Phil looks at why we struggle with sin.
To view Phil's notes (in PDF format), click here.
Introduction
• The Basics of the Christian Faith
• salvation, Our position in Christ
• If we have been set free from the law of Sin and Death
• If we are no longer slaves to sin
• some people if not many of us find it hard to say NO especially when tempted by something we really want and like
What’s the truth?
• How shall we who have died to sin live in it (Romans 6:2)
• Our old self was Crucified with him ….that we should not be slaves to sin (Romans 6:6)
• He that has died to sin is freed from sin (Romans 6:11)
• consider yourselves to be dead to sin (Romans 6:12)
• Sin shall not be master over you (Romans 6:14)
• Having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18)
What’s the Struggle then?
• I know that nothing good dwells in me (Romans 7:14)
• “the good I want to do, I do not, but practice the very evil that I do not want (Romans 7:19)
• “wretched man that I am, who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24)
• Many Christians have struggles with sin issues, they find themselves caught in a trap and find it hard if not impossible to break free and live the life that God intended.
• Many also live under a cloud of do and don'ts not living in the freedom that God has won for them, thinking that to be a Christian is obeying rules and regulations.
• Grace Teaches us and provides us with God given motivations that set us free to prefer and choose Godliness and say NO from our hearts to the short term pleasures of sin.
• If sin was not so attractive to us it would not be such an issue, but it seems it is
• Galatians 5 tells us some of the lusts of the flesh that many well struggle with, if your struggling with sin you don’t need it spelling out you will already feel condemned and a failure
• We all have areas in our lives of vulnerabilities and weaknesses, its true of our human nature
The Good News
2 Timothy 1:9 - New International Version (NIV)
9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
Titus 2 11-14 NIV,
11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
Amplified Bible
11 For the grace of God (His unmerited favour and blessing) has come forward (appeared) for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all mankind.
12 It has trained us to reject and renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole) lives in this present world,
13 Awaiting and looking for the [fulfilment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One),
14 Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds.
The Motivation is because of Grace
Mercy is – Not Receiving what I do deserve, when you should be punished and your let off, someone else has taken that punishment and you receive mercy you have not got your just deserts
Grace is – Receiving what you don’t deserve, the Unmerited, undeserved favour of God.
So its by Grace !
How do we get
