Conquering Sin (1): Jesus' View Of Sin Series

Relationship with Christ is everything. Nothing “deeper.”

How did Jesus respond to Sin? It is vitally important to know and be convinced of how He responds to my sin, so that when I sin I can go to Him immediately.

Lk.5:31-32 - “Jesus answered them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

We’re each sick and we desperately need a doctor.

Mt.21:12 - “Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.”

Jesus viewed their sin as a big thing. That sin separates us from God and is no small issue - it is what sent Him to the cross.

He realized the gravity of sin but remember the woman caught in adultery.

Jn.8:7, 10-11 - Let anyone who is without sin cast the first stone.

He didn’t condemn her, He recognized where she was at, challenged her to leave it and forgave her.

Remember Jesus’ response to Peter’s idolatry - Mt.17:7 - “But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don’t be afraid."

We can similarly set things up above God. In that place, He meets us where we’re at, confronting us with our sin, and showing us mercy and grace.

Remember Jesus’ response to His disciples who kept falling asleep during prayer.

Mk.14:38 - “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

He recognized where they were and where they were coming from, He knew their Spirit was willing but the flesh was weak. He believed the best about them, understanding what they were going through yet challenging them to more.

Lk.23:34 - “Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”

He looked at those crucifying Him, saw and recognized the significance of their sin and had a heart of forgiveness - it’s the same when I sin.

Lk.15:4-7 - He’s the good shepherd willing to leave the 99 to search for the one.

Even when I stray, He seeks me out - He pursues me that much more.

How hard is it to feel clean after being dirty.

Remember the $100 bill analogy - valuable even when dirty.

1 Jn.1:9 - “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Even in my sin, when I go to Him, asking His forgiveness, He forgives and cleanses me.

It’s so hard to believe that, remember Adam and Eve hiding from God after they sinned. After sinning, we can run away from or to Him.

Ps.103:12 - He’s cast your sin infinitely far away from you.

He paid for that sin so don’t hold on to it. Don’t live with it eating you up inside. Give it to Him!

Heb.4:15 - “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin.”

He knows my struggles and He’s walking along side me through them. He was perfect, He never sinned, and now He is empowering me to walk in victory.

1 Cor.10:13 - “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

He’s there with me, loving me, walking with me, forgiving me when I sin, but empowering me so I don’t have to.

Remember Paul’s struggle in Rom.7, and the victory found only in Jesus (Rom.7:25).

Victory doesn’t come from trying harder, victory comes from drawing near to Him and letting Him empower me to live like Him.

Heb.12:1-2 - lay that sin aside and keep your eyes on Jesus.

There’s such freedom in running to Him and drawing near to Him, knowing that as I ask His forgiveness He cleanses me completely.

Rom.8:1 - No condemnation for those who are in Him.

Remember Peter denies Christ 3 times, in Jn.18, and remember Jesus’ response of love and forgiveness to Him, in Jn.21, meeting Peter where He was at and asking Him, “Peter, do you love me.”

When you sin, run to Him, experiencing His forgiveness and pressing into Him.