires . 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by 4. The unrenewed mind is set on the things of the flesh or carnal nature.