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  THE REAL ENEMY
  by Miles J. Stanford
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Summary: The sermon explores the internal struggle against sin and
emphasizes the victory found in grace through self-denial and service to
others.

Topics: "Dying To Self", "Christian Victory"
Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 1:25

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DESCRIPTION
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Miles J. Stanford preaches about the victory of a Christian being over
oneself, not over others, emphasizing the need to slay one's old self
and live a life of selflessness and service to others. He highlights
that the Christian's triumph comes through defeat, living through dying
to self, and finding strength in weakness, ultimately establishing the
cause of the marginalized and lost. Stanford underscores the seriousness
of sin in the life of a child of God, pointing out that sin goes against
the Father's love and grace, which aims to lead believers to holiness
and prevent sin from reigning over them.

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CONTENT
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"For sin shall not have dominion over you, for ye are not under the law,
but under grace" (Romans 6:14).

Hatred for others comes easy for some; but to fully hate one's old man
comes hard for all. The Lord Jesus loves us too much to allow us to go
on loving ourselves.

"The Christian's victory is not over others, but over himself. His sword
is drawn, not to slay his fellowman, but to slay himself. He wins by
losing. He triumphs by being defeated. He lives by dying. His crown is a
crown of thorns. His throne is a Cross. His weapon is not strength but
weakness.

"His victory is not found in establishing his own cause but in
establishing that of his fellow-men; the poor, the sick, the
disinherited, the brokenhearted, the wayward, the lost. This may be
foolishness to men. But we must not forget that 'the foolishness of God
is stronger than men' (1 Corinthians 1:25). -F.J.H.

"How blessed it is to know, and at the same time how solemn to realize,
that the sin of the child of God is against his Father, and that it is
the love of relationship that is called into exercise about it-love
which acts towards us 'for our profit, that we might be partakers of His
holiness' " (Hebrew. 12:10).

"It is impossible that He should treat it lightly; and it will be
impossible in the end for any one of His own to treat it lightly either.
Grace abides towards us; and because grace abides, sin cannot be
permitted to have sway over "The objects of it." -W.K.

"Let not sin, therefore, reign. . . " (Romans 6:12).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/miles-j-stanford/the-real-enemy/
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