Finding Freedom: Understanding and Overcoming Sin

Devotional

Day 1: The Enslaving and Deadly Nature of Sin

Sin is not just a minor issue; it enslaves us and leads to death. It kills our relationship with God and others. Recognizing the seriousness of sin is the first step towards seeking freedom in Christ. Sin is like a chain that binds us, making us slaves to its destructive power. It doesn't just affect our spiritual life but also our relationships and overall well-being. The Bible emphasizes that the wages of sin is death, highlighting the ultimate consequence of living in sin.

Understanding the gravity of sin helps us to appreciate the freedom that Christ offers. Romans 8:1 assures us that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, which means that through Him, we can break free from the chains of sin. This freedom is not just about avoiding punishment but about living a life that is full and abundant, free from the destructive power of sin. [41:14]

Romans 6:16-18 (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? But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness."

Reflection: Think about an area in your life where you feel enslaved by sin. How can you seek God's help to break free from this bondage today?

Day 2: Understanding the Different Types of Sin

Sin can be categorized into transgression (betrayal of trust), iniquity (distortion of what is good), and sin (missing the mark). Understanding these categories helps us identify and address sin in our lives more effectively. Transgression involves a deliberate act of betrayal, breaking trust with God or others. Iniquity refers to a moral distortion, where something good is twisted into something harmful. Sin, in its broadest sense, means failing to live up to God's standards and purposes for our lives.

By recognizing these different types of sin, we can better understand how they manifest in our lives and take appropriate steps to address them. This understanding also helps us to be more compassionate towards others, recognizing that we all fall short in different ways. It encourages us to seek God's grace and guidance in overcoming these sins and living a life that honors Him. [52:12]

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 situation where you may have transgressed, committed iniquity, or missed the mark. How can you seek forgiveness and make amends?

Day 3: Using Discernment Tools to Identify Sin

To discern if something is a sin, we should consult Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of fellow believers. These tools help us navigate life as believers and avoid falling into sin. Scripture provides us with God's standards and principles, the Holy Spirit guides us with conviction and wisdom, and fellow believers offer support and accountability.

By using these discernment tools, we can make more informed decisions and avoid the pitfalls of sin. It's important to stay connected to God's Word, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, and seek the counsel of trusted believers. This holistic approach helps us to live a life that is pleasing to God and free from the entanglements of sin. [54:54]

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. How can you use Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of fellow believers to discern the right path?

Day 4: Resisting Temptation

Temptation is like bait on a hook, enticing us to sin. We must recognize the bait, confess our struggles, run from temptation, and kill the desires that lead us to sin. God provides a way of escape from every temptation. Recognizing the bait means being aware of the things that entice us and lead us away from God. Confessing our struggles to God and trusted friends helps us to bring them into the light and seek support.

Running from temptation involves actively avoiding situations that lead us to sin, while killing the desires means addressing the root causes of our sinful inclinations. God is faithful and provides us with the strength and resources to resist temptation. By relying on Him and taking practical steps, we can overcome the lure of sin and live a life that honors Him. [01:09:37]

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV): "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Reflection: Identify a recurring temptation in your life. What practical steps can you take to avoid it and seek God's help in overcoming it?

Day 5: Living in Freedom Through Christ

We have a choice to die in sin or to die to sin. By putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and making no provision for the flesh, we can live in freedom and offer ourselves to God. This daily choice leads to a life that honors God. Dying to sin means rejecting its power and influence in our lives, while living for God means embracing His will and purposes.

Putting on the Lord Jesus Christ involves adopting His character and values, making conscious decisions to follow Him in every aspect of our lives. By doing so, we can experience true freedom and live a life that reflects God's love and grace. This freedom is not just about avoiding sin but about actively pursuing a relationship with God and living out His calling for our lives. [01:20:45]

Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to make no provision for the flesh? How can you actively put on the Lord Jesus Christ in this area today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we embark on a new series about sin, a topic that often makes people uncomfortable. However, the goal is not to condemn but to set us free. 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 serious because it kills our relationship with God and others. It’s not about comparing our sins to others but recognizing that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

Sin is not just about the big, obvious wrongs but also the small, seemingly insignificant ones that can grow and become destructive. The Bible talks about sin over 400 times, emphasizing its importance. Sin distorts what is good and beautiful, leading us away from God. We need to understand what sin is and how to overcome it. Sin can be categorized into three types: transgression (betrayal of trust), iniquity (distortion of what is good), and sin (missing the mark or failing in our purpose).

To discern if something is a sin, we should ask if it dishonors God, distorts something good, or breaks trust. Additionally, we should consult Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of fellow believers. Sometimes, even things that are not inherently sinful can become sin if they take priority over God in our lives.

Temptation is like bait on a hook, enticing us to sin. We need to recognize the bait and understand that it leads to death. To resist temptation, we must recognize it, confess it to God and others, run from it, and kill the desires that lead us to it. God is faithful and provides a way of escape from every temptation. We must put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh.

Ultimately, we have a choice: to die in sin or to die to sin. We must see ourselves as dead to the power of sin and alive for God through Christ Jesus. Let’s offer ourselves to God and stop falling for the bait of sin.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Sin Enslaves and Kills: Sin is not just a minor issue; it enslaves us and leads to death. It kills our relationship with God and others. Recognizing the seriousness of sin is the first step towards seeking freedom in Christ. [41:14]
2. Understanding Sin: Sin can be categorized into transgression (betrayal of trust), iniquity (distortion of what is good), and sin (missing the mark). Understanding these categories helps us identify and address sin in our lives more effectively. [52:12]
3. Discernment Tools: To discern if something is a sin, we should consult Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of fellow believers. These tools help us navigate life as believers and avoid falling into sin. [54:54]
4. Resisting Temptation: Temptation is like bait on a hook, enticing us to sin. We must recognize the bait, confess our struggles, run from temptation, and kill the desires that lead us to sin. God provides a way of escape from every temptation. [69:37]
5. Living in Freedom: We have a choice to die in sin or to die to sin. By putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and making no provision for the flesh, we can live in freedom and offer ourselves to God. This daily choice leads to a life that honors God. [01:20:45]
### [80:45]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[39:00] - Introduction to 21 Days of Prayer
[39:26] - Launching the Series on Sin
[39:55] - No Condemnation in Christ
[40:31] - The Seriousness of Sin
[41:14] - Sin Enslaves and Kills
[41:47] - The Universality of Sin
[42:28] - The Wages of Sin
[43:06] - Sin Kills Relationships
[43:46] - Sin Kills You
[44:36] - The Good News
[45:11] - God's Love and Eternal Life
[46:19] - The Frequency of Sin in the Bible
[46:59] - Upcoming Sermons in the Series
[47:40] - Understanding Sin
[48:26] - Is It a Sin?
[49:43] - The Three S's: Scripture, Spirit, Saints
[50:28] - The Problem with Lists
[51:37] - Three Words for Sin
[52:12] - Transgression, Iniquity, and Sin
[54:54] - Discernment Tools
[61:58] - How Sin Works
[69:37] - Resisting Temptation
[80:45] - Living in Freedom
[82:02] - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
[86:54] - Closing Prayer and 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? [40:31]
In John 8:34, Jesus describes the relationship between sin and slavery. How does this concept of slavery to sin help us understand the seriousness of sin as discussed in the sermon? [41:14]
Romans 6:11-12 speaks about being "dead to sin and alive to God." How does this passage align with the sermon’s call to see ourselves as dead to the power of sin? [01:22:02]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon mentioned that sin kills our relationship with God and others. How does understanding sin as a form of slavery (John 8:34) deepen our comprehension of its impact on our lives? [41:14]
The pastor discussed three categories of sin: transgression, iniquity, and sin. How do these categories help us better identify and address sin in our lives? [52:12]
The sermon emphasized the importance of discernment tools like Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and the counsel of fellow believers. How can these tools help us navigate and avoid sin in our daily lives? [54:54]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt enslaved by a particular sin. How did it affect your relationship with God and others? What steps can you take to seek freedom in Christ from this sin? [41:14]
The sermon mentioned that even small, seemingly insignificant sins can grow and become destructive. Identify a "small" sin in your life that you might be overlooking. How can you address it before it becomes more significant? [42:28]
The pastor talked about recognizing the bait of temptation and running from it. What are some practical ways you can recognize and avoid the bait in your own life? [01:09:37]
Discuss a time when you used the discernment tools (Scripture, Holy Spirit, counsel of fellow believers) to determine if something was a sin. How did these tools help you make the right decision? [54:54]
The sermon emphasized the choice between dying in sin or dying to sin. What does it mean for you personally to "die to sin"? How can you make this a daily practice in your life? [01:22:02]
The pastor mentioned the importance of confessing our struggles to God and others. Is there a specific sin or temptation you need to confess? How can you find accountability and support within your small group? [01:12:18]
Reflect on the idea of making no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14). What are some specific actions you can take this week to avoid giving in to sinful desires? [01:20:45]

Sermon Clips

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?" [40:31] (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." [41:47] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You can't love God while making something else Lord of your life. In the same way, you can't love somebody and murder them. That would make you crazy, right? Like I can't say I love my wife while secretly having an affair. Because the one action cancels out the other. And the sin is actually deadly. The sin will kill your relationship with God. It will kill your relationship with people." [43:46] (27 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." [45:37] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "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. You just solve the question for yourself." [54:15] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Because here's what Paul goes on to say at the end of this verse. In verse 31, he says, Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. So can you, and sometimes you got to be real honest with yourself and look unbiasedly at these things and say, Okay, can I actually do this and honor God? Because sometimes the answer is no, you can't. So we should not be doing those things." [01:00:24] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "You can choose to be close to sin or you can choose to be close to God, but you have to choose. And so I made a decision years ago that I wasn't even worried about where the line is anymore. I just want to know where God is. And if I can just get close to God, guess what? I know I'm going to be free from sin because they're not hanging out." [01:01:18] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "The truth is you do have the ability to resist the temptation. You just have to act on that ability and not fall for the trap. In fact, it goes on to say, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape. That you may be able to endure it. So there's gonna be temptation in your life. That's just part of life. But God is faithful and he's always gonna give you a way of escape. You don't have to bite on. You can escape the temptation." [01:10:09] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "And the idea here that we have to recognize is that this is not actually even possible on your own. That's why Paul starts with put on the Lord Jesus Christ. See, it's not out of your power that you're able to kill the desires. It's through the power of God. Paul says put on Christ. That means that if we're going to overcome temptation in our lives, we've got to figuratively clothe ourselves in Jesus. Like we're putting on a new set of clothes with new passions and new desires as we put on Christ." [01:20:45] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "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." [01:21:24] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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