Skip to main content

Place Yourself Under God

all to me is acceptable, but not all beneficial. All to me acceptable but I will not be under the authority of any -1 Corinthians 6:12

This verse is often translated as "all things are lawful for me." What is Paul saying? We are released from the Law and are under grace, are we free to sin? No matter how we look at the first part the second part puts things into perspective, "I will not be under the authority of any." As a child of God can I place myself under the authority and power of darkness? "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh..." (Galatians 5:13). What happens if we do use our freedom as an opportunity to sin? What we do in the body will determine whose authority and influence we place ourselves under, either the power and authority of God or of darkness.

not knowing the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God... and some of you existed these but you were washed, sanctified, justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God! 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

How did some of you exist? Some of us were "sexually immoral, idolators, adulterers, prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, drunkards, greedy, slanderers, swindlers..." but God saved us and transferred us from the kingdom of darkness. "Do not be deceived [none of these] will inherit the kingdom of God." None of these things will be in heaven and if we say we are going to heaven to be with God then we are called to put away these things. Can someone who becomes a Christian still struggle with these things? Paul speaks of this in Romans 7, there is a law that exists for the believer when he wants to do good he can't.*  Besides the internal testimony of Spirit and blood, which we often can't see in a person, what characterizes this person is they will be in a wretched state, because inwardly they delight and want to do good but they keep doing the things they hate, not finding the ability to practice what is good. They are still under the power, authority, and influence of darkness which takes advantage of them through the carnal mind. The key to freedom is the renewal of the mind through the Word and Spirit of God. 

now, if any lacks wisdom, ask God... ask God and it will be given... - James 1:5-8

A person who keeps going back to sin is a double-minded person, his mind is not renewed so that it approves of the things of God and accepts them as good and pleasing. This is truth, "all to me is acceptable but I will not be under the authority of any" it is wisdom from God, so that you might endure. If you continue in sin you put yourself under the authority and power of darkness. Or said as John does, if you walk in darkness, you are not doing truth and in the Light. "Now, this is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, 'God is light and exists of no account darkness in him.' If we say we have fellowship with him but walk in the darkness, we are deceived and not doing the truth. But if we walk in the light like as he exists in the light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1:5-8). This is the message proclaimed to us, God is light! "Do not be deceived [none of these] will inherit the kingdom of God." Do not be deceived, if you walk, do, practice things of darkness, you are not in the Light. 

We can boldly approach the throne of grace because of what we have received in Christ but also because of the continued work of Jesus as our high priest. As children, we boldly approach to receive grace and mercy because we have sinned. We repent, confess, get back into the Light, out of the darkness that we have put ourselves under because of sin. How many times does it take? How many times did Jesus tell the disciples to forgive when someone repented and asked for forgiveness? As we mature we will learn to boldly approach his throne of grace to receive power to help in time of need. Jesus said we can not serve two masters because we will be devoted to one and despise the other (Matthew 6:24). Paul writes we will rule over sin not under the Law but under grace, and whomever you present your members to, this is the one you will obey, "either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness" (Romans 6:13-16). This wisdom is very important for freedom in the life of the believer, thus Paul calls it our "reasonable service or worship" and the "sacrifice" acceptable to God that brings about the renewal of the mind (Romans 12:1-2).

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul - 1 Peter 2:11

The devil takes advantage through the flesh. As believers when we give in to its deceitful and sinful desires it will wage war against our soul which is contrary to the goal of faith; the salvation of our souls. This really defines the wretched state of the believer that Paul talks about, the evil which is near wars against your mind to bring you into captivity to sin which exists in your members, and this wars against your souls. When we are a new creation in Christ we are now indebted to live according to the Spirit and righteousness, if we do not we go against our new nature, thus it wars or tears our souls apart. When we walk in darkness we walk in the realm of evil. The devil walks around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy. If we walk in darkness do we expose ourselves to his authority and influence? To destruction? What are we to do?

But He gives us more grace, this is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." So place yourself under God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners and purify your hearts you double-minded... humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord and he will lift you up - James 4:6-10

Submit means to "place under," so true humility places oneself under the mighty hand of God. So many have been abused by authority that the word submit can carry a negative tone, but I assure you it is a positive thing, we have a heavenly Father who loves and cares for us. As a child of God, this is where you belong, under his providence and protection, in the Light. Can one live in sin and be a child of God? yes. Though there might be fleeting pleasures of sin a child of God can not be happy living in sin. Does living in sin expose the child of God to darkness and the devil who seeks to kill, steal, and destroy? yes. Though you are ultimately under the authority of Christ if you walk in darkness you willingly walk in the realm of the devil, you put yourself under his authority. That is why the scriptures say we must resist the devil, by not placing ourselves under the authority of darkness, and draw near to God, by placing yourselves under God, walking in the Light, and the devil will flee from you. This stresses that living in sin puts the child of God under the authority of the devil. To think I can walk in darkness and at the same time be under God's protection, which is in the Light, is to be deceived.  Though "all is acceptable to me" all is not good for me in that I will come under the authority and power of something. But "I will not be under the authority of any," this is wisdom for the double-minded, the one who needs to endure unto maturity. If Christ is in you, you exist of the Spirit. Though we walk in the flesh, we do not walk according to the flesh, "for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5).


Popular (last 30 days)

Blessed Are The Forgiven

Blessed! the one whose lawless deeds are forgiven and the one whose sins are covered over, blessed is the man whom sin, the Lord will not consider . * Paul writes David foresaw and spoke " blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered . *  Blessed, is the one whom sin is not considered, this word considered  means "to credit, count, reckon, to set down as a matter of account; regard, think, consider." This blessing comes through faith and according to grace, " also David speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God considers righteousness apart from works ." *  The word for  lawless deeds speaks of the violation of the Law and the word for sin  speaks of missing the mark of God's righteousness. Blessed are those who (by faith in Christ according to grace) have been forgiven. In Him receiving the redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of trespasses according to the riches of His grace . * This fundamental ...
Read more

Spirit of Life

" Indeed, the law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus liberates from the law of sin and death ." 1 This word for liberates "I free, set free, liberate" is from a root word meaning free, exempt, not bound by an obligation. As partakers of God's divine nature, being born of Spirit, we are no longer obligated to the sinful nature but to righteousness which is God's nature. When we believe we receive the Spirit of promise, a guarantee of our inheritance, a great testimony that we are His children, it is a Spirit of Life. " Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." 24 The Son came not to condemn the world but to save it. "One trespass   led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. " 6 " He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and wa...
Read more

All Who Are Thirsty

“ Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;  and he who has no money,  come, buy and eat!  Come, buy wine and milk  without money and without price.  Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,  and your labor for that which does not satisfy?  Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,  and delight yourselves in rich food. .." (Isaiah 55). " Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price ." Buy is defined as to acquire the ownership of by giving an accepted price or consideration therefore; to accept or believe as true .[ 1 ] When we buy something we consider the price that we must pay, we accept this and purchase the thing we have considered worthy of the sacrifice we make in payment. W e can not buy, with money or price, redemption from t his tragic flaw we are born into. However Jesus paid the price for us, so we buy or accept through consideration, the Greek word is  logizomai.[ 2] ...
Read more

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body

The Tripartite Nature of Humanity: Spirit, Soul, and Body in Biblical Understanding The human being, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted creation, often understood through the distinct yet interconnected components of spirit, soul, and body. While some theological perspectives lean towards a bipartite view (soul and body), which we do see in the Old Testament, a careful examination of the New Testament scripture reveals a compelling case for a tripartite understanding, where each is divided into or composed of three parts. Let’s explore the biblical distinction between spirit, soul, and body. The Body: Our Earthly Vessel The body is the physical form that interacts with the material world. From the very beginning, Genesis 2:7 states, " Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being ." This verse clearly establishes the body's origin from the earth, emphasizing its connec...
Read more

Lord, Stand By Me

"... present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness ." 1 This word for present means "I bring, present, come up to and stand by," it is parístēmi (from pará, "from close-beside" and hístēmi, "to stand") – properly, stand close beside, i.e. ready to present (exhibit). I pray Lord stand by me which expresses that I put my trust in Him, or I come up to and stand by Him. We use phrases like surrendering or bowing at the cross to explain such a moment, surely it is a coming to the end of ourselves and it is desirable that I find His will acceptable, but it is important to understand that it is about trust, not my will power, the key is that it is in Christ. The terminology the scriptures use is "present yourselves to God," or come up to and stand by and walk with Him. "... present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God--this...
Read more

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity

Surrender and Giving Control in Christian Thought: Scriptural Roots, Modern Interpretations, and the Quest for Spiritual Maturity Introduction The theological concept of surrender—or giving control to God—occupies a prominent place in the modern Christian consciousness. From pulpits, in devotional material, songs, and across a multitude of Christian traditions, believers are often exhorted to “surrender their lives to Christ,” to “give up control." This is often expressed as a “come to the end of yourselves,” experience. These exhortations, frequently couched in emotive and urgent language, invite believers to a posture of yielding, releasing, and letting go. Yet, when this language is measured against the actual vocabulary, teachings, and emphases of the Greek New Testament, important questions emerge:  How biblically grounded are the concepts of “surrender” and “giving control”? Does such language reflect the spiritual vision of the earliest Christian church and scripture, or...
Read more

Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching

  Freedom from the Mosaic Law: A Deep Theological Exploration of New Testament Teaching Introduction: The Question of the Mosaic Law and Christian Identity One of the most significant theological debates and practical challenges for the early church was the place of the Mosaic Law in the life of believers in Jesus Christ. This question remains alive today, particularly in communities and churches that quote the Old Testament as if its legal prescriptions still directly obligate Christians. The apostolic writings, especially those of Paul, provide the primary lens through which the New Testament resolves this matter. Paul’s letters—rich in both theological reflection and ecclesiastical urgency—not only confront false teaching but chart the path of new covenant living by the Holy Spirit.  This essay seeks to offer a doctrinal synthesis on why believers are no longer “under the Mosaic Law,” supported by original-language insights, harmonized scripture references, and commentar...
Read more

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law

Theological Comparison of the New Covenant of Grace and the Old Covenant of the Law: A Detailed Study Rooted in Ephesians 2:11–22 Introduction The theme of covenant is central to the biblical narrative, shaping God’s relationship with humanity from creation through redemption. The new covenant is called by Paul a ministry of reconciliation, righteousness, and of the Spirit. The shift from the old Mosaic covenant—rooted in the Law given to Israel at Sinai—to the new covenant of grace established in Christ, fundamentally redefines how people approach God, community, and salvation. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, particularly 2:11–22, provides a remarkably clear and rich theological exposition of this transition, addressing not only the spiritual implications for Jews and Gentiles but also the very nature of the church as God’s new creation. This report develops an in-depth, paragraph-driven theological comparison between the old and new covenants, structured around nine key themes de...
Read more

Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination

  Called According to His Purpose: A Biblical Examination 📖 Introduction The phrase “called according to His purpose” appears in Romans 8:28 (ESV), a foundational verse that reads: “And we know that for those loved of God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” This statement gives comfort and more—it is a declaration about identity, destiny, and divine intent. To be “called according to His purpose” means participating in God’s sovereign, redemptive plan. God's plan is being manifested through the church through the "new covenant in his blood" as it was established by the death of Jesus. The calling is not arbitrary or based on human merit, but is rooted in God’s purpose, eternal will and love. 🔍 The Nature of the Calling In Scripture, God's calling is effectual—that is, it accomplishes what He intends. Paul writes: "...those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified,...
Read more

Need of Endurance

There's no space that His love can't reach There's no place where we can't' find peace There's no end to amazing grace Take me in with Your arms spread wide Take me in like an orphan child Never let go, Never leave my side I am,  Holding on to You... In the middle of the storm I am holding on,  I am  Love like this, Oh my God to find I am overwhelmed, With a joy divine Love like this sets our hearts on fire This is my resurrection song This is my hallelujah come This is why it's to You I run. 1 He is holding on to you, through the middle of the storm, the disease, sickness, pain, tears, heartache, desires, and addictions... I Am is holding on to you. Let us exult, dance in our tribulations knowing that in our suffering we partake of His. Knowing also that suffering produces patience and patience produces endurance and endurance produces strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ...
Read more