|
|
PRAYER/SPIRITUAL
AWAKENING
|
 |
| |
| PRAYER/SPIRITUAL
AWAKENING |
| |
How To Deal With Sin
Dealing with your personal sin
- God is faithful to convict. As you read the Bible, study with a small group, or listen to a message being preached or taught, God will often convict of some sin. God wants us to come to Him; agree with Him about the sin; agree to turn from that sin and to turn to what is right in that area or in that relationship; and by faith receive His forgiveness and cleansing for that sin (1 John 1:5-9).
- Ask God. If you think there is a fellowship break between you and the Lord, go to Him in prayer and ask Him to show you what is displeasing to Him. Ask God to reveal anywhere you have stepped over the line of His Word or grieved His Spirit. He promises to show us where there is sin (John 16:8-11).
- Watch out for false guilt and lies. The enemy, the evil one, is also called the adversary—he is against God, God’s people and God’s purposes. He is also the accuser against God and “the brethren”—all believers (Revelation 12:10). He is the father of lies and spreads untruth anywhere he can to create division, discord and distrust. When it comes to the lives of individual believers, he shoots “thought darts” to accuse—either of sin we have committed or sin which we have faced in temptation but have not committed—anything to confuse, frustrate, condemn and make us feel guilty. Remember that to be tempted is not a sin and to have a tempting thought is not sin. It is not a sin until we act on that temptation, making the choice to sin. When we do, we need to confess and make it right.
- The Spirit is specific. When the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, He is specific so we can confess specifically—“Lord, here is what I did, when I did it. I was wrong. I turn from it. I want to do the right thing. Thank You for forgiving me.” Satan is often general, condemning and confusing—“you are bad, weak, foolish …etc.” Trust God to guide you in truth.
- God does not remember sins to use them against us. The Holy Spirit does not bring up old sins because they are removed, forgiven and forgotten. Satan uses instant replay to remind, hassle, depress and defeat us. He badgers us—“Remember how many times you’ve done that. You will never change. You cannot do anything right. Remember.” When this happens simply remember the promises of the Word of God and hold to them (Hebrews 10:17-18).
- Receive forgiveness by faith not feeling. Trust the Word of God to be true, as true as the God of the Word. Deal with bedrock facts, not shifting-sands feelings. Jesus died to forgive, not condemn.
Dealing with your personal sins against others
- What to do when someone has something against you . If someone has something against you, you need to go to that person (or persons)—face to face if possible (Matthew 5:23-24). If you cannot reach them in person or by phone, seek the next best and fastest way possible. Ephesians 4:26 says, “Do not let the sun go down on your anger.” Deal with any sin, especially anger, on the day you face it. It is like household garbage: the longer you wait to get rid of it, the worse the stench becomes. What if he or she does not receive you or your attempt to get things right? What if they do not forgive you? You are responsible for only you and are to let God deal with that person.
- The circle of confession. This circle is as big as the circle of offense. If your sin is against God, confess it to Him. If you have sinned against an individual, go to that individual, confess, and make it right. If you have sinned against a group, make it right with the group.
- Restitution. If there is need for restitution—financial, material, property lost or stolen—make it right as much as is possible. The burden may seem heavy now, but making it right transforms the burden on your heart into wings for your soul.
Dealing with others who have sinned against you
- What to do when someone sins against you. Have a forgiving, kind attitude toward the one who sinned against you, “forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you,” (Eph. 4:32). If he or she does not ask for forgiveness, remember you are responsible for only you. Obey God and show love. Let God deal with that person.
- Options to make things right. Forget the sin and do not mention it. The person may be unaware they have offended you in some way. “Love covers a multitude of sins,” (1 Peter 4:8). You may alsogo to him or her and point out the offense in order to restore the relationship but to make the person feel bad or guilty (Matthew 18:15-20; Galatians 6:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:15). God’s goal is oneness with Him and with one another—walk in harmony, peace and real love toward one another (1 Peter 3:8-18) “As much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men,” (Romans 12:18).
DOWNLOADABLE FILE TO PRINT
I-366—Connecting on the Journey
For more info:
Call: 800-226-8584, ext. 3098 or 904-596-3098.
E-mail: i366@flbaptist.org
|
| | |
