Motivations to Sin

Motivations to Sin

by Randy Schroeder

motivation_to_sinMany refuse the message given today because they don't accept the messenger. However, if the Holy Spirit within gives witness, can we afford to refuse the message? I submit that perfection is not a prerequisite for the delivery man. If the postman had dirty, wet trousers in the middle of a rainstorm, would you refuse the letter he had for you?

Years ago, in what was considered a "man's" world, I was working as an EVP and board director for a major advertising agency. I had my head in the executive clouds when God sent the first messenger. The first prophetic "letter" I ever received came from a divorced, almost overbearing, Polish prophetess who spoke the English language with a broken accent that made me laugh. The second "letter" or word I was given was through a 6'1" (I'm 5'10" – in the morning) African American woman. And the third was from a missionary intercessor old enough to be my mother – and I was nearly 50 years old! (Is it any wonder why I listen to the ladies?) You bet I received those messages.

Does refusing the message mean not hearing the word given - or does refusing the messages (and maybe the messengers) mean not acting upon the word given – or simply "putting it on the shelf?" Did the Jews refuse the messenger when they refused the message of Yeshua? Sure they did. He was the Word. So when I see people not acting upon the message given, I have to wonder if this messenger is blocking the message because of sin, familiarity, the way it's delivered or the life witness which is being seen. However, no matter if any of those come into play, The Holy Spirit would lead me to believe it is more important to understand that inaction is unbelief and rejection of the urgings of the Spirit and the Truth – which is Christ! That is a far more serious issue than my questioning about method, style (or lifestyle), baggy pants or dirty trousers of the mailman.

When the Lord led us into the prophetic ministry, teaching and deliverance, I became so in awe of Yahweh's powerful Right Hand that in spite of what the enemy of my soul said, there was no doubt that it is not about the mailman. It is all about God and God receiving the glory due Him. Although I saw that He was willing to allow man (even me) to be a conduit of His power in delivering His people, there was an obvious fact that spiritual deliverance did not necessarily change a person's thinking and/or actions. Consequently, many people failed to hold onto their freedom.

Seeing this broke my heart for God's people because I realized that most of us gentiles didn't understand the thinking and actions in breaking God's laws with which we give ourselves over to bondage unto demonic spirits (Isaiah 52:5). I also understood that God's desire is for us to come out of Egypt (the world) and walk in His truth and deliver ourselves ( ...deliver thyself O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon. (Zec 2:7)

For years we've learned and taught the principles that can help God's people to get free of enemies' chains – to be free from sin so that we can become the servants of righteousness. Do you not know, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But Elohim be thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness...(Rom 6:16-18) So if we continue to see the results of sin in our life can we ignore the fact that God may be continuing to discipline us so that we will truly receive the message, come to repentance, and change our thoughts and ways to conform to His standards?

God's standards are standards of the heart. What is our motivation? We can do nice and right things and be motivated by the desire to be recognized, fear of man or a multitude of wrong reasons. And the ends (the nice act) will never be justified by the wrong means or thoughts of the heart. Righteous-ness is of God and is from the heart. "The LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (1 Sam 16:7b)

Thus, it is not the outward act that is the root of our problems it is merely the reflection of the real problem. As Arthur Burt says, "the sin is like the spider's web, but it isn't the spider." Take away the sin and the "spiders" within will produce more webs. In other words, sin is a consequence, not a cause for our failure or dishonor before God. While fasting and praying are important weapons in our spiritual arsenal, unless your heart is right, the amount of fasting and praying has little relevance (but by His grace) to God's revelations of His purposes and power. The amount of fasting and praying is not as important as why we are doing it.

What we believe (and therefore react to) rules us and our lives. Flip Wilson used to say, "The devil made me do it." And we'd all laugh. But the fact is, no matter how funny it seemed at the time, it is a lie. The devil doesn't make you do anything. He is God's sheepdog to drive us to the shepherd. He has been defeated at the cross (John 1:12) and is under God's limits (read Job). The question is; will we have truth in our inward parts (Psalms 51)? Or, will we close our eyes because we see (or view things carnally) and act on only the external and not the eternal? [We used to ask if we would act on fact (what we see) or truth (what God says).]

How long will Yahweh be long-suffering with us? At the beginning of this year, the Lord prophetically spoke and said that His grace to His own would be given out differently than in times past. The consequences of our sin (His discipline) would be more apparent closer to the sin than before so that we could more readily see our lack of following the plumb line. Was it a true word? Have you witnessed yourselves or others being bullied by the sheepdog more, and more quickly, now than in the beginning of 2006? Many have testified of this fact throughout the year. I could give you example after example to prove that God's prophetic word was/is true. However, I don't think I need to give endless examples, because if you are convinced to only believe in your mind and can not or do not believe in your spirit, it would be unproductive anyway.

But if the answer is "Yes," there is a closer connection between sin and consequences among the believers and I am seeing more Christians in the fire, then why do we test God? Do we think His grace will always be there for us? Remember, what Jesus said about the people of Jerusalem, "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes." (Luke 19:42) Dare we expect God's deliverance on a day more convenient for us? Will we remember the way when we have time, when our kids grow up, in our retirement, when we've seen the world or the many other reasons why we put the important things of God off until it's too late? Why shouldn't God hide his face from us just as His righteous demanded that He do to the Israelites for their sin and lack of repentance to His call?

For years we have been teaching/preaching a holiness message so that God's people may be in alignment with Him and walk in the victory of their salvation – every day. Now, today, we need to deal with the sin in our life and determine what the cause is. We've had lots of teaching from various sources, but in order to "see" I'm inclined to share a little summary review.

As it has been stated many ways before, sin is a result or consequence, not a cause (except for Abba's discipline). We've identified three ways we are motivated to sin: generational curses, pride and association spirits or coupling. Each of these most often leads to a pathway of sin for slightly different reasons. When two or all three of these sin motivators are present, then there is an even greater temptation to act contrary to the will and laws of God.

Let's briefly summarize these three "sin motivators."

Generational curses:2

Generational curses are those iniquities that are passed down from generation to generation because of the unforgiven sin of our forefathers. This is stated in Exodus 34:6,7 "And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."

We repeatedly observe the consequences of unforgiven sin being past from mothers and fathers to sons and daughters in areas of lust, adultery, anger, drunkenness, divorces, etc. And yet many would accept the deception that our Savior's sacrifice covered the iniquities of past generations when he became a curse upon the tree for us. Such belief is based upon the scripture, "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: (Gal 3:13)

And indeed, Yeshua has taken the curse for us. But what is the curse that he has taken? (Romans 5:1) Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Thus, is "the curse" the consequences of our (and our forefathers) actions – or – is it the inability to receive eternal life (and apprehend freedom from committing sin)? Through Yeshua's atoning sacrifice we can walk by the law of the Spirit, overcome the sin of our flesh and be free of the curse of the law - which is death. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Rom 8:2)

But if, as God's children, we ignore the generational sins (and consequential "curses") of our forefathers, we may reap the bad fruit of their sowing. We must put the sins of our ancestors under the blood of Yeshua by asking forgiveness and repenting of the iniquity to which we are so easily drawn. If we do not, our deception will draw us to the consequences of the generational curses and lead us into sin.

Generational Curse → Deception Sin


Pride: 3

The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. (Proverbs 16:5)

Pride is defined in the dictionary as, "having excessive self esteem." It is such an exalted reliance of one's own thoughts and ways that they replace the truth of God's word. Pride is actually the replacement of God and His truth, with ourselves. Satan fell from his exalted position in heaven because of pride saying, "..I will make myself like the Most High." (Isaiah 14:14) Thus, when we are prideful God resists us (I Peter 5:5) as we are trying to make ourselves god in place of God.

In Arthur Burt's book, Surrender, he explains pride as the opposing force to God's glory. The Glory of God is the "credit due to him," whereas pride is the glory of man. The prophet Isaiah makes God's words abundantly clear by repeated declaration that all glory belongs to God and He will not share his glory (Isaiah 42:8, 48:11).

Pride places our values in front of God's and leads to unbelief in what God has said. This unbelief then, finally leads to sin – the disobedience to God's commands. Again note that sin is a consequence of the thinking that led us into an action against God's word.

Generational Curse → Deception → Sin

Pride → Unbelief → Sin
Pride always comes with an untruth (lie) and is the very "sin motivator" that Satan used in the beginning for the fall of mankind. When Satan tempted Eve to partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, he appealed to her pride, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, ... (Genesis 3:5) The temptation to "be as gods" led her to reject God's Word through his lie and questioning of God's Word, "...Ye shall not surely die: (Genesis 3:4). Thus, in her act to bring glory unto herself (pride), she sinned through unbelief, being disobedient to God's Word.

By far, pride is the primary motivator for most of our sin – both in thought and deed. However, our own pride is often so hidden from us that we can't see it. Consequently, it is of greatest importance that we ask God to show us our heart and expose this motivator of our disobedience. Until we humble ourselves and repent (by asking forgiveness and changing our ways of thinking), these multi-layered, glory-stealing, evil thinking patterns will continue to lead us into sin and resistance from God Himself.

By mercy (Hebrew: checed = loving kindness) and truth iniquity is

purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

(Proverbs 16:6)

Transference/Coupling of Spirit(s):

Have you ever been around people who have a soothing and peaceful effect upon your emotions? On the other hand, have you ever noticed that anxious, high-intensity people put you on edge when you are not generally inclined to be so? If so, you are witnessing the effects of spiritual "coupling" or, possibly, "transference."

Several years ago I was in a board meeting with a business superior who always appeared to be dourer and angry at the world. During a very passionate discussion, this individual began to raise his voice and pound upon the conference table in emphasis of his opposition to the proposal being discussed. The next thing I knew, I found myself talking and writing upon the presentation board with an unplanned level of intensity and "exuberance." Not until I was half way through my rebuttal did I realize what was happening to me. I had risen to the same emotions and intensity that my "colleague" was exhibiting.

What we observe in the foregoing examples is the coupling influence of spirits. In "coupling," the receptor may not necessarily generally experience these feelings, but another's dominating characteristics (motivated by spiritual influences) can influence actions and emotions by their presence. If we don't have sin to give those influencing spirits a right to manifest in our own lives, their affect generally wears off once we are removed from the presence of the initiating person or the situation.

In contrast, the more uncommon occurrence of spiritual "transference" is when a spirit literally leaves one person and inhabits another. In this instance the receptor would have to give opening through their own sin for the enemy to have "land/property rights."

The affects of these principles can be illustrated through scriptural examples from both a positive and negative perspective.

Positive – the Spirit of Prophecy:

In the following passage we are shown that Saul exhibited quite uncharacteristic behavior when he was in the company of prophets and the Spirit of God came upon him:

When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying. When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, "What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" (1 Sam 10:10,11)

Negative – the influence of evil spirits:

The book of Proverbs gives us an abundance of examples of the negative influence of associating with sinners dominated by evil spirits. But, the more concise warning comes from Paul as he is talking about the "wild beasts" (demonic spirits) he battled in Ephesus as he says simply, but emphatically, "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Corinthians 15:33)

However, unless we are particularly alert, when either of these occurs, most of us (like the preceding board room example) are initially unaware of what is happening. We are ignorant! This ignorance leads us into sin. We have to be particularly attuned to our feelings and emotions so that we are not motivated to disobey God's commands.

 

Generational Curse → Deception → Sin

Pride → Unbelief → Sin

Transference/Coupling/Spirits → Ignorance Sin


Each of these "motivators to sin" initially have a common characteristic: they are hidden from us. Only through a humble heart and the revelation of the Holy Spirit can we "see" the "spiders" who weave their webs of sin.

The church of Laodicia (Revelation 3:14) was the last of the seven churches which Messiah addressed in the book of Revelation. If you believe we are in the last days before Yeshua's return, then this description should be particularly alarming. In many ways it is descriptive of today's Western church body. It was a "congregation" that Messiah calls to repentance because they were neither "hot" nor "cold" in their faith, considered themselves rich and in need of nothing, but were wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked by the Lord's standards:

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:14-17)

Then He continued speaking to this last church:

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. (Revelation 3:18)

Is this just an allegory or do we really understand what the Lord is saying? Has He said this to us elsewhere, so that we might understand what "gold," "white clothes" and 'salve" mean? In order for us to be sure that our understanding is not just the fantasies of man, scripture must define scripture.

In Revelation 19:8 the Word says: And to her was granted that she (the bride) should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. The linen we are supposed to "buy" is righteousness. Notice that in the passage we are studying, Yeshua is addressing the saints – the believers. So then how do we, believers in Messiah, "buy" righteousness? And what does He mean "gold" and eye "salve?"

In the book of Proverbs, the Word records another place that we are to "buy" the intangible spiritual "merchandise." Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. (Proverbs 23:23) In allowing scripture to define scripture we understand that sanctifying truth is the Word of God: Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (John 17:17) We are also commanded to get wisdom, discipline and understanding. Our discipline is our obedience to the instructions of God. As the apostle Paul says, "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Romans 6:16) Disciplined obedience to God's Word brings the believer unto righteousness. And finally, we are to buy eye salve (wisdom) that we can "see" (understand). Now can we "see" what we are supposed to "buy" from the Lord?

Revelation:3:18 Proverbs 23:23
Gold Truth (word)
White Clothes (righteousness of saints) Descipline (obedience)
Eye Salve - so you can see Wisdom, Understanding

Again, remembering that Messiah is speaking to the believers, he goes on to say:

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Revelation 3:19-22)

In this day, our Lord is calling us unto repentance even as the Spirit of Prophecy spoke in the beginning of 2006. When will the body, even this body of believers, receive the Words of Yeshua and seek God to reveal the "motivations to sin" in our lives that we might come to repentance?! Now is the time of our salvation.

Oh, and what great promises for those believers who overcome the sin in their lives – to sup and sit with Yeshua in His throne!

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen. (Jude 1:24,25)

By His Grace and In His Love,

Randy

1) See appendix

2) For more information contact Toronto Metro Christian Fellowship, Mary Audrey Raycroft's tape series & book, "Generational Curses."

3) For more information: Surrender – Your Key to Spiritual Success, copyright 1997 by Arthur W. Burt, Creation House, Orlando, Florida USA

4) Your heart became proud ...(Ezekiel 28:17)

5) But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. (Genesis 2:17)

6) ... be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. (1 Peter 5:5)

7) (John 1:17) For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

8) ... for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19:10)

 

Appendix

"I Come Quickly"

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Through R. Schroeder

"For years you have been taught and shared the difference between the holy and the profane and exposed the hidden deceptions of Satan. I, the Lord, have sent revelation after revelation, teacher after teacher, and prophetic word after prophetic word – both individually and corporately to my church. And most of my people have listened, but not truly heard. They have heard with their ears, but not repented, and have not changed either their hearts or their ways. For the word has been accompanied by my grace. Those who heard, repented, and sought me have received a greater freedom and peace under the protection of my wings – my grace.

For those who didn't understand the message, didn't repent and didn't seek me, my grace was also evident by an often absence of recognizable and timely consequences.

But now, this is a new beginning. It is a change in the way I will give mercy and grace to my children. For there is a soon-coming time of trial and judgment and my church must be made ready. I will continue to try and prepare my church to be ready through the trials of life. However, there will now be an evidence of increased consequences to unreptented sin. More and more shall you hear the saints bewailing their trials. But, this is only the beginning if my people do not change their ways. In my mercy, the "trials" will begin as a small thing until finally the marrow of the bones shall cry out for healing. Again, this is not a prophetic warning, for that time has passed. This is an announcement of my intent. It has begun and will build throughout the year."

Truly this is a change in the way the Lord will deal with his people as he judges the church first. David used to bewail the delay in seeing wickedness brought to shame. Solomon also recognized the principle that man continued in his evil when correction was delayed. He wrote in Ecclesiastes 8:11 - Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

Is this the time that is recorded in Jesus' warning to the church? In speaking to the churches in revelation Jesus warned of the consequences of abandoning our first love (Rev 2:4,5) and following the doctrines of the Nicolaitanes (Rev 2:15,16). He called for our repentance...or else! "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly..."(Rev 2:16)