Christ is the central theme throughout the Bible. Why? Because of His love for us and our problem with sin. Listed below are ten important actions you can take regarding the sin in your life.
1. Acknowledge
Acknowledge that the Bible is God’s Word and that it speaks clearly about sin.
- 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
- Because of His love for us, with the Bible God has told us about sin and how to deal with it in our lives.
2. Agree
Agree with what God says about sin.
- James 1:15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
- Sin is both rebellion against God and the inability of man to perfectly or permanently keep His commandments. For those who don’t know Christ as Savior, sin leads to spiritual death. For those who have surrendered their life to Christ, sin causes problems in their relationship with God.
3. Admit
Admit that you are a sinner.
- Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
- Because of Adam’s sin, every person is born with a sin nature. Everybody sins!
4. Apologize
Apologize to God for your sin.
- Luke 18:13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’
- When we recognize that we have offended God because of our sin, we must humbly and sincerely ask for His forgiveness and mercy.
5. Accept
Accept God’s forgiveness of your sin.
- 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
- God is faithful to His promise to forgive the sins of those who humbly and sincerely ask Him. However, the consequences resulting from your sin may still have to be dealt with.
6. Abandon
Abandon the sin in your life.
- Acts 3:19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,
- To repent means to turn from your sin and turn towards God. Turn your back on sin and run to God.
7. Abhor
Abhor all sin and its consequences.
- Proverbs 6:16-19 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
- God hates sin. We should also hate sin. However, we don’t hate a person who sins. We are commanded to show the love of Christ to everyone. No one is sinless; but Christians should sin less and less as they mature in their relationship with God.
8. Abide
Abide in Christ and live for Him.
- John 15:5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
- Living in Christ will lead to a God honoring life; pray, read God’s Word, attend church, serve those in need, share the truth about Christ, submit to The Holy Spirit, cultivate Christian relationships, etc.
9. Adore
Adore your life as a forgiven (not sinless) child of God.
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
- Because of Christ’s sinless life and sacrifice for our sins, those who surrender to His Lordship are righteous before God. However, no one will live a completely sinless life until they are in heaven.
10. Advocate
Advocate for the gospel message.
- Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
- Because of what God has done about sin through Christ, those who have been forgiven of their sins must share the good news of redemption in Christ with those who have not heard or believed.
This devotion just barely scratches the surface of the topic of sin. My prayer is that God’s Word and His Spirit will draw you closer to Him by stimulating your curiosity about this subject. Ask for God to speak to your heart about His love and your sin.
Prayer
Dear Lord, please forgive me for the sin in my life. I know I still fall very short in so many areas. Please use Your Word and the power of Your Holy Spirit to convict the heart of anyone reading this devotion to deal with You, one-on-one, regarding the sin in their life. Please save the lost and sanctify the saved. Thank You for sending Christ to deal with sin once and for all. I love you Lord. I praise You in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
