We have a challenge as people where we all share common struggles, issues and problems, yet we deal with them with different perspectives. We have universal problems but unique contexts. First, we need to understand that how we see God reframes how we see ourselves.

Message by Tom Fenske – July 17, 2016

FREE – UNEARTHING OURSELVES FROM SIN

Copyright © 2015 HarperCollins Christian Publishing

Copyright © 2015 HarperCollins Christian Publishing

Reframing Sin

  • Sin is acting as if you know better than God’s plan for your life. Genesis 3:5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”
  • Hebrew word for sin is chata’ah – “miss the mark”. Genesis 4:7 You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.
  • The universality of sin should give us motivation and compassion. Romans 3:27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.
  • The Irony of Sin: Whenever we try to make ourselves worthy of love, attention, and affection we end up degrading rather than improving ourselves. Lamentations 5:15-17 Joy has left our hearts; our dancing has turned to mourning. The garlands have fallen from our heads. Weep for us because we have sinned. Our hearts are sick and weary, and our eyes grow dim with tears.

Learning to Be The Real You

  • Sin makes a false self we have to unlearn in order to be our true selves. Colossians 3:9-10 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.

1. Confession over Perfection. James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

2. Rest over Performance. Psalm 127:2 It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.

3. Discipline over Willpower. Hebrews 12:11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

4. Compassion over Condemnation. Ephesians 4:32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

God Will Make You Clothing

  • Grace is the gift that gets you through. Genesis 3:21 And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.
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