For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.
2 Thessalonians 2:7 NASB
We see a mystery of lawlessness at work today. We have a society with no standards. We are witnessing a complete moral decay in our culture today. Things that were shameful to even mention just a few generations ago, are now brazenly shoved in our faces by people with no shame.
Sin (rebellion) has indeed been in the world from the very day the serpent cast doubt into the heart of Eve; "Hath God said (Genesis 3:1)?" Nations and civilizations have plunged into the depths of depravity, in the same way we see today, doing shameful things with increasing boldness, until they crumbled and fell. John tells us that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19).
Tragically, the professing Church has in a great measure embraced the sinful lifestyles of the world around it. This casting off of restraint has permeated the Church. It takes no great stretch of the imagination to see a great falling away from the faith in this day (2 Thess 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:1) What God intended to be the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15), no longer holds to absolutes. Things have become blurred. What was once held forth as truth, is now rejected as being outdated, irrelevant, and no longer culturally acceptable.
The word of God tells of a time when men will no longer endure sound doctrine, but instead, will seek out teachers who will tell them the things that they want to hear. They will turn away from the truth, and embrace teachings that promote their sinful cravings (2 Timothy 3-4). Paul makes it clear in this passage of scripture, that it is lust; the passions and cravings of mankind, that lie at the heart of this departure from truth. Men reject truth, because it goes against their selfish desires.
Look at what the word of God has to say about lust. In Ephesians 2:2-3, Paul writes that the believers in Ephesus had at one time walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, and the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience. He goes on to write that we all lived in this way in times past, fulfilling the lusts of the mind and the flesh. By nature, we were children of wrath. What does he mean by nature? He means selfishness; living for our passions and lusts, not caring how our lifestyles and actions affect God or anybody else. This is at the heart of sin and rebellion.
Notice what James tells us about temptation in James 1:13-15. We are tempted when we are drawn away by our lusts. Something catches our attention, excites our passions, and then we give into our desire and sin. Notice how the serpent enticed the desire of Eve (Genesis 3:6). The serpent had brought the character of God into question, and now Eve, looking upon the forbidden tree with it's fruit, has the boldness to partake of it, give some to Adam, and sin. She chose to gratify her passion rather than obey God. Peter warns us to abstain from fleshly lusts, which wage war against our souls (1 Peter 2:11).
Lust is the source of the corruption that is in the world (2 Peter 1:4). When you look at all of the killing, the broken homes, the sexual immorality, dishonesty, anarchy, and so on, in this world, understand that it is the fruit of selfish man in pursuit of his inner lusts. The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the boastful pride of life, is what has made this world what it is today (1 John 2:15-17).
We see something interesting in the account of the temptation of Jesus. The devil took Jesus up to a high mountain, and showed Him all of the kingdoms of the world. He then offered Jesus all of these kingdoms, if He would fall down and worship him (Matthew 4:8-9). Now either the devil is lying, and cannot give these kingdoms to anyone, or he actually controls them. The Bible tells us that the whole world lies under his power (1 John 5:19). We are told that sin entered the world, and death through sin, by the transgression of Adam (Genesis 3:6-7; Romans 5:12-14). At the point of Adams sin, Satan gained control of this world, enticing men, through their desires, causing them to sin. I do not believe that the devil is personally tempting someone every time they sin; man is fully capable of arousing his passions on his own, but ultimately, the devil has his way as man selfishly lives for the gratification of his inner desires. We are told that the "god of this age" has blinded the minds of unbelievers, lest the light of the gospel should shine on them (2 Cor 4:4). Jesus teaches us that the wicked one takes away the word that is sown in hard hearts (Matthew 13:4, 19). The kingdom of this world is held under the power of darkness (Col 1:13), it's inhabitants held captive by the devil (2 Timothy 2:26).
When one looks at the consequences of suppressing truth in unrighteousness, that is to reject the revelation of God to your soul, in favor of a god of your own making, it becomes evident that we are witnessing the "giving up by God" in a very large measure in society today (Romans 1:18-32). Understand that this is a judgment of God against those who reject Him. He allows them to advance deeper and deeper into moral filth. Read this passage of scripture, and let it sink in. The wicked lifestyles that we see running rampant today, are the tragic results of an individual, a society, a nation, that has been given over to depravity, by God. Paul says the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold the truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). He goes on to list sins that are running rampant today. Fornication, homosexuality, murder, deceit, slander, among many others named, are found everywhere, even within the professing Church today. We even see "Christian ministers and teachers encouraging and promoting such things today. Once again, understand that to plunge into the depths of depravity, is a sign of being "turned over" by God. He is letting go, allowing you to persist in sin, unrestrained.
Paul tells us that the mystery of lawlessness is at work until the one who restrains is taken out of the way. Imagine a world where there is no longer any moral restraint. What we see now is evil enough. We have witnessed a great moral decline in a very short time, yet God still restrains it. He may let some go as we have just seen, but yet He is restraining evil. Imagine a world where there is no longer any restraint! This is what will occur prior to the return of Christ. The world will be filled with all manner of sin and wickedness, such as has never been seen yet.
Jesus Christ, in offering Himself for fallen man, has defeated the powers of darkness (Col 2:15). He came to destroy the devil's works (1 John 3:8), and has rendered him (Satan) powerless (Hebrews 2:14). We have victory in Christ. We are set free from bondage to sin. We no longer have to give in to temptation, we no longer have to fall, we have been delivered from this present evil age (Galatians 1:4). Through faith in Christ, we have everything we need for life and godliness, being made partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-40. In Christ, we are a new creation. The old is gone, the new is come. In other words, we are changed (2 Cor 5:17). This is the gospel, salvation from sin.
This is great news for mankind, and we should be shouting it from the rooftops. Sadly, many in the professing Church today keep this news from the very ones who need it. A great many teachers take it upon themselves to redefine sin, telling those bound in its grip, that what they are doing is who they are; they were born that way, some even say that God made them that way. Instead of taking the word of God for what it says, they use science and psychology to explain why we are the way we are.
Some teach that God forgives, but they leave out repentance, and the fact that salvation is a life change. They fail to teach others that salvation is more than forgiveness, it is freedom from sinning as well.
Others choose to be silent. They do not wish to offend or hurt another. They think that it is unloving to confront an individual in sin. They are quick to cry "judge not!" Sadly, their "love" is leaving people hell bound, lost in sin.
We see a Church today that is affirming sinful lifestyles, encouraging people to cast of guilt and shame, and to have a high esteem of themselves. We have become "politically correct." We care more about including everybody, than we care about their eternal souls, and the purity of the Church.
This is the mystery of lawlessness at work. Teachers and pastors are led by their passions and desires instead of the word of God. We have decided to become like the world, instead of forsaking the world, in the hopes of bringing in people. Jesus warns us that the enemy will sow tares among the wheat, and this is exactly what we see happening today (Matt 13:25).
We are in desperate need of a spiritual revival within the Church today. O how we need to be awakened, and turned from the lukewarm worldliness, and lethargy that is so prevalent among God's professing children today. We are called to be the light of the world, a city on a hill. We are to be salt, but it seems that we have lost much of our saltiness (Matt 5:13-14). It is time to cry out to God; to humble ourselves before Him, and seek His face, that He would come in power once again, and fill His Church with His glory; that he would cleanse us, so that we would be found by Him holy and unblemished, free from spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5:26-27). This is our present need- the presence of Christ within our midst.
Showing posts with label sin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sin. Show all posts
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Where Is The Shame?
"Open shame belongs to us, O, Lord, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against you."
Daniel 9:9 NASB
We have been taught that shame is a bad thing; that we need to feel good about ourselves; we need to have high self esteem.
As a result, we now see individuals within the visible Church proudly living in sinful behavior. They have overcome any guilt and shame that they might have felt over their sin, and instead chosen to flaunt their wickedness.
We see so much acceptance of sin today. What was once understood as evil, is now openly embraced by many who would call themselves Christians. Things that were once disgraceful to even mention (Ephesians 5:12), are now common place. We can speak of these things without blushing in shame. It all has to do with feeling good about ourselves and others. Many believe that this is sharing the "love of Christ" with struggling individuals, but sadly the promotion of self esteem ultimately leaves us outside of the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
John tells us that if we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, if we say we have not sinned, we are saying that God is a liar, and His word is not in us (1 John 1:8, 10). This is what so many do today. They have chosen to throw away the shame associated with sin, they have hardened their hearts, and openly embraced their sin, as a lifestyle. In other words, people no longer consider sinful acts as sin, but instead excuse things as life choices, or being born a certain way, or going so far as to claim God made them that way. So many modern "Christians" claim liberty. They somehow believe that they have freedom in Christ to do the very things that separate them from Him. The gospel, to them, has liberated them from guilt, while they remain in sin. The very thing that should drive one to the cross of Christ in repentance and faith, has been cast off in the name of self esteem.
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Those who openly flaunt their sinful lifestyles may feel no more guilt or shame, but yet their sin remains. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sin (1 John 1:9). To confess sin is to agree with God about our sin, and about ourselves. We agree that sin is offensive to God. We agree with Him, and take the responsibility for our actions. Yes, sin is shameful, and we should be ashamed of our sinful actions. True confession makes no excuses, and does not seek to justify our wicked behavior in any way. The truly humble sinner seeking grace, is willing to forsake his sin, because of the offense it causes God. That is his greatest shame; not the fact that he has done shameful things, but that he has grieved God.
God never intends for us to remain in guilt and shame. Yet, as a holy, and righteous God, He will never allow us to cast off our shame, and brazenly remain in our sin. He will free us from our guilt, and not only the guilt, but the power of sin, if we will give up, in humble submission to Him.
Daniel 9:9 NASB
We have been taught that shame is a bad thing; that we need to feel good about ourselves; we need to have high self esteem.
As a result, we now see individuals within the visible Church proudly living in sinful behavior. They have overcome any guilt and shame that they might have felt over their sin, and instead chosen to flaunt their wickedness.
We see so much acceptance of sin today. What was once understood as evil, is now openly embraced by many who would call themselves Christians. Things that were once disgraceful to even mention (Ephesians 5:12), are now common place. We can speak of these things without blushing in shame. It all has to do with feeling good about ourselves and others. Many believe that this is sharing the "love of Christ" with struggling individuals, but sadly the promotion of self esteem ultimately leaves us outside of the grace of God in Christ Jesus.
John tells us that if we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, if we say we have not sinned, we are saying that God is a liar, and His word is not in us (1 John 1:8, 10). This is what so many do today. They have chosen to throw away the shame associated with sin, they have hardened their hearts, and openly embraced their sin, as a lifestyle. In other words, people no longer consider sinful acts as sin, but instead excuse things as life choices, or being born a certain way, or going so far as to claim God made them that way. So many modern "Christians" claim liberty. They somehow believe that they have freedom in Christ to do the very things that separate them from Him. The gospel, to them, has liberated them from guilt, while they remain in sin. The very thing that should drive one to the cross of Christ in repentance and faith, has been cast off in the name of self esteem.
God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Those who openly flaunt their sinful lifestyles may feel no more guilt or shame, but yet their sin remains. If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive our sin (1 John 1:9). To confess sin is to agree with God about our sin, and about ourselves. We agree that sin is offensive to God. We agree with Him, and take the responsibility for our actions. Yes, sin is shameful, and we should be ashamed of our sinful actions. True confession makes no excuses, and does not seek to justify our wicked behavior in any way. The truly humble sinner seeking grace, is willing to forsake his sin, because of the offense it causes God. That is his greatest shame; not the fact that he has done shameful things, but that he has grieved God.
God never intends for us to remain in guilt and shame. Yet, as a holy, and righteous God, He will never allow us to cast off our shame, and brazenly remain in our sin. He will free us from our guilt, and not only the guilt, but the power of sin, if we will give up, in humble submission to Him.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
False Grace.
And why not say (as we are slanderously reported and as some claim that we say), "Let us do evil that good may come?" Their condemnation is just.
Romans 3:8 NASB
We read in the epistle of Jude that we are to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all handed down to the saints. Just as in the days of the apostle Paul and the early Church, there are many today who also declare that the grace of God gives license to sin (Romans 6:1, 15; Jude 1:3-4). Throughout history, the Church has been plagued with the teaching that grace allows one to remain in sin, and yet have unbroken fellowship with Christ. Some grant that fellowship can be broken, but salvation is never questioned, even if one's life is filled with immorality and sin. This however, is a grave mistake, a deadly error, with dreadful consequences.
Notice in Jude 1:3 that the faith was handed down once for all. This means that what was taught in the beginning by Christ and the apostles is still valid and in force today as well. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, which means that the truths of Christian faith and practice remain the same throughout time (Hebrews 13:7-9).
Jude tells us that persons have crept in unnoticed, bringing their heresy with them into the church. Paul warns that false teachers will arise from within the Church (Acts 20:29-31). This is what makes it so deadly. We are fooled by individuals who we may have known all of our lives; individuals who we have listened to and trusted in the past, who now introduce destructive heresies, teaching that it is okay to retain sin in one's life. We see much of this. There are many individuals who have been deceived into believing that they are covered by grace; that they are Christians, but their lives have never been transformed through the new birth, as made evident by their persistent sinful lifestyles.
John tells us that if we claim to have fellowship with Christ, but walk in the darkness, we lie, and are not practicing the truth (1 John 1:6). We are also warned that the one who practices sin is of the devil, as Jesus has come to destroy the devil's works. Therefore one who is born of God no longer sins, but practices righteousness (1 John 3:7-10). This is what the word of God has to say about the change that grace brings to the life of a true child of God. True grace brings about a change of heart and life in those who have put their trust in Christ (Titus 2:11-13).
Jude uses three examples to show us that God's grace is not meant as a mere cover up for sin. Sin does have consequences if it is not forsaken.
1. Ancient Israel's unbelief.
God, through signs, wonders, and great power, delivered the nation of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. Yet they rebelled at His word, refusing to enter into the land of promise. That generation died in the wilderness because of their unbelief/disobedience (Hebrews 3:16-19). God chose these people, delivered them out of bondage, but yet destroyed those who refused to obey Him because of their unbelief (Jude 1:5).
2. The fallen angels.
The angels in heaven are pure, having been created by God that way. Yet we see that those who rebelled against Him are kept in bonds for the day of judgment. It is even possible for the angels to sin, and they are not exempt from the penalty of it (Jude 1:6).
3. Sodom and Gomorrah.
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is put forth as an example to us that God will judge sin. They are an example to us of punishment by eternal fire. It is ironic that the very sins that brought destruction upon these cities are the sins that so many false teachers today accept and promote within the Church today. Sexual immorality, including homosexuality, was an abomination to God then, and still is now. Grace does not, and cannot cover sin that is not put away (Jude 1:7).
Do not be deceived by false teaching (Ephesians 5:5-6). God's wrath will come upon those who disobey Him. Whether you believe in eternal security or not, the fact remains that if one is living a life of sin, that individuals shows that he or she has no eternal life in them. Once again, the one who is born of God does not sin. The child of God lives righteously because they have been born again. Their lives have been transformed by the grace and power of God.
This is not to say that a Christian is incapable of sin. It is indeed possible for a Child of God to sin. This world is filled with trials and temptations, and Christians are not exempt from them. John writes so that we will not sin, but if we do we have an advocate in Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1). However John does not mean that we can presume upon grace. Once again grace does not give license to sin. Sin in a believer is the exception, not the rule. The heart's intent of the Christian is to please God. The true child of God lives to honor Christ. Out of love for God, they avoid sin. Should they fall in a moment of weakness, they confess it and forsake it, and go on with God. This is different from one who desires to live in sin, but yet trusts that God will forgive them even though they have no real desire to live a life that pleases Him.
God is a gracious God, and in His great mercy He has offered us grace, in Christ, to be reconciled to Him, empowering us to live in accordance with His will. Do not trifle with God's grace. If it has not changed your life, it is not grace.
Romans 3:8 NASB
We read in the epistle of Jude that we are to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all handed down to the saints. Just as in the days of the apostle Paul and the early Church, there are many today who also declare that the grace of God gives license to sin (Romans 6:1, 15; Jude 1:3-4). Throughout history, the Church has been plagued with the teaching that grace allows one to remain in sin, and yet have unbroken fellowship with Christ. Some grant that fellowship can be broken, but salvation is never questioned, even if one's life is filled with immorality and sin. This however, is a grave mistake, a deadly error, with dreadful consequences.
Notice in Jude 1:3 that the faith was handed down once for all. This means that what was taught in the beginning by Christ and the apostles is still valid and in force today as well. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever, which means that the truths of Christian faith and practice remain the same throughout time (Hebrews 13:7-9).
Jude tells us that persons have crept in unnoticed, bringing their heresy with them into the church. Paul warns that false teachers will arise from within the Church (Acts 20:29-31). This is what makes it so deadly. We are fooled by individuals who we may have known all of our lives; individuals who we have listened to and trusted in the past, who now introduce destructive heresies, teaching that it is okay to retain sin in one's life. We see much of this. There are many individuals who have been deceived into believing that they are covered by grace; that they are Christians, but their lives have never been transformed through the new birth, as made evident by their persistent sinful lifestyles.
John tells us that if we claim to have fellowship with Christ, but walk in the darkness, we lie, and are not practicing the truth (1 John 1:6). We are also warned that the one who practices sin is of the devil, as Jesus has come to destroy the devil's works. Therefore one who is born of God no longer sins, but practices righteousness (1 John 3:7-10). This is what the word of God has to say about the change that grace brings to the life of a true child of God. True grace brings about a change of heart and life in those who have put their trust in Christ (Titus 2:11-13).
Jude uses three examples to show us that God's grace is not meant as a mere cover up for sin. Sin does have consequences if it is not forsaken.
1. Ancient Israel's unbelief.
God, through signs, wonders, and great power, delivered the nation of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. Yet they rebelled at His word, refusing to enter into the land of promise. That generation died in the wilderness because of their unbelief/disobedience (Hebrews 3:16-19). God chose these people, delivered them out of bondage, but yet destroyed those who refused to obey Him because of their unbelief (Jude 1:5).
2. The fallen angels.
The angels in heaven are pure, having been created by God that way. Yet we see that those who rebelled against Him are kept in bonds for the day of judgment. It is even possible for the angels to sin, and they are not exempt from the penalty of it (Jude 1:6).
3. Sodom and Gomorrah.
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is put forth as an example to us that God will judge sin. They are an example to us of punishment by eternal fire. It is ironic that the very sins that brought destruction upon these cities are the sins that so many false teachers today accept and promote within the Church today. Sexual immorality, including homosexuality, was an abomination to God then, and still is now. Grace does not, and cannot cover sin that is not put away (Jude 1:7).
Do not be deceived by false teaching (Ephesians 5:5-6). God's wrath will come upon those who disobey Him. Whether you believe in eternal security or not, the fact remains that if one is living a life of sin, that individuals shows that he or she has no eternal life in them. Once again, the one who is born of God does not sin. The child of God lives righteously because they have been born again. Their lives have been transformed by the grace and power of God.
This is not to say that a Christian is incapable of sin. It is indeed possible for a Child of God to sin. This world is filled with trials and temptations, and Christians are not exempt from them. John writes so that we will not sin, but if we do we have an advocate in Jesus Christ (1 John 2:1). However John does not mean that we can presume upon grace. Once again grace does not give license to sin. Sin in a believer is the exception, not the rule. The heart's intent of the Christian is to please God. The true child of God lives to honor Christ. Out of love for God, they avoid sin. Should they fall in a moment of weakness, they confess it and forsake it, and go on with God. This is different from one who desires to live in sin, but yet trusts that God will forgive them even though they have no real desire to live a life that pleases Him.
God is a gracious God, and in His great mercy He has offered us grace, in Christ, to be reconciled to Him, empowering us to live in accordance with His will. Do not trifle with God's grace. If it has not changed your life, it is not grace.
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Lessons From David's Sin.
It is a grievous thing when a child of God allows sin in his or her life. This is what happened to King David, when he committed adultery, and murder, in taking the wife of Uriah (2 Samuel 11:1-27).
We are shown three things that made David's sin so offensive to God.
1. He despised the word of the Lord (2 Samuel 12:9).
God Had been generous to David, and if that had not been enough, He would have given him even more (2 Samuel 12:7-8). By striking down Uriah, and taking his wife, David showed that he despised the word of the Lord. To despise something is to count it as nothing; it does not mean anything to you, it is unimportant. One who despises the word of the Lord does not regard it as important enough to listen to or obey. Can you imagine saying to God, "I despise your word. I do not care about it, and I will not obey it." Sounds shocking, and most of us would not dare say it to God, but when we knowingly disobey the word of the Lord, we are saying this by our actions. In our hearts, we despise the word of the Lord.
2. David despised the Lord (2 Samuel 12:10).
Not only did David show contempt for the word of the Lord, he also showed contempt for God, who gave that word. In disobeying the command of God, David showed that he despised God within his heart. To disregard the commands of God, is to disregard God who gave those commands. Once again, we would never dare to tell God that we despise Him, but our actions speak loudly, betraying the true state of our hearts. It is nothing but arrogant pride to rise up in disobedience to God. We are placing ourselves above Him when we do this.
3. His sin gave occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme (2 Samuel 12:14).
When the enemies of Christ see professed Christians living in sin, they take occasion to mock and scorn Christianity. It is a grievous thing to bring reproach to Jesus in this way. The world looks at lukewarm Christianity with contempt. They want nothing of a gospel that leaves its followers looking just like the rest of the world. They think to themselves that they are really not any different than the Christianity that they see, so why do they need it? Who can tell the damage that has been done by Christians falling into public sin; and much worse, persisting in it, without a genuine confession, and forsaking it.
The writer of Hebrews warns us that under the new covenant we are held to a much higher standard (Hebrews 10:26-31). Notice that when we as Christians fall into unrepentant sin, we
1. Trample underfoot the Son of God.
2. Regard as unclean the blood of the covenant, by which we are sanctified.
3. We insult the Spirit of grace.
Once again, we would never say that Jesus means nothing to us, or that His blood was unclean. We would never purposely insult the Holy Spirit, or make a mockery of the grace of God, but when we deliberately sin, this is what we are doing!
It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31), but like David, we too can find grace. However, damage has been done to the cause of Christ. Others have seen, and now have an opportunity to mock God because of our sin. Let's learn from this unfortunate event in the life of David, and strive to live a life that brings glory and honor to the Savior who gave Himself for us.
We are shown three things that made David's sin so offensive to God.
1. He despised the word of the Lord (2 Samuel 12:9).
God Had been generous to David, and if that had not been enough, He would have given him even more (2 Samuel 12:7-8). By striking down Uriah, and taking his wife, David showed that he despised the word of the Lord. To despise something is to count it as nothing; it does not mean anything to you, it is unimportant. One who despises the word of the Lord does not regard it as important enough to listen to or obey. Can you imagine saying to God, "I despise your word. I do not care about it, and I will not obey it." Sounds shocking, and most of us would not dare say it to God, but when we knowingly disobey the word of the Lord, we are saying this by our actions. In our hearts, we despise the word of the Lord.
2. David despised the Lord (2 Samuel 12:10).
Not only did David show contempt for the word of the Lord, he also showed contempt for God, who gave that word. In disobeying the command of God, David showed that he despised God within his heart. To disregard the commands of God, is to disregard God who gave those commands. Once again, we would never dare to tell God that we despise Him, but our actions speak loudly, betraying the true state of our hearts. It is nothing but arrogant pride to rise up in disobedience to God. We are placing ourselves above Him when we do this.
3. His sin gave occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme (2 Samuel 12:14).
When the enemies of Christ see professed Christians living in sin, they take occasion to mock and scorn Christianity. It is a grievous thing to bring reproach to Jesus in this way. The world looks at lukewarm Christianity with contempt. They want nothing of a gospel that leaves its followers looking just like the rest of the world. They think to themselves that they are really not any different than the Christianity that they see, so why do they need it? Who can tell the damage that has been done by Christians falling into public sin; and much worse, persisting in it, without a genuine confession, and forsaking it.
The writer of Hebrews warns us that under the new covenant we are held to a much higher standard (Hebrews 10:26-31). Notice that when we as Christians fall into unrepentant sin, we
1. Trample underfoot the Son of God.
2. Regard as unclean the blood of the covenant, by which we are sanctified.
3. We insult the Spirit of grace.
Once again, we would never say that Jesus means nothing to us, or that His blood was unclean. We would never purposely insult the Holy Spirit, or make a mockery of the grace of God, but when we deliberately sin, this is what we are doing!
It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31), but like David, we too can find grace. However, damage has been done to the cause of Christ. Others have seen, and now have an opportunity to mock God because of our sin. Let's learn from this unfortunate event in the life of David, and strive to live a life that brings glory and honor to the Savior who gave Himself for us.
Friday, February 6, 2015
Conviction of Sin.
How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered!
How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!
When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
for day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.
I aknowledged my sin to you, and my iniquity I did not hide. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"; and You forgave the guilt of my sin.
Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
Psalm 32:1-6 NASB
The bible records this event in the life of David, to show us the great folly of concealing our sin from God. We may think we can get away with sin, we may think that no one sees, or knows about what we have done, but God sees and knows.
God desires that we would confess our sin and forsake it. He desires to forgive us, and for us to be reconciled to Him. However, we must be brought to a place of brokeness so that we will truly, and humbly repent, and cast ourselves on His mercy (Psalm 51:17).
This is what the conviction of sin does in the life of one who has sinned against God. This conviction is initiated by God, as the means of getting our attention, to the fact of our great guilt in His sight. The bible tells us that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11).
There is no peace to one who is experiencing the heavy hand of God. Your heart is filled with turmoil and dread. You agonize over your guilt. Carrying the guilt of sin over time will affect your body. Your very bones will ache. You will be consumed by guilt, you will waste away.
As David found however, if one freely confesses his sin to the Lord, God will forgive. There is no need to carry our load of sin. It is impossible to conceal. God uses conviction to drive us to Him. As this Psalm states, it is a blessing to have one's sin forgiven, to be free from the load of guilt. It is a blessed person who now has peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1, 8:1).
Sadly, a great number of professed Christians fall into sin that they try to conceal. They go on as if nothing was wrong in their lives, but they are carrying a load of sin that is consuming them. their experience is similar to that of David as recorded in this Psalm.
If this is you, why not confess it to God? Why not run to Him in godly sorrow, and forsake it? He will abundantly pardon the one who comes to Him in truth (1 John 1:9; Psalm 51:1-19; Rev 3:19-20).
How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit!
When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long.
for day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah.
I aknowledged my sin to you, and my iniquity I did not hide. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"; and You forgave the guilt of my sin.
Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found; surely in a flood of great waters they will not reach him.
Psalm 32:1-6 NASB
The bible records this event in the life of David, to show us the great folly of concealing our sin from God. We may think we can get away with sin, we may think that no one sees, or knows about what we have done, but God sees and knows.
God desires that we would confess our sin and forsake it. He desires to forgive us, and for us to be reconciled to Him. However, we must be brought to a place of brokeness so that we will truly, and humbly repent, and cast ourselves on His mercy (Psalm 51:17).
This is what the conviction of sin does in the life of one who has sinned against God. This conviction is initiated by God, as the means of getting our attention, to the fact of our great guilt in His sight. The bible tells us that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:7-11).
There is no peace to one who is experiencing the heavy hand of God. Your heart is filled with turmoil and dread. You agonize over your guilt. Carrying the guilt of sin over time will affect your body. Your very bones will ache. You will be consumed by guilt, you will waste away.
As David found however, if one freely confesses his sin to the Lord, God will forgive. There is no need to carry our load of sin. It is impossible to conceal. God uses conviction to drive us to Him. As this Psalm states, it is a blessing to have one's sin forgiven, to be free from the load of guilt. It is a blessed person who now has peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1, 8:1).
Sadly, a great number of professed Christians fall into sin that they try to conceal. They go on as if nothing was wrong in their lives, but they are carrying a load of sin that is consuming them. their experience is similar to that of David as recorded in this Psalm.
If this is you, why not confess it to God? Why not run to Him in godly sorrow, and forsake it? He will abundantly pardon the one who comes to Him in truth (1 John 1:9; Psalm 51:1-19; Rev 3:19-20).
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