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First of all, don't hesitate asking questions is you have any. Please know you have permission to ask any question you want.
We finished our sermon this past Sunday by looking at some common lies we are tempted to believe about sin, namely, 1) the warnings against sin are exaggerated, 2) the frontal assault against God's word (i.e. "did God really say?") and 3) deceiving ourselves by thinking we know better than God.
I'm sure there are more. What might some of those be? Help your brothers and sisters about by pointing out a lie or two that you are tempted to believe about God's word and your sin. If possible, contrast the lie with what the Word of God says.
Pastor Brian
2 comments:
I thought this was an excellent message and something that I really struggle with. Looking at my own life I can see how all three lies about sin, I buy into. It was good for me to hear I am not the only one that struggles.
As I thought more about the message, I came to the realization that the reason for my struggles is my own sinful nature. I have a natural tendency to lie, lust, procrastinate, greed... the list goes on. I have no more power over my natural tendencies than a dog has over it's own natural tendency to sniff people.That's just what dogs do. Sin is just what people do. It's natural and has been since Adam & Eve.
I have absolutely no power over my natural tendencies on my own will. I need supernatural help. Thankfully, by God's grace, that help is available for the taking. The gift is sitting right in front of me, waiting to be opened.
I think this sums it up better than I can do. Romans 5:15-19
But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.
Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.
Thanks, Nate
Thanks, Nate. Sorry it took me this long to comment.
Yes, you make reference to Paul's teaching (particularly out of Romans) about our "sin nature" or "flesh," which is a reference to that dead part of us that longs to sin. And yes, as you say, its all grace. The fact that we can resist our sin is a testament to God's power alive and at work in us.
You said it all, bro, including... descriptive word pictures!
Thanks
Brian
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