On No Condition

QA: Sarx 3

(Cont'd)

But what about the times when you do sin?

1 John 1:8-10; 2:1-2 (LB) says:

[8]If we say that we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. 

[9]But if we confess our sins to Him, He can be depended on to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. And it is perfectly proper for God to do this for us because Christ died to wash away our sins.* 

[10]If we claim we have not sinned, we are lying and calling God a liar, for He says we have sinned.

1 John 2:1-2

[1]My little children, I am telling you this so that you will stay away from sin. But if you sin, there is Someone to plead for you before the Father. His Name is Jesus Christ, the One Who is all that is good and Who pleases God completely. 

[2]He is the One Who took God’s wrath against our sins upon Himself and brought us into fellowship with God; and He is the forgiveness for our sins, and not only ours but all the world’s.

"Does this mean that now we can go ahead and sin and not worry about it? (For our salvation does not depend on keeping the law but on receiving God’s grace!) Of course not!" (Romans 6:15; LB)

Ensure, as much as you can, to avoid sinful situations. Do whatever it takes. Because when you do sin, there is guilt in your heart. Guilt attacks your audacity to stand against the devil. You won't have the boldness to effectively resist him even if he is already beneath us. He is the 'accuser of the brethren'. His 'job' is to report us to God when we go wrong; don't give him that chance to gloat over you.

Also, do not be afraid of God. Do not run away from God, especially when you sin or are struggling with sin. When we are asked to fear Him, it's not to be scared of Him. It's regarding giving Him respect and honour; holding Him in high esteem. It means not taking Him for granted. The Fear of God is reverent fear, not fear of Him doing something bad to you if you mess up. He won't.

Instead of running from Him, what do we do? "Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the Throne of grace (the Throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. (Hebrews 4:16; AMP)

Don't you see how loving God is? Even when we don't deserve this goodness, He has freely given it to us.

God the Father is your "Father", your "Pops", your "Dad". You can talk to Him about absolutely everything. Remember, He is not of this world. He is our Heavenly Father. I don't know how your father figure treats you but God who is also the Father to the fatherless will treat you a thousand times better. He'll never turn you away.

Jesus Christ is your "Big Brother" because we are sharing God's Inheritance with Him (Hebrews 2:11). He's there to listen to you. I don't have a brother to know how they treat their younger ones, but I'm aware that sensible brothers are protective. Imagine Jesus as a thousand times more caring and protective until you realize that it's real and not an imagination.

The Holy Spirit is the "Bestest Friend" you'll ever have. He's your Ever-present Help in the times of need. I also don't have a human best friend but I've experienced that closeness with the Holy Spirit. He has been poured into your heart to help you. When no one else is with or for you, He is always there for you. Even when you can't feel Him or trace Him, He is always there to help you with absolutely anything.

Another of Dr Pst. Paul Enenche's songs says:
I have found a Place where I can pour my heart

I have found a Place where I can be myself

A Place where I can have no secret to hide

A Place where I am still safe after it all

Chorus: With You Lord I can be naked and not ashamed

With You Lord I can be open and have no fear

For I've found in You a Friend that I can trust

That is why You will remain my Great Physician

I have found a place where I can find True Love

I have found a Place where I can be valued

A Place where my mistakes don't become my end

A Place where I am not judged based on my past

I have found a Place where I can renew strength

I have found a Place where I can be made whole

A Place where I can admit my need for strength

A Place where I am not judged for being in need

(You can find many of his songs online to download.)

You can pour out your heart to God; cry about your struggles and needs. He won't judge you. He won't just listen to you and do nothing. He'll listen to you and help you. Ask Him to make the Fruit of the Spirit more evident in your life. Ask Him to help you discipline yourself. Ask Him to help you serve Him faithfully. Ask Him you help you be like Christ; being transformed into the Nature of Christ; having the Character of Jesus (which is the essence of Christianity).

(To be continued)