There comes a time, in every individual’s life, where we take a moment out of our busy schedules and begin to question our very existence. “Who am I? What am I? Where do I come from? How did I get here? Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? What am I supposed to do? What happens when I die? Is there life after death?” The answers to all of these questions were revealed to me. God revealed to me, through the Bible, the divinely inspired book filled with the words and prophecies of God, that he has created a blueprint for all of mankind. We all have a being, an identity, a calling, a purpose, a ministry, a destiny, and gifts and talent to help us fulfill that destiny.

Our being, or core essence of what we are,is: SPIRIT. “Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7) We are spirits, created in the image and likeness of God who is also Spirit. He is an eternal being, and because we were made to be just like him, we are also immortal. We are spiritual entities that cannot die. The only difference between us and our Maker is that he has no beginning while we were indeed created. Yet, neither of us can be destroyed. God had us in mind since before the creation of time. And we were spoken into existence by a simple word from God. Because God is love, he wanted to create something to display his love towards. Because God is the Supreme being he wanted to create something to have dominion or lordship over. Because God is glorious, he wanted to create something that would bring glory and honor to his name, something that would worship him. So he thought of making us, and Earth as our dwelling place. Once making its debut on Earth, our spirits were wrapped up in a fleshly body, making us now called human. In our human body, our spirit possesses life from another source, the Spirit of God, which allows us to breathe and stay alive. Our spirits also have a soul. Our soulish realm consists of our intellect, our emotions, our desires and our will. Basically, our soul is what gives personality to our spirits, it’s what makes us unique individuals. The word human comes from the Latin word humus, which literally means ground, earth or soil. Humus refers to any organic matter that has reached a point of stability, where it will break down no further. By the supernatural power of God, that is why our human bodies are able to stay together without falling apart. However, because of the fall of man and the curse of sin (another story), our human bodies will die and eventually return back to the dust of the ground from which it came, God’s Spirit that gave us the breath of life will go back to God, and our spirit will live on in either Heaven or Hell. Where we go when we die is determined by whether or not we fulfill our calling, purpose and destiny.

Our identity is: WHO WE ARE IN GOD. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession… (1 Peter 2:9). We are the salt and light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). We are the sons and daughters of the living God, Abba Father (2 Corinthians 6:18). We are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:14-17) We are little gods on the earth (John 10:34-36). We are followers of Christ, aka Christians. (Colossians 3:3)

Our calling, or vision is: (to become the kingdom of God thru discipleship). TO CONFORM TO GOD IN THOUGHT, WORD AND FUNCTION. Our calling is to be made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). Our calling is not to be impure, but to be holy as God is holy (1 Thessalonians 4:7).

Our purpose,  or mission is: (to build the kingdom of God thru evangelism). TO CAUSE OTHERS TO CONFORM TO GOD, aka. TO SAVE SOULS. Our purpose is to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28), but not only be fruitful and multiply offspring, but the image of God on the earth, by being the light of Christ. Our purpose is to let our light shine that others may see our good deeds and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). Our purpose is to be fisher of men (Mark 1:17). Our purpose is to spread the great commission and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). Our purpose is to evangelize [though not everyone is called to the mantle of evangelist.]

Our destiny is predestined to be: HEAVEN, but if we willingly rebel against God and don’t fulfill our calling and purpose, we will instead end up in HELL. But while on earth, and until then, our destiny is: OUR INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT. Each person has his or her own destiny, though we are all to be God’s handiwork, created in Jesus to do good works, which we were prepared in advance to do (Ephesians 2:10). Your destiny can be to become an apostle, pastor, teacher, prophet, evangelist, doctor, lawyer, judge, professor, musician, motivational speaker, chef, choreographer, author, etc. Whatever major or career you are in can be your destiny. Your job is to not only make money or make a name for youself, but to save souls and make God’s name known. Success in your destiny is determined by how you live out your purpose.

Our talents, or gifts, are: blessings from above, and things that God has naturally placed inside of us in advance to do, to help us reach our destiny and fulfill our purpose. That’s why we have a heart or develop a heart to do certain things and are good at them (singing, rapping, poetry, dancing, writing, drawing, sports, cooking, charity, building, etc.). The only reason we have these talents is so that we can bring glory to God with them. But because none of us knew our identity in God after birth, because we were blinded by sin, we used our gifts and talents for our own purpose, instead of for his purpose. It’s not until we come into a relationship with and understand our identity in our Creator, Jesus Christ, that we understand our purpose and the usage for our talents: which is ministry.

We are all ministers: ambassadors, messengers or servants of the Kingdom of God, but we all have different ministries, which at the end of the day, is supposed to help, build up and edify other people. You are not here to use your gifts for selfish gain, but to serve others with them.  

“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all:” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

If we have discovered one ministry we are gifted with, that is awesome, but know that it’s possible that we can have more than one ministry. 

“To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey.” (Matthew 25:15)

But without the anointing and gospel of Jesus Christ in mind behind it, to give life to the people you minister to, your gift is dead. 

“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God gives: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11). But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5-15)

Never confuse purpose with destiny. Purpose is fulfilling God’s will and destiny is the thing that puts us in line to fulfill God’s purpose. Our purpose or will should be to win souls. [For God wishes [wills] for none to perish but for everyone to come into repentance.] He uses people to save people. Without purpose [cause/reason], there can be no destiny [fulfillment/outcome]. It is only after we [submit/surrender] to God’s purpose, or will thru Christ Jesus, [the saving of souls], and pray for [instruction/provision] on how to do that, that our destiny [assignment/goal] for our individual lives becomes clear to us.

In Acts chapter 5, the Apostles were being persecuted by MEN for their faith and for doing what they know GOD has purposed them to do. Man was telling them that maybe they shouldn’t be preaching about Christ. But in vs 29, “Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey GOD rather than human beings!…”

It was said a little later, in Acts 5:38-39, “Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

The same thing that was said about the apostles in the Bible are the same thing that apply to you. Be sure that you know what God has called you to do in regards to your destiny and ministry. Make sure that in fulfilling it, you don’t depend on what you think, feel or want, but on what God said, for what God said is the only thing that’s going to last. Receive a confirmation from him, so that when the enemy comes (personally or through other people), saying, “Did God really say?”… you will know without a shadow of a doubt that, “YES. GOD did say.” And with such confirmation from God, and your obedience to His plan for your life, no one will be able to stop you, even if they try to put up detours, put up road blocks or distractions. They would only be able to see the blessings and fruit that you are bearing, as well as God’s glory shining in your life. 

Then when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown brings forth death. James 1:15

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praise worthy, meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Sin is a trap of Satan to destroy our life. God doesn’t want us to sin because He loves us so much. He doesn’t want us to get caught in the traps of the enemy and be devoured by him. Sin will devour us. New Christians have to be especially careful not to fall into the traps the enemy will set. He will use all kinds of temptations to pull us away from God. Satan knows our weak areas. He will work through people to pull us away from God’s plan and purpose for our life. God will not use a dirty vessel for honorable purposes, therefore we must live a life pleasing to Him. We must be aware of the tactics of the enemy in overcoming the temptations that Satan will send our way.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:8

We all daily face temptations to sin. It is God’s desire that we overcome them. We have His word that He has provided us an escape from temptation. He leaves us without excuse.

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

We have been washed in the blood of Jesus. When we accepted Him as our Lord, we became the righteousness of God, so our spirit is already holy. God expects us to bring our mind and our body into subjection of holiness. In other words, we have to forsake the ways of the sinful world we live in and submit not only our spirit, but our mind and our body also to God’s holy ways. If we do not work toward this, we do not belong to God.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,(with Gods word) that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12: 1-2

We live in a world with evil all around us. We have Satan and his hordes of demons constantly sending unclean thoughts into our heads, sending the wrong people into our life and using every other form of temptation to overcome us. So, how do we not sin? Without God it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible. God will help us but He expects us to do our part. When we fail, God has promised to forgive us.

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds (wrong thoughts or ideas, or beliefs) casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:3-5

SIX THINGS WE CAN DO TO OVERCOME TEMPTATION:1) Be baptized with the Spirit. Many people believe this enduing of power is only to be a witness or for ministry, but it also gives us the power to live a successful Christian life. You don’t have to have this to be saved, but it sure makes living a holy life easier.

I indeed baptized you with water, but He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:8

And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Acts 19:6

And these signs will follow those who believe: In my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues. Mark 16:17

When we are baptized with the Holy Spirit, we are able to pray and glorify God in a language we have not learned. This is the Holy Spirit praying to God through us on our behalf. It is a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit. This manifestation is different from the gift of tongues spoken of in 1 Corinthians 12. We will later do a lesson on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and also one on the gifts of the Spirit. You can read more about these manifestations of the Holy Spirit in the book of Acts and 1 Corinthians chapter 12-14.

2) Walk close to God. Don’t think for a minute that we can live a life apart from God and not fall into deep sin. If we allow ourselves to slowly drift away from God, we are wide open to anything Satan wants to send our way.

It is in God’s shadow that we find peace, joy, comfort and protection from the enemy. How close to God do we have to be in order to be in His shadow? Pretty close.

We stay close to God through fellowship with other Christians, worship, prayer and constantly feeding our spirits with spiritual food. Spiritual food is the word of God. It can come in many ways: bible reading and study, teachings, sermons, and good books. When we eat this food our immature spirit matures with wisdom, knowledge and understanding. We get stronger and temptation becomes less and less of a problem. This does not happen without effort on our part but is it well worth the effort.

Be careful not to backslide. Remember if we are not moving forward in the things of God, we are sliding backwards.

Guard our mind and heart.Be careful what we think about: Sin is conceived In the mind. The mind is the devils battle ground. If he can get us to think about evil things, our desire for that will grow and eventually we will act out that sin. Don’t let the devil convince you that it is okay to think about bad things as long as you don’t do them.

Then when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown brings forth death. James 1:15

We all deal with bad thoughts. Evil thoughts are a satanic attack on us to cause us to sin.

Bad thoughts are only sin to us if we kept them and ponder on them. As soon as they come we have to reject them as wrong and turn our mind to something good. Immediately pray and ask God to take it away. Begin to say things that are good. Our words override the bad thoughts and they leave.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Be mindful of our attitudes: Keep a check on your thoughts and your attitudes. Are they more in line with the way God thinks or the way the world thinks. If you are thinking more like the world than God, you need to separate yourself from worldly things and people more and submit your mind to being renewed by the word of God. Who do you find your attitudes agreeing with, God’s word or the world’s views that stand contrary to God’s word and His ways?

Don’t be polluted with this evil world. We are in the world but we don’t have to let it pollute us.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15

Avoid the temptation. Be careful what we see and hear: Junk in, Junk out. Carefully choose what you watch on television, what music you listen to, what books you read, what web sites you visit. Christians should not take any part in evil at all. It is poison to us just the same as it is to everyone. You would not eat poison on purpose so why take it into your ears and eyes. It will destroy you all the same, only slower and more deceptively.

Don’t go places or do things that bring you temptation.

Get rid of your cable vision, or your Internet if you cannot control yourself. Whatever it takes to live holy, that is what we need to do for our own sakes.

Here is what Jesus says about it:

If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast if from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the everlasting fire. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you, it is better for you to enter into life with one eye rather than having two eyes and be cast into hells fire. Matthew 18: 8 and 9

How much more are the things of this world not worth going to hell over.

Be very careful what company you keep.The people you hang out with will influence who you are. Choose friends that build you up and help you to avoid temptations rather than people that are always trying to get you to do wrong. If your friends are always trying to convince you that sin is okay, you need new friends!

Choose friends that challenge you to become a better person and closer to God, not someone that will cause you to end up in prison. The people you spend time with really does matter. Choose wisely!

Read out loud 2 Corinthians 6:11-18

Pray for yourself.Early in our walk with God our prayers should mostly be for our self. As we begin to grow and mature and get stable as a Christian, we will naturally spend less time praying for our self and more and more time praying for others. Even mature Christians have to continue to pray for themselves everyday.

Jesus warned His disciples to pray lest they fall into temptation in Luke 22:40. Also in the model prayer found in Matthew 6 Jesus teaches us to ask God to help us to overcome temptation.

No one knows our needs as we do. Until we are strong and stable we are little help to others or our self, so it is important to do what it takes to mature. Pray mostly for your spiritual needs.

Conclusion: We can go a long way in avoiding temptation. We have to learn to hate what God hates and love what He loves. The more we grow spiritually the more we will hate sin. We hate our own first and then all sin because we begin to understand how it destroys lives and we begin to comprehend how it grieves our Father.

Many Christians believe Satan’s lie that God somehow does not care if we sin. He knows and He cares. There is great penalty for every sin we committe. The main reason God cares is because He cares about us. He does not hate sinners, he hates the sin. He loves the sinner, He gave His very life so that the sinner could be set free from the bondages that sin puts on us, and be set free from the lies and deceptions of our enemy. It is God’s love for us and our love for Him that will enable us to be overcomers