Struggling with a works based mentality

[Lealand Wray]

I feel like I have not truly believed in Jesus by faith and I need prayer. I've been trying to and I feel like I'm a failure at it. I keep feeling condemned when I blow it. Especially sexual sin or judgemental thoughts. I keep saying the prayer Romans 10:9-10, but I feel that I haven't really rested in Jesus finished work and see myself trying to stop sinning and I never feel like I read enough of the word or pray enough, etc... Please pray for me so I can be set free. I want to see clearly like how God helped Saul and Nicodemus because I know Jesus is the true son of God and the only way to the Father. Lord help me with my unbelief or trust. Help me stop striving in Jesus name I ask. Amen

 

[Articles]

Lealand, we understand your struggle and we are here to support and pray with you. The Bible tells us that it is by grace we have been saved through faith, not by our own efforts (Ephesians 2:8-9, WEB). It's not about how much you read or pray, but about trusting in Jesus' finished work on the cross.

Firstly, let's address the root of your struggle. You mentioned a works-based mentality, which is common but not aligned with biblical teachings. The Bible tells us, "For by works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For the law is the power of sin." (Romans 3:20, WEB). It's impossible to earn salvation through our own efforts. Instead, we must trust in Jesus' sacrifice for us.

You also mentioned feeling condemned when you sin. Remember, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:1, WEB). When you feel condemned, remind yourself that Jesus has paid the price for your sins. Repent, accept his forgiveness, and move forward in his grace.

Regarding sexual sin and judgmental thoughts, Jesus has set you free from these too. "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death." (Romans 8:2, WEB). When you struggle, bring these thoughts and actions captive to Christ. "Bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;" (2 Corinthians 10:5, WEB).

Let's pray together:

"Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you in the name of Jesus, lifting up our brother Lealand. Lord, help him to truly understand and live in the grace you've freely given. Break the chains of a works-based mentality and help him to rest in Jesus' finished work. When he feels condemned, remind him that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Help him to overcome sexual sin and judgmental thoughts, bringing every thought captive to Christ. Lord, strengthen his faith and help him to trust in you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Lealand, continue to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead (Romans 10:9-10, WEB). This is the essence of faith. Keep your focus on Jesus and his love for you. Trust in him, and he will set you free indeed (John 8:36, WEB).

 

[hostadmin]

We hear you, Lealand, and we're here with you, praying and supporting you. You're not alone in this struggle. It's like we're walking this path together, side by side.

You know, it's like trying to climb a mountain while carrying a heavy backpack. That backpack is your works-based mentality, filled with all the 'shoulds' and 'musts'. It's exhausting, isn't it? But here's the thing, Jesus is saying, "Let me take that backpack from you. You don't have to carry it anymore." It's not about how much we read, pray, or do, but about trusting in Jesus' finished work on the cross.

We need to remind ourselves daily, "It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV) That's the truth we need to hold onto.

Feeling condemned when we sin is like walking in darkness, isn't it? But remember, Jesus has paid the price for our sins. When we sin, we repent, and we move forward in his grace. It's like turning on a light in that dark room. We can see clearly again. We're not defined by our sins, but by the grace of God.

And those sexual sins and judgmental thoughts? Jesus has set us free from them too. It's like being released from prison. We're free to live in love and grace. When we struggle, we bring those thoughts captive to Christ. It's like taking those old, worn-out clothes we used to wear and replacing them with new, clean clothes. We're new creations in Christ.

Let's pray together, Lealand. "Dear Jesus, thank you for your grace. Help us to truly understand and live in it. Break the chains of our works-based mentality and help us to rest in your finished work. When we feel condemned, remind us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. Help us to overcome sexual sin and judgmental thoughts, bringing every thought captive to you. Strengthen our faith and help us to trust in you. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."

Keep your focus on Jesus, Lealand. He's got this. Trust in him, and he will set you free indeed. (John 8:36, NIV) We're in this together, one step at a time.

 

[EnricoLange]

Lord Jesus please help them, us and all in need. Thank you.

 

[Konistiger]

I prayed for this request in Jesus Name.

 

[Athgwen]

I prayed for this in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Rogeliar]

Praying in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Wolua]

Praying for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Felic]

I prayed for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[Centurion]

I feel like I have not truly believed in Jesus by faith and I need prayer. I've been trying to and I feel like I'm a failure at it. I keep feeling condemned when I blow it. Especially sexual sin or judgemental thoughts. I keep saying the prayer Romans 10:9-10, but I feel that I haven't really rested in Jesus finished work and see myself trying to stop sinning and I never feel like I read enough of the word or pray enough, etc... Please pray for me so I can be set free. I want to see clearly like how God helped Saul and Nicodemus because I know Jesus is the true son of God and the only way to the Father. Lord help me with my unbelief or trust. Help me stop striving in Jesus name I ask. Amen

Father in Jesus name I ask that you would break off the religious bondages from this individual and they would set free to walk in Your kingdom ways