100% LOVED BY GOD 2
Engaging with the concept of sin consciousness, I find it enlightening to reflect on the teachings found in Romans Chapter 7. Imagine a scenario where one is fully aware that God holds no grievances against them, resulting in a profound sense of peace with the Divine. This notion is vividly illustrated in the account of the woman caught in adultery, who faced the imminent threat of stoning as prescribed by the Mosaic Law in Leviticus. When confronted by her accusers, she turned to Jesus, who posed a challenging question: “Let the one without sin cast the first stone.” This profound statement led to the gradual abandonment of stones by her accusers, highlighting the universal nature of sin and the need for compassion.
As the crowd dispersed, it is said that Jesus knelt down and began to write in the dust, with some theologians suggesting that He may have been inscribing various sins, prompting the accusers to reflect on their own shortcomings. As He wrote “lying,” “adultery,” and “covetousness,” the accusers were compelled to leave, one by one, until none remained to condemn the woman. Jesus then addressed her, asking where her accusers had gone, affirming that she was free from condemnation and that her sins were forgiven. This moment encapsulates the essence of divine grace and forgiveness, offering a sense of wholeness and reconciliation with God. It is this profound experience of being forgiven and at peace that God desires for all believers, empowering them to approach Him with confidence, knowing that His goodness and mercy are ever-present and accessible.
It is crucial to recognize the significance of our connection with God this morning. The righteousness that we find in Christ Jesus establishes our right standing with God, fostering a profound sense of unity and completeness in our relationship with Him. This state of peace is fundamentally rooted in our comprehension of God’s love.
To lead a life that is pleasing to God, it is essential to grasp the depth of His love and to confront the issue of sin consciousness.
Sin has the potential to divert our attention away from God, and when we concentrate more on our battles with sin rather than on our renewed identity, we risk remaining trapped in a cycle of struggle. It is imperative that we shift our focus away from these struggles and fully embrace the righteousness that is available to us through Christ Jesus.
In Romans chapter 7, the Apostle Paul elucidates the relationship between the law and our lives as believers. He explains that the law holds authority over an individual only as long as they are alive, using the analogy of marriage to illustrate this point. A woman is bound to her husband while he lives, but upon his death, she is released from that obligation. Similarly, Paul asserts that we have died to the law through the body of Christ, allowing us to enter into a new relationship with Him, who was resurrected. This transformation enables us to bear fruit for God, as we are no longer governed by the sinful passions that the law incited within us. Instead, we have been liberated, paving the way for a life characterized by grace and a deeper connection with God.
The scripture emphasizes that believers have been liberated from the constraints of the law, having died to the obligations that once bound them. This transformation allows them to serve in a renewed spirit rather than adhering to the outdated regulations of the written law. The Apostle Paul articulates this concept by questioning whether the law itself is sinful, firmly asserting that it is not. Instead, he acknowledges that it is through the law that one becomes aware of sin, particularly covetousness, which is only recognized because the law explicitly states, “You shall not covet.” Sin, seizing the opportunity presented by this commandment, incites within individuals a multitude of sinful desires, illustrating that without the law, sin remains dormant.
In his writings, Paul draws a parallel between the Christian experience and the institution of marriage, referencing the Old Testament law that binds a woman to her husband until his death. He explains that upon the death of the husband, the woman is free to remarry, symbolizing the believer’s release from the law through Christ’s death. This notion mirrors the earlier discussion regarding the transformation of one’s nature upon accepting Christ, as exemplified in the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Jesus emphasized the necessity of being “born again,” which signifies a shedding of the old nature and the adoption of a new one. Nicodemus, intrigued by Jesus’ miraculous works, inquired about the possibility of emulating such actions, to which Jesus responded that such deeds are only possible through a divine rebirth, highlighting the profound change that occurs when one embraces faith in Him.
Nicodemus questioned whether he should return to his mother’s womb to be born again, expressing confusion about the concept of rebirth. In response, Jesus urged him to think clearly, emphasizing that if one is born of the flesh, they are limited to fleshly pursuits and cannot engage in the supernatural or perform miracles. He explained that the true rebirth comes from the Spirit, and only those born of the Spirit can engage in spiritual matters. Jesus highlighted that returning to a previous state would only complicate one’s struggles, as the essence of one’s birth determines their capabilities. He reiterated that to transcend the limitations of the flesh, one must embrace a new birth through the Spirit.
In further elaboration, the nature of an individual is intrinsically linked to their source, which imposes certain limitations. For instance, a goat cannot walk on two legs due to its inherent nature, just as a person bound by sin cannot please God. The Apostle Paul draws a parallel between the death of a woman’s husband and the death of our old self through Christ’s crucifixion, allowing for a new beginning. This transformation is akin to remarrying, as believers are invited to adopt a new divine nature, as stated in 1 Peter 1:3. This new nature, bestowed by divine power, equips individuals with the ability to overcome sin, thereby shifting the balance of power in their favor and enabling them to live a life aligned with Godliness.
Is anyone still present with me this morning? I inquired whether you are still with me this morning, as we reflect on the profound truth that we are not constrained by our former nature; rather, we are renewed in Christ Jesus. Frequently, individuals tend to concentrate on their old nature, which leads to an increased awareness of sin and its repercussions, rather than embracing their new identity in Christ and recognizing the capabilities that come with it. In Romans chapter 8, verses 12 to 17, we find significant insights. Verse 12 states, “Therefore, brethren, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live according to the flesh; for if you live according to the flesh, you will die.” This aligns with the biblical assertion that the wages of sin is death.
Conversely, living by the Spirit empowers us to overcome the sinful actions of the body, leading to true life.
The scripture further emphasizes that those who are led by the Spirit of God are indeed the sons of God.
The essence of our motivation to live righteously should not be dictated by the law or a fear of sin, but rather by the profound love of God, which is central to our new nature. The Bible clearly states that we are not indebted to the flesh, which is inclined towards the law and struggles with sin, seeking to please God through mere obedience. Instead, it is through the inner man, as described in scripture, that we can align ourselves with God’s will. By remembering our true identity and challenging ourselves to live according to that identity, we can transcend the limitations of our old nature. To illustrate this point, consider the notion that if it were deemed sinful to enter a room and bleat like a sheep, many would feel compelled to do so, as the flesh inherently resists constraints and seeks to express itself freely.
When observing individuals attending church, one might notice a tendency to respond with indifference rather than the customary greetings of “How are you?” or “Happy Sunday.” This reaction often stems from a desire for someone to question such behavior, as it deviates from the expected norms of the environment. Rather than succumbing to this inclination to express oneself negatively or to indulge in fleshly desires, it is essential to turn inward and engage with the spiritual self. By reflecting on one’s origins and recognizing God as a loving Father, individuals can tap into their inherent capacity for love and righteousness. It is crucial to remember that, regardless of external circumstances, one possesses the ability to act rightly, guided by the divine nature bestowed upon them.
In moments of internal conflict between personal desires and moral obligations, it is vital to remind oneself, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, of the new nature that has been granted. This new identity, often referred to in scripture as the life of God or the inward man, is created in the image of God and is equipped to make righteous choices, regardless of external scrutiny. Encouragement to embrace this new nature is paramount; it is not sin that should dominate one’s thoughts, but rather the acceptance of one’s divine identity and the life of God within. Reflecting on the Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, one can see that the journey back to fulfillment often begins with a realization of spiritual hunger. This hunger, which may not always be physical, signals a deeper need for spiritual nourishment and fulfillment, prompting individuals to seek a return to their true selves and to God.
There are individuals who, despite their indulgence in sinful behavior, reach a point of self-loathing due to their actions. They may revel in the pleasures of sin, such as excessive drinking, only to awaken the next day filled with regret and questioning the quality of their lives. This cycle often continues, as they find themselves returning to the same destructive habits week after week, despite the hangovers and the pain that follow. It is crucial for one to confront this reality and recognize that such a lifestyle is unsustainable. A moment of clarity can lead to a profound realization that the current path does not reflect one’s true self, prompting a desire for change and a return to a more authentic existence.
In a transformative moment, an individual may decide to seek reconciliation, driven by an inner hunger for redemption. This person resolves to return to a place of belonging, acknowledging their mistakes and expressing a willingness to be humbled. Upon approaching their father, they are met with unexpected compassion and acceptance, illustrating the profound nature of forgiveness. The father, filled with joy, celebrates the return of his son, signifying that no matter how lost one may feel, there is always a path back to grace and love. This narrative serves as a reminder that even in moments of uncertainty, divine guidance is present, and one’s journey is known to a higher power, offering hope and direction for the future.
It is possible to feel so distanced from God that one might believe He no longer recognizes them
despite the fact that He is the very creator who knows each individual intimately. However, it is essential to understand that God’s perception of us remains unchanged, regardless of how far we may feel from Him. His ability to recognize us is not hindered by distance, as His understanding transcends our human limitations. Furthermore, God’s view of sin differs significantly from our own; He does not perceive it in the same way we do, which is why He can extend forgiveness so readily. His perspective allows Him to see beyond our transgressions, recognizing the inherent struggle within us and the potential for redemption.
A poignant example of this can be found in the story of a woman who, after undergoing an abortion in her youth, continued to grapple with feelings of guilt and sorrow two decades later. Her tears were not a reflection of a longing for the child she never had, but rather stemmed from a belief that God remained angry with her for her past actions. During a conversation with a minister who spoke of God’s boundless forgiveness and love, she revealed her ongoing pain. The minister, upon learning that she had sought forgiveness years prior, recognized that the lingering sorrow was a manifestation of the devil’s influence over her heart. This narrative serves as a reminder that, akin to the prodigal son, we are always afforded the opportunity to return to God. He views sin as a consequence of our human nature, yet He also sees the divine potential within us, urging us to embrace our inherent goodness and pursue a path of righteousness. Thus, the act of forgiveness becomes not only a gift we receive but also one we must extend to ourselves and others.