As believers, our natural inborn tendency leans towards works of self-indulgence, rather than works of righteousness.  The struggle within us, mirrors the twins  (Esau and Jacob)  wrestling within their mother, Rebekah.  It is a continuous battle between our flesh, and God’s Holy Spirit.  The strength of one over the other, depends entirely on what we feed them.  If we indulge our flesh with worldly fare, the Spirit will become weaker.  These Proverb studies, and other such materials, are intended to feed the Spirit of true believers. 

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Proverbs 11:23

 The desire of the righteous is only good:

As born-again Christians, we have the Righteousness of Christ within us.  We Have no righteousness of our own.  The holy righteousness living inside you, desires only good.  If the Holy Spirit is your dominant “twin” you will desire only good.  On the other-hand, if the flesh is the dominant twin, you will desire the opposite of what is good.

For example, when pondering the evil antics of worldly politicians and other leaders, do you sometimes fantasize that a lightening bolt, or some other act of God, would strike them down, and put them out of your misery?  If someone has wronged you – do you long for them to “get what’s coming to them”? 

Beloveds – that kind of attitude is your flesh talking.  The best thing to do is rebuke it, and turn to the Lord in prayer.  Rather than wishing for revenge, or “inexorable justice” on the workers of iniquity, why not pray for them?  Pray for the most evil of them.  Yes, it is true, that some individuals are beyond redemption, but that is not for us to determine.  It is for us to pray, and pray, and pray.

but the expectation of the wicked is wrath.

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The lost have a truly bleak future in eternity.  As the children of God, we should not desire that for anyone.  Though your prayers for the wicked may seem like they go unanswered, it is a fact, that if your heart is right with the Lord, He hears all your prayers, even if you are praying for the worst miscreant in the world.  We should desire their good, and the only good for them, is salvation in Jesus Christ.  It is a terrible, awful, thing – when someone dies in their sins.  And when you pray for that lost soul – make sure you mean it.

1 Timothy 2:1-3

2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour

Please reread verse 2 again – do you see what that says?  It is conditional.  If we don’t pray for those in authority over us – we will have persecution!  Obviously, the Body of Christ has dropped the ball on this one.

sage