Why is Sin such a Big Deal Anyway?
Note: In the video, Pastor Joey quoted Romans 3:23 from the English Standard Version. He mentioned Romans 2 and the slide also reflected Romans 2, when it should have been Romans 3. Our apologies for the mistake.
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CONVERSATIONS:
By attacking the truth, perverting righteousness and destroying God's image in us, sin leads us away from the life God intended for us. He made us to be bearers of His image, righteous and living an abundant life in a relationship with Him and in constant fellowship with Him.
Have you experienced the misery that goes with sin in your life? It's something you can't explain: one moment, you think you are enjoying engaging in sin, but deep inside, you are unexplainably distraught. In your heart of hearts, you know that this is not the path you want for yourself, and your spirit knows you are walking the path of death.
ACTION POINT: Is the misery brought about by sin in your life something you are experiencing now?
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A destructive life of sin is not God's desire for your life. Jesus said, "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." (Jn. 10:10). God wants you to have an abundant life. This is what He made you for - a life lived in relationship with Him where you will experience the fullness of life.
An abundant life, free from the clutches of sin, is made possible for us by Jesus. By having our sins nailed to the Cross with Him, He paid the ransom for sin for all mankind. He invites each one to place their faith in Him to save them and lead them. Those who do, avail of freedom from the penalty of sin, from the power of sin, and in eternity, from the presence of sin. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."?Those who put their trust in Him can now?"consider (themselves) dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus" (Rom. 6:11).
ACTION POINT: If you are experiencing misery brought about by sin, heed the still, small voice of God. Ask God's help in prayer to leave sins path, through the freedom Christ bought for you on the Cross, and live the abundant life Christ meant you to have. You can pray a prayer like this:
Heavenly Father, my life is steeped in sin. Thank You that this is not the end of me. Your desire for me is to have an abundant life with You. You loved me enough to send Your only Son, Jesus Christ, to rescue me from sin and death. I now ask invite Jesus to be my Savior, and relinquish control over my life and ask Him to lead me as my Lord.
I ask the Holy Spirit to help me live in God's truth that sin has no power over me, and to to empower me to live a victorious Christian life. In Jesus name. Amen.
Finally, whether a new believer in Christ or a long-time one, it is crucial to anchor oneself on God's truth since being swayed from the truth is the first step that sets off the rest of the effects of sin. Study God's Word, take the truth by heart and stand on it.
ACTION POINT: Romans 5-8 talks about Christ's sacrifice and it's impact on sin in the life of a believer. Study it this week. Memorize Scripture that will help you stand against sin, such as Romans 8:12, "Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do."
As we stand on and live out God's truth, God's image in us is restored piece by piece. May you rediscover the joy of seeing God's image recreated in you!
Let's pray: Thank You, Heavenly Father, for the truth of Your Word. Help me to stand on the truth that with Christ's sacrifice for me on the Cross, I no longer am a slave to sin. Help me to live instead by the Spirit, and so to experience the abundant life You promised in Christ. In Jesus name. Amen.
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