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1. THE HELPLESSNESS PRINCIPLE:
We don't understand ourselves at all, for we really want to do what is right, but we can't. We do what we don't want to -- what we hate... Oh, what a terrible predicament we're in! Who will free us from our slavery to this deadly lower nature? [Rom 7:15,24]

1. THE HELPLESSNESS PRINCIPLE:

We don't understand ourselves at all, for we really want to do what is right, but we can't. We do what we don't want to -- what we hate... Oh, what a terrible predicament we're in! Who will free us from our slavery to this deadly lower nature? [Rom 7:15,24]

How We Used To Be

Man apart from God dwells in a hopeless state. Paul describes the lifestyle as the way "the Gentiles walk."

This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hear; who being past feeling, have given themselves over to licentiousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. Eph 4:17-19

Paul gives the following characteristics of the old degeneration that existed in the Christless life.

• FUTILE IN MIND - We had hollow theories about life. Looking at God's creation we could learn some basic facts about Him. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse." (Rom. 1:20)

The thinking is futile because the mind is darkened. A shade has been pulled down which causes man not to understand God's ways.

• ALIENATED FROM THE LIFE OF GOD - The heart has become hardened. It has petrified. A petrified heart is incapable of receiving the things of God.

• UNASHAMED SINNING - The conscience of man instinctively cause him to want to hid his sin. But a man can become so past feeling that he doesn't care. He only wants his desire to be met.

• UNABASHED GRASPING - Man can come to the place where he will try to get his own way no matter who he hurts. The essence of sin frequently is selfishness.

But you may say, "I am not like that." It is all a matter of degree.

We frequently can identify sin by observing what others do. Describe how someone who has walked after "the Gentiles" has impacted your life.

Man thinks he can pursue his own way and that he will find happiness by so doing. But it is all emptiness and alienation.

Remember:

The godless lifestyle is bondage.