Dependence
True repentance involves stepping out of independence and into dependence on God.
Major W. Ian Thomas emphasizes the contrast between living for oneself, which leads to walking in the flesh and being under the influence of the devil, versus living for Christ, which results in walking in the Spirit and being under God's dominion. He highlights that the difference lies not just in actions but in the underlying principles that govern behavior, with independence from God being at the root of sin. Repentance, therefore, involves shifting from independence to dependence on God, and the extent of repentance is reflected in the level of dependence on Him.
Text
To live "to and for yourself" is to "walk after the flesh"!
To live "to and for Christ" is to "walk after the Spirit"!
These are the two principles of human behavior. It is not just a matter of degree, it is a matter of kind; to be dominated by the "flesh" is to be dominated by the devil; and to be dominated by the Spirit is to be dominated by God.
Two men doing identically the same thing may at the same time, by their identical act, be demonstrating two different principles of behavior, which are diametrically opposed to each other.
What is the principle that governs your behavior?
I am not asking you the nature of your behavior; I am asking you the principle from which it springs!
You will remember that we have seen sin defined in the Bible as independence: "whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Romans 14:23), an attitude of "lawlessness" (I John 3:4); what then does repentance involve? It involves stepping out of independence back into dependence - and the measure of your repentance will be the measure of your dependence!
Every area of your life, in which you have not learned to be dependent, is an area of your life in which you have not as yet repented.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Two Principles of Human Behavior
- A. To live to and for yourself is to walk after the flesh
- B. To live to and for Christ is to walk after the Spirit
- II. The Dominating Influence
- A. Being dominated by the flesh is being dominated by the devil
- B. Being dominated by the Spirit is being dominated by God
- III. The Principle of Behavior
- A. What governs your behavior?
- B. The principle from which your behavior springs
- IV. Repentance and Dependence
- A. Repentance involves stepping out of independence back into dependence
- B. The measure of your repentance is the measure of your dependence
Key Quotes
“To live to and for yourself is to walk after the flesh!” — Major W. Ian Thomas
“To live to and for Christ is to walk after the Spirit!” — Major W. Ian Thomas
“Every area of your life, in which you have not learned to be dependent, is an area of your life in which you have not as yet repented.” — Major W. Ian Thomas
Application Points
- Recognize the principle that governs your behavior and take steps to align it with God's will.
- Identify areas of your life where you are independent and take steps to become dependent on God.
- Measure your repentance by the measure of your dependence on God.