The second area of sin has to do with the compulsions to sin that are found in our flesh and soul. Paul says that sin dwells in our flesh.

I do not see any value in arguing about whether a Christian can have a demon. The only significant fact is how we are behaving. If we are showing in ourselves the works of the devil then it is quite likely Satan is closer to us than he should be.

Our body is an assortment of elements. All of these elements are neutral morally. There is no sin dwelling in our lungs or liver, obviously.

As far as our soul is concerned, it has inherited an adamic fondness for sin.

Somewhere in this complicated organism we term the human personality, sin is alive, according to the Apostle Paul. Some spirit or force drives our personality to practice destructive behaviors, such as drunkenness, lying, immorality, covetousness, rage, and so forth. The compulsion is coming from somewhere other than us because the sincere Christian does not want to do these things.

We are not talking about the guilt of our sin. The guilt was taken care of completely on the cross of Calvary. Rather we are referring to inclinations and practices that are not permitted in the Kingdom of God.

What or where is the source of these inclinations? The Apostle John claims that he who commits sin is of the devil. This does not mean we are demon possessed. It means there are weaknesses in our personality that Satan can influence at his will.

I personally believe, based on many years of experience as a Christian and pastor, that the sin that lives in us has, in many instances, a personality of its own. In some cases the sin can be addressed by name ("You spirit of lying") and cast from the person, with a noticeable release being experienced. This is not always the indicated procedure, but in certain instances it is effective.

Jesus Christ is waiting until His enemies have been brought under His feet. The subjugation of evil must begin with His Church, for the Church cannot serve as the light of the world when it is as bound with sin as the world is.

The Holy Spirit is ready to give us the wisdom and power to bring under control, to overcome, to subjugate, to put to death, the evil deeds of our sinful nature.

For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, (Romans 8:13—NIV)

So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16—NIV)

The source of the sin may remain in us but it can be put to death by the Spirit. I think in some instances, even the source itself is driven from us as we vigorously denounce and renounce the behaviors that are contrary to God's moral law.

To be continued.