Finding Freedom: Overcoming the Bondage of Sin

Devotional

Day 1: The Enslaving Power of Sin

Sin is not just a minor issue; it enslaves us and leads to death. Jesus said that everyone who practices sin is a slave to it, and the wages of sin is death. This death is not just physical but also spiritual, affecting our relationship with God and others. Recognizing the severity of sin is the first step towards seeking freedom in Christ. [56:02]

Sin is a universal problem that affects all of us, and it kills our relationship with God and others. It is not just about the big, obvious wrongdoings; even the small, seemingly insignificant sins can grow and become destructive. The Bible talks about sin over 400 times, emphasizing its seriousness. Sin is anything that dishonors God, distorts something good, or breaks trust between us and others. Understanding the gravity of sin helps us to see the necessity of seeking liberation through Christ.

Romans 6:16 (ESV): "Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?"

Reflection: Think of a recurring sin in your life that you struggle with. How has it affected your relationship with God and others? What steps can you take today to seek freedom in Christ from this sin?

Day 2: Understanding the Nature of Sin

Sin can be understood through three biblical terms: transgression (betrayal of trust), iniquity (distortion of something good), and sin (missing the mark). By examining our actions through these lenses, we can better identify what constitutes sin in our lives. This understanding helps us navigate our Christian walk more effectively. [01:06:56]

Transgression refers to the betrayal of trust, whether it be with God or others. Iniquity is the distortion of something good, taking what God intended for good and twisting it for evil purposes. Sin, in its most basic form, is missing the mark of God's standard of holiness. By understanding these different aspects of sin, we can more accurately identify and address the areas in our lives that need repentance and transformation.

Psalm 32:5 (ESV): "I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and you forgave the iniquity of my sin."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent action or thought that may fall into one of these categories: transgression, iniquity, or sin. How can you seek God's forgiveness and make amends today?

Day 3: The Three S's of Discernment

To discern if something is a sin, we should consult Scripture, listen to the Holy Spirit, and seek the counsel of fellow believers. Scripture provides clear guidelines, the Holy Spirit convicts us, and the community of believers offers accountability. This holistic approach ensures we are not led astray by our own interpretations or desires. [01:10:25]

Scripture is the foundation for understanding God's will and identifying sin. The Holy Spirit works within us to convict and guide us in truth. Fellow believers provide a support system, offering wisdom and accountability. By integrating these three sources, we can more accurately discern what is sinful and what is righteous, ensuring that our actions align with God's will.

Proverbs 11:14 (ESV): "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

Reflection: Think of a decision you are currently facing. Have you consulted Scripture, prayed for the Holy Spirit's guidance, and sought advice from fellow believers? What steps can you take today to ensure you are making a godly decision?

Day 4: Recognizing and Resisting Temptation

Temptation is like bait on a hook, designed to entice us into sin. Recognizing the bait and understanding its deadly consequences is crucial. We must confess our struggles, run from temptation, and kill the desires that lead us astray. This involves a daily commitment to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh. [01:26:00]

Temptation often appears attractive and harmless, but it leads to spiritual death. By recognizing the bait, we can avoid falling into the trap of sin. Confessing our struggles to God and others brings them into the light, where they lose their power. Running from temptation and actively killing sinful desires requires a daily commitment to live according to the Spirit and not the flesh.

James 1:14-15 (ESV): "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."

Reflection: Identify a specific temptation you face regularly. What practical steps can you take today to avoid this temptation and seek God's strength to overcome it?

Day 5: Living in Freedom

The choice is simple: either we die in sin, or we die to sin. By offering ourselves to God and seeking His help, we can walk in freedom and live a life that honors Him. This requires a daily commitment to crucify our fleshly desires and live according to the Spirit. True freedom comes from living a life that is dead to sin and alive in Christ. [01:36:56]

Living in freedom means choosing to die to sin and live for Christ. This involves a daily surrender to God's will and a commitment to crucify our sinful desires. By seeking God's help and relying on His strength, we can overcome sin and walk in the freedom that Christ offers. This freedom is not just the absence of sin but the presence of a life that honors God and reflects His love and holiness.

Galatians 5:24-25 (ESV): "And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to die to sin and live for Christ? How can you make a daily commitment to surrender this area to God and seek His help to walk in freedom?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we embark on a new series about sin, a topic that often brings discomfort and fear of condemnation. However, the goal is not to beat anyone down but to set us free from the bondage of sin. Romans 8:1 tells us there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, and our focus is on liberation, not judgment. Jesus said that everyone who practices sin is a slave to it, and the wages of sin is death. Sin is a universal problem that affects all of us, and it kills our relationship with God and others.

Sin is not just about the big, obvious wrongdoings; even the small, seemingly insignificant sins can grow and become destructive. The Bible talks about sin over 400 times, emphasizing its seriousness. Sin is anything that dishonors God, distorts something good, or breaks trust between us and others. To understand if something is a sin, we can use the three S's: Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of the saints. Scripture provides clear guidelines, the Holy Spirit convicts us, and fellow believers offer accountability.

Temptation is like bait on a hook, enticing us to sin. Recognizing the bait and understanding that it leads to death is crucial. We must confess our struggles to God and others, run from temptation, and kill the desires that lead us astray. This involves a daily commitment to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh. The choice is simple: either we die in sin, or we die to sin. By offering ourselves to God and seeking His help, we can walk in freedom and live a life that honors Him.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Sin Enslaves and Kills: Sin is not just a minor issue; it enslaves us and leads to death. Jesus said that everyone who practices sin is a slave to it, and the wages of sin is death. This death is not just physical but also spiritual, affecting our relationship with God and others. Recognizing the severity of sin is the first step towards seeking freedom in Christ. [56:02]
2. Understanding Sin: Sin can be understood through three biblical terms: transgression (betrayal of trust), iniquity (distortion of something good), and sin (missing the mark). By examining our actions through these lenses, we can better identify what constitutes sin in our lives. This understanding helps us navigate our Christian walk more effectively. [66:56]
3. The Three S's: To discern if something is a sin, we should consult Scripture, listen to the Holy Spirit, and seek the counsel of fellow believers. Scripture provides clear guidelines, the Holy Spirit convicts us, and the community of believers offers accountability. This holistic approach ensures we are not led astray by our own interpretations or desires. [70:25]
4. Resisting Temptation: Temptation is like bait on a hook, designed to entice us into sin. Recognizing the bait and understanding its deadly consequences is crucial. We must confess our struggles, run from temptation, and kill the desires that lead us astray. This involves a daily commitment to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh. [86:00]
5. Living in Freedom: The choice is simple: either we die in sin, or we die to sin. By offering ourselves to God and seeking His help, we can walk in freedom and live a life that honors Him. This requires a daily commitment to crucify our fleshly desires and live according to the Spirit. True freedom comes from living a life that is dead to sin and alive in Christ. [01:36:56]
### [96:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[54:05] - Invitation to 21 Days of Prayer
[54:33] - Introduction to the Series on Sin
[55:19] - No Condemnation in Christ
[56:02] - Jesus' Perspective on Sin
[56:35] - The Seriousness of Sin
[57:15] - Sin is Everyone's Problem
[58:03] - Sin Kills Relationships
[58:47] - Sin Leads to Spiritual Death
[59:39] - The Good News: Jesus Sets Us Free
[60:19] - John 3:16 and God's Love
[61:01] - The Importance of Discussing Sin
[61:47] - Understanding Sin: Transgression, Iniquity, and Sin
[66:56] - David's Prayer of Repentance
[70:25] - The Three S's: Scripture, Spirit, Saints
[74:06] - Paul's Guidance on Sin and Freedom
[77:33] - Temptation: Bait on a Hook
[86:00] - Recognizing and Resisting Temptation
[96:56] - Living in Freedom: Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
[97:46] - Final Prayer and Call to Worship

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Romans 8:1, what is the status of those who are in Christ Jesus? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about condemnation? [55:19]
In John 8:34, Jesus describes the relationship between sin and slavery. How does this concept of being a "slave to sin" help us understand the severity of sin? [56:02]
Romans 6:23 contrasts the wages of sin with the gift of God. What are the two outcomes mentioned in this verse, and how do they frame the sermon’s discussion on sin and freedom? [56:35]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon mentions that sin is anything that dishonors God, distorts something good, or breaks trust. How do these definitions help us identify sin in our daily lives? [01:09:05]
The pastor used the analogy of temptation being like bait on a hook. How does this analogy help us understand the nature of temptation and its consequences? [01:17:33]
The sermon emphasized the importance of confessing our struggles to God and others. Why is confession crucial in overcoming sin, and how does it contribute to our spiritual growth? [01:27:21]
The choice between dying in sin or dying to sin was highlighted. What does it mean to "die to sin," and how can this choice impact our daily walk with Christ? [01:36:56]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt condemned by your sins. How does Romans 8:1 provide comfort and assurance in those moments? How can you remind yourself of this truth daily? [55:19]
Identify a "small" sin in your life that you might have overlooked. How can recognizing its potential to grow and become destructive change your approach to dealing with it? [57:15]
The sermon mentioned using Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of fellow believers to discern sin. How can you incorporate these three S's into your decision-making process this week? [01:10:25]
Think about a specific temptation you face regularly. What practical steps can you take to recognize the bait and avoid falling into sin? How can you seek accountability in this area? [01:26:00]
The pastor talked about running from temptation and killing the desires that lead us astray. What are some temptations you need to flee from, and how can you actively work on crucifying those desires? [01:29:34]
How can you offer yourself to God daily to walk in freedom and live a life that honors Him? What specific actions or habits can you develop to strengthen your relationship with God? [01:36:56]
Reflect on the importance of community in overcoming sin. How can you engage more deeply with your small group or church community to find support and accountability in your spiritual journey? [01:14:06]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Because here's the thing. My job today and really no day is to beat you up over sin. Okay? We're supposed to talk about sin. It's a very important subject. But my job is not to beat you down. Okay? In fact, Romans says this. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. So my job is not to bring condemnation. If Jesus isn't bringing condemnation, why should I?" [55:19] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Sin is serious because sin kills. And the temptation for a lot of us in the room is to look at the sin in our lives. And think, well, it's not that bad. Or it's not that big of a deal because that guy over there is sinning way worse than I am. I apologize to whoever I just pointed at. That was unintentional pointing. But we think that somebody else's sin is way bigger and badder than ours. And so we're okay." [56:35] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "But the free gift of God is eternal life. See, sin will kill you. Jesus can set you free. And that's actually, that's really the whole point of Jesus. That was a horrible golf clap. But we'll get there eventually. So John 3, I do appreciate whoever, the one person in the room. I appreciate you. John 3, 16. For God so loved the world." [01:00:19] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So who gets eternal life? There's a qualifier. Whoever believes in him. That belief is putting your trust into him. And so the verse continues. I need a third hand to be able to click and things. It says, for God did not send his son into the world with a baseball bat but with a key. Didn't send his son into the world to condemn the world. But in order that the world might be saved through him. Somebody say, thank you, Jesus." [01:00:19] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The Bible says that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. So right here as we close this service, I just want to give you an opportunity to do that if you need to. If you haven't confessed with your mouth Jesus is Lord, that's a submission pose. That's saying, Jesus, you're in charge, not me." [01:40:11] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "Sin is serious because sin kills. It kills your relationship with God. It kills your relationship with other people. Can we just pause right there for a second? You know that's why Jesus took the 613 Old Testament commandments and turned them into just two in the New? Love God and love people. Because when we sin, you know what we're doing? We're acting against God or we're acting against people." [58:03] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So is blank a sin? Well, go through those three words. Is doing this thing going to dishonor God? Is doing this thing going to take something beautiful and good and twist it or corrupt it? Is doing this thing going to cause me to break trust between me and God or me and another person? And if the answer to any of those questions is yes, guess what? Congratulations. It's sin." [01:09:49] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So I want to give you the three S's. So to answer the question, is it sin? Follow the three S's. That is Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the Council of the Saints. Okay? So what that means is, first of all, you're going to follow Scripture. Because there are some things that the Bible is just black and white on. It's sin. Right? Old Testament, it was sin. New Testament, it's sin. Repeatedly, it's like, don't do this thing." [01:10:25] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And so we need somebody else with a very tangible, audible voice in our lives to say, hey, bro, I don't think that's good. Hey, man, the way you were talking to your wife, I don't think that's appropriate. Hey, the amount of time that you're spending on this thing. I don't think is good. And you need somebody in your life that can bring that kind of correction, that can say, hey, be careful of this thing, because you may not have read the Scripture yet, but guess what? The Bible calls that sin." [01:14:06] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Because the choice is actually really simple. At the end of the day, either we die in sin or we die to sin. Something is going to have to die. When it comes to sin, the Old Testament set this up. Sin requires death. So if you're going to live in freedom, guess what? You've got to put to death the fleshly desires. Either you're going to die to the sin, or you're going to die in your sins. And we need freedom." [01:36:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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