Scriptural Readings:
Matthew 13:15, Romans 7:15-20
Sin. What should we ask ourselves with this word? The questions will never end. With so many things to worry about, dealing with wickedness appeared to be another minor thing to consider. We have become so used to sin that we hardly recognize it as a danger to our well-being. And many of us do not even realize how influential it has been in our lives. Some of us have become desensitized to these evil acts and their aftermath. However, the real pitfall of sin lies not only in the actions themselves but in the lasting consequences that result from them.
It is imperative to remember that it is a severe spiritual problem. These activities, such as pornography and addiction, are so familiar that we have become accustomed to them. Slipping into a sense of complacency from these habits can make it difficult to break away and face the harsh reality. And the unfortunate part is that we do not recognize the long-term harm they can cause physically, mentally, and spiritually. This sinful world drags us down to hell.
When we embrace Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He forgives us for our sins and sets us free. Sin and sins are different. Sin is the root, and sins are the products. We should acknowledge that the old man, the sinful system, is removed from us. This system should no longer operate. And it should never be available in the future. God always gives us a chance to escape temptation. It is a truth, but the sad thing is that we still choose and do what is against God. It is a fact today for some Christians.
We have two things to know and consider. First, we are not God the Creator, but creations, and therefore can sin. If we see sin as a minor thing to worry about, we are obviously and grievously mistaken. We will ignore the Holy Spirit’s conviction. Second, the last days of the church age are deceiving. People mistakenly assume that their actions are God’s will when, in fact, it pushes them away from Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to understand our limitations as human beings and to be mindful of the deceptive nature of sin as it pertains to spiritual prosperity.
King James Version
Matthew 13:15
For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
New Living Translation
For the hearts of these people are hardened,
and their ears cannot hear,
and they have closed their eyes—
so their eyes cannot see,
and their ears cannot hear,
and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
and let me heal them.’
Our acts are prone to sin forever, blinding us to the truth. We are inclined to believe all the evils of lying, justifying their works through fleshly desires, leading us to damnation. Constantly pursuing fleshly desires creates a foundation for wicked plans, protecting our evil inclinations. Instead of listening to the Holy Spirit’s convictions, we become numb to its message. Ultimately, turning away from God will keep us from receiving his love and forgiveness, resulting in spiritual death forever.
Faith and grace in God are our sustenance, and disconnection from Him is fatal to our holy life. Everything is tragic because we have lived, continue, and will live this way. Unfortunately, we are often so wrapped up in our day-to-day lives that we do not acknowledge the importance of our connection with God, which can ultimately lead to spiritual death. Faithless in God prevents humans from being graced with His grace and mercy, leading to eternal spiritual death. It is when you hate God and won’t do what He wants.
King James Version
v.15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
v.16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good.
v.17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
v.18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.
v.19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
v.20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
New Living Translation
v.15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.
v.16 But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good.
v.17 So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
v.18 And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.
v.19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.
v.20 But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
Are we getting convictions?
This word will nail us down. As it strips us, it exposes our wicked intentions and evil nature. Without this word, our ungodly schemes would remain hidden, and our corrupt nature would remain unchecked. We ignore it effortlessly and happily, if not regularly. We are so eager to falsify, which is pure and divine, to fit our schemes and desires, far from pleasing God. And when this word works in us, we can no longer hide, revealing all our actions and intentions. Conviction is inevitable and not just an unwanted feeling to ignore. Trying to evade it by giving it a different meaning will not justify our actions.
Every day is the most meaningful battle we face. A time will come when we will have to decide for a split second only to find out we committed a mistake. Thinking is essential to making the right decision. It doesn’t matter how small or insignificant it is. While humans make mistakes, God has provided provisions. By listening to what God tells us, we can avert evil. The Holy Spirit’s voice is powerful and inescapable.
And finally.
True to His words, Jesus promised He would never leave us by sending the Holy Spirit. He had unlimited sources for solutions. God fulfills His promises as He always does. How about our part? Are we going continuously to sin or not? The only way to travel by water is by sea vessels. The only change that will make sense is a change done by God.
If there is one thing in the present that we think will change us, we have to think again unless it is that God is changing us today. God doesn’t change. He wants us to change to know its spiritual meaning. Remember we have options. It is exactly what He wants us to change. If we are Christians, it has to be from better to best.