Dealing with Sin

S. Then he comes to men and says, ‘I sinned, and perverted what was right, but I did not get what I deserved. He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.’ “God does all these things to a man—twice, even three times—to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him. (Job 33:27-30, NIV)

O. Over the past few weeks, I have been studying a great deal about sin. It is truly God working in me to help me understand my own sin first and foremost. One of the greatest lessons I have learned it that I am responsible for my sin...I must deal with my sin first and foremost in my life. I have been awaken to the fact that most of the time Christians either talk about someone's sin (which has an air of arrogance to it) or we generalize sin in our own lives (which is kind of self-righteous). I am working to overcome both of these areas in my life...and it is not easy. '
First, I need to understand that it is not always up to me to point to other people's sin, especially when I have sin in my own life. Jesus said,

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye
and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’
when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye,
and then you will see clearly to remove the speck
from your brother’s eye."
(Matthew 7:3-5, NIV)

I have to look into my own life and see the sin in my and have some remorse over my sin. I must see my sin as the only sin that took Jesus to the cross. I must see my sin being removed by the wonderful grace our my Lord and Savior. I must look at my sin! And that is not easy.

Second, when I look at my sin, I have to see it for what it is. Filth, gross and giving me the only thing that is worthy of me...death for my sin. I have to be very specific about my sin and name my sin, repent of my sin and allow my life to reflect true repentance. I have a confess my sin specifically and purposefully, but just in general.

These verses in Job reflect a recognition of sin and the perverted nature of sin in our lives. They speak of a man who understands that we have not received a the true penalty for our sins. They reflect the change that comes with we move from the darkness of sin into the light of God's glorious grace. The Apostle Paul wrote:

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us int the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

(Colossians 1 13-14, NIV)

A. Be reminded daily of my sin and the need to ask specifically for forgiveness. I continue to lead a live that shows true repentance of my sin.

P. Lord, thank you for the incredible gift of the forgiveness of sin made possible through your son Jesus Christ. I would be lost in this world without you.