Monday, January 18, 2010

Overcoming Sin

Though Christ has set us free from the sin that so easily besets us, we are still beset by sin. How can this be? I just want to clarify one thing. When we have allowed sin to reign in our flesh, we often feel guilt and/or shame and are afraid to come before God. We want to do something to make amends for our sin. We want to work our way back to God. We want to get cleaned up BEFORE we come to God. But the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus!
The way to overcome sin is NOT to do something to become worthy in His sight. The way to overcome sin is to come to God. Just as I am. A filthy disgusting sinner. Acknowledge your sin to the King of Kings. It is His goodness and kindness that draw us to His throne of grace. It is His kindness that leads to repentance. Open your heart to Him. Worship Him. Tell Him what you have done-He already knows. Thank Him for His gift of forgiveness, the forgiveness that came when He died upon the cross. It was proven when Jesus rose from the grave that He has the power to forgive. When we worship God he strengthens us to overcome. If we walk by the Spirit we will not carry out the desires of the flesh. Oh how loud or flesh screams at times to get its own way! It is at these times that we MUST run into the presence of God. Seek His face. Worship Him.
Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who brings into existence what did not exist before. He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything He promised. And because of that faith God declared him to be righteous.
God has promised that He will forgive us. When we believe Him and come to Him by faith, He declares us righteous. That is very cool. How could we not do anything but worship such an awesome God as that. He has given us such a cool free gift: Himself!
This is how we overcome sin.

No comments:

Post a Comment