Grace – Power over Sin

It’s extremely important not to judge a person by what they say or do. God is the only One who truly knows the human heart, so He is the only righteous judge.
*  “…for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7

When you receive Jesus, you receive abundance of grace and shall reign in life. Are you a master of your problems? Or are your problems the master of you?
We christians don’t know how powerful the grace of God is.
No christian should be weak, regardless of your age. If you’re a christian, your strength shouldn’t be based on your physical strength.
Romans 5:17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.

The book of Titus tells us that grace is given to us as power over sin, to
enable us to live sober, holy lives:
“For the grace of God that brings
salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13).
*Grace is a free gift Grace is everything for nothing when we don’t deserve anything.
*Grace pays my debt mercy forgives my debt.
***What should my response be to grace?
*Recognize the debt of my sin.
*Demonstrate my new life in Christ.
*Live a godly life.

There has been a marvelous measure of this grace in God’s people since
Pentecost. The Holy Spirit has sent conviction of sin on all nations, teaching
believers of every race and tongue how to forsake ungodliness and worldly
lusts.
The result has been a people who live soberly and righteously in this
present world and who long for the coming of Jesus.

I believe Zechariah 12:10 prophecies that in the very last hour, the Holy
Spirit will fall mightily on God’s people with a spirit of grace that turns
them completely from all worldliness. It will produce in them a cry for purity
of heart!
“Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died”. (Zechariah 12:10).

When the Holy Spirit comes down and exposes sin, those who have been lukewarm or in compromise become convicted.

If we were to separate Adam and Eve’s sin from its context, few of us would convict them of great transgression. All they did was swallow some fruit from a tree with a “do not eat” sign. Today people think nothing of ignoring commands – even biblical ones.

But God has a totally different view of our sins. Each one is followed by negative consequences.
* Adam and Eve’s disobedience led to pain and frustration in two basic areas of fulfillment – relationships and meaningful work.
**The whole earth fell under sin’s curse, and every person born since then has entered the world with a sin nature that alienates each one from the Lord.

That first rebellion plunged humanity into a terrible condition.
* Civilization is now plagued by countless ramifications of the innumerable sins committed by human beings throughout the ages. Is it any wonder the world is in such sad shape?

Sin not only causes suffering; it robs us of God’s best.
The Garden of Eden is closed and locked to sinful mankind.

James 4:17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. *Sin will always take you further than you want to go.
*Keep you longer than you want to stay
*Make you pay more than you want to pay….
* James talks to us here, first, about desiring things of this world. He says that we cannot be friends with the world and God at the same time. He says we need to block out the world and focus on God. He also tells us later on, not to judge others, that God is the only one who can judge. And finally, when we make a decision about our lives we need to consult in prayer to God. For God has a plan for us and if we know what God wants us to do and we don’t do it, its sin in his eyes.

The good news of Christ’s grace and forgiveness is our only real hope in this fallen world.
Though unpleasant, focusing on sin’s consequences is necessary at times to remind us of the greatness of our salvation and to move us to obey God, even in the small things.
Each obedience is huge to Him.

Resist the temptation to make a mountain out of the proverbial molehill or to create an issue out of something not worth your time or effort to consider.  You will have unique opportunities to think about your position in the light of spiritual reality and to be able to see the value in not overreacting emotionally to things that represent a challenge to you.
When you are not sure which way to turn, ask the Lord and He will show you the way.  Plant your feet on the ground of hope and faith, and do not compromise your position.
*1 Peter 1:20-21   He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Lord, I am so grateful that You sent Your Son as a mediator. Thank You that He understands us both and brings us together through His own sacrifice on the cross.  Lord help me to listen and hear you when you speak to me. Lord give me the desire and the courage to obey you. Lord I know you have a plan for me and I want to follow your will for me. Forgive me where I fail you and thank you for all that you’ve done to bless my life. Give me courage to step it up for Your Glory.  Thank YOU for Your GRACE.  Amen