Sin
Key Verse: If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NASB)
If we have confessed Jesus as Savior and believed in our hearts that God raised him from the dead, three of the greatest promises God makes us are these:
1. Our Spirits have been made perfect forever and we are now all new creatures in Jesus Christ, now in right relationship with our Heavenly Father. (Hebrews 10:14 NIV), (2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NASB)
2. Our Souls are saved and continually, daily being sanctified, made perfect (1 Corinthians 13:9-12 NASB), (2 Corinthians 4:16 NASB)
3. There is a future glory for us. Whether alive or not, our earthly bodies will be transformed into glorified bodies and we will at long last return Home to live with the Lord eternally. (1 John 3:2 NASB), (1 Corinthians 15:51-57 NASB)
However, for the moment we are still subject to all manner of temptations and circumstances. Some of which are beyond our control, some which are self-imposed. The steadfast joy we have is the grace of God in Jesus that shields us at all times from the brunt of every blow. The living hope we have is the mercy of God through Jesus, who deals with us as His children though we still fall and fail regularly.
• “…he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalms 103:10-12 NIV)
• “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NASB)
• “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:15-16 NASB)
The ultimate Truth for us to take away is that we now have a choice. We decide whether or not to give in to temptation. We have the option to judge others or show them love. We have the option to react to our circumstances with malice or to stand firm and rejoice. Why? Because we have the mind of Christ! (1 Corinthians 2:15-16 NASB), (James 4:17 NASB)
• “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalms 139:23-24 NLT)
• “For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 4:4 NASB)
Questions to consider
1. What things in your life could you do differently to avoid the inevitable ripple effects of sin?
2. Are there people in your life you should forgive to avoid being held in bondage to your own offense?
Ref. Scriptures: (1 John 3:9 NASB), (Colossians 3:2-4 NASB), (Hebrews 10:15-18 NASB), (James 1:19-21 NASB), (Hebrews 7:25 NASB), (Romans 7:24-25 NASB), (James 5:16 NASB), (Romans 14:4 NASB), (James 4:12 NASB), (1 John 1:8, 10 NASB), (2 Corinthians 5:21 NASB), (Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB)
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