SCRIPTURE:
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, I know him,’ but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:1-6
OBSERVATION:
I am so thankful for the clear truth and promises of God’s Word. The scriptures describe the tension that goes on within us/me due to our carnal flesh and our relationship and hope in Jesus. We know what God’s Word says, that Jesus and His sacrifice defended and defends us from our sin. Yet, if we’re honest, our obedience will often waiver as we are influenced by the things of the world, and even at times caught up in the things of the world. This is where walking with Jesus is the process of repentance, asking for forgiveness, and thanking Jesus for His sacrifice.
APPLICATION:
There are times I live a duplicitous life; loving the Lord, being very intentional to be obedient; but then allowing a situation or worldly influence to cause me to stumble and sin. This is when I want to remember to recall and hold on to God’s promise that when we do sin, to repent and ask for forgiveness. The additional and important step is to thank the Lord Jesus in prayer for His sacrifice. Then, shall I let myself easily fall into sin, knowing that Jesus will redeem my sin and disobedience? NO, because the Lord knows our hearts. There is a difference between intentional disobedience and sin, and falling into sin through mistakes, miscues, and weakness of our flesh. It is indeed a matter of our hearts, and we are God’s work in progress.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I thank you for Jesus. Jesus, I thank you that you came to die on the cross for my sins. I repent of my sins, and ask for your forgiveness. I thank you for you sacrifice. Holy Spirit, as you are my helper and advocate, I prayer that you will speak within me to convict me of my propensity to sin and how to turn from my sin. As I pray, may your hedge of protection of your mighty angels encamp around me. May I be discerning in the Spirit that I would bounce my thoughts away from sin, and renounce my the action of my sinful nature and sin.
