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Hello folks. Today's study is on how Jesus forgives us of our sins, but does not condone our sins. Habitual sins will also be covered in this devotional.
Date | June 30, 2024 | Forgiveness ≠ License to Sin |
Verse | Romans 6:1-4 (NIV): "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 7:21-25 (NIV): "So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." 1 John 3:9 (NIV): "No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God." John 8:10-11 (NIV): "Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’" |
Explanation | These four passages from the Bible discuss the relationship between sin, grace, and the Christian life. In Romans 6:1-4, Paul is addressing the idea that because of God's grace and mercy, Christians might think they can continue to sin without consequences. However, Paul strongly asserts that this is not the case. He explains that believers have died to sin and have been raised to new life in Christ. Being baptized into Christ means being identified with Him in His death and resurrection. Therefore, Christians should no longer live in sin but instead strive to live a new life in Christ. Romans 7:21-25 comes from Paul's personal struggle with sin. He acknowledges the desire to do good, but the presence of sin within him. Paul confesses that he is a slave to God's law in his mind but a prisoner of sin in his sinful nature. He expresses his wretchedness and seeks rescue from his sinful nature. However, he ultimately finds hope and deliverance through Jesus Christ. This passage emphasizes the ongoing battle against sin and the need for God's grace and mercy. 1 John 3:9 states that those who are born of God cannot continue to live in sin. This passage highlights the transformative power of the new birth and the reality that true followers of Christ will produce good fruit and turn away from sin. In John 8:10-11, Jesus encounters a woman caught in adultery. He neither condemns her nor excuses her sin. Instead, He tells her to leave her life of sin. This passage illustrates Jesus' compassionate approach to sin and His call for repentance and transformation. Regarding forgiveness and avoiding a license to sin, these verses teach that God's grace is not an excuse to continue living in sin. Instead, it is a call to live a new life in Christ, transformed by His love and power. Christians are to strive for holiness and obedience, but they are not saved by their own effort or perfection. They are saved by God's grace and mercy, and that same grace empowers them to live a life worthy of their calling. |
Societal Relevance | Strategies to avoid habitual sins and the trap of excusing sins in the modern world:
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