The definition of practice is the repetition of an activity to improve skill; a customary action, habit, or behavior; a manner or routine; the act of rehearsing a behavior over and over; or engaging in an activity over and over, for the purpose of improving or mastering it.
If we want to be good at something, then we must always continue to practice it so we can master it. Musicians practice, athletes practice, politicians practice; we all have practiced something or another in our lives. Overall, sinners practice.
Galatians 5:19-21 says “the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outburst of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I told you in time past, that those who PRACTICE such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Romans 1:28-32 have a similar list and Romans 1:32 it says, who knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who PRACTICE such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. Some people, well most people, get very upset when hearing these sections of scripture. Then they will quote their favorite scripture from Matthew 7:1, “Don’t judge others, and you will not be judged.” However, the world fails to realize this is not judgment by people; this is merely the quotation of scripture.
We can get so hung up on how we dress, what we eat, the music we listen to, and all the meaningless aspects of life, yet we turn a blind eye to what is specifically said in scripture. We can get so worked up about the sacrifices we think we make for God, yet we are practicing all types of wickedness. In 1 Samuel15:22-23, Samuel says to Saul, the first king over Israel “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of the rams. Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you from being king.” To OBEY is better than sacrifice. To OBEY is better than sacrifice. To OBEY is better than sacrifice. It cannot be stressed enough.
I guess the question we have to ask ourselves, what are we practicing? What do we desire to become perfect at? Naturally, the flesh desires to practice the things that we mentioned earlier from Galatians 5:19-21 and Romans 1:28-32. The flesh will try to keep us out of the kingdom of God because it knows it is not welcomed there. If we think we can kill the flesh on our own, it is foolish thinking, deception of the devil.
Even Paul the apostle struggled with his own flesh. Let’s take a look at Romans 7:13-25 in the Message translation.
13I can already hear your next question: “Does that mean I can’t even trust what is good [that is, the law]? Is good just as dangerous as evil?” No again! Sin simply did what sin is so famous for doing: using the good as a cover to tempt me to do what would finally destroy me. By hiding within God’s good commandment, sin did far more mischief than it could ever have accomplished on its own.
14-16I can anticipate the response that is coming: “I know that all God’s commands are spiritual, but I’m not. Isn’t this also your experience?” Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.
17-20But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
21-23It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
24I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?
25The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
Jesus Christ can and He does! Jesus Christ can and HE DOES!
“I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Well, what are we to practice? Galatians 5:22-23 says “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” How in the world can we practice such things? It seems impossible. It is impossible in the world. However, we have heavenly strength to do it for us and through us. Jesus Christ can and He does. Call upon His name and He will free you and fill you with Living Water. Always and only in Jesus name we pray! Amen!