Introduction

Good morning, brothers and sisters. I have been dwelling upon a piece of Scripture that speaks truly to the strength of the spiritual battle we all face.

Francis Chan once said, "Lukewarm people don’t really want to be saved from their sin; they want only to be saved from the penalty of their sin."

This quote rings so true when we consider today's verse from Matthew 5:29,

"If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell."

The power of sin is a compelling force that we all must grapple with, but thanks to Jesus' sacrifice, we have a path to overcoming it. The journey to live above sin, though challenging, is the life we are called to embrace as followers of Christ.

Let us pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, as we delve into Your word today, may we understand the depth of sin's power, the greatness of Jesus' sacrifice, and the call You have placed on each of our lives to live above sin. Open our hearts and minds to the truth of Your word. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Let’s get started!

The Power of Sin

The power of sin is a force that is both personal and universal, affecting every individual in unique ways, yet also uniting us in a shared struggle. This struggle is not merely against external temptations, but against the internal inclinations of our own hearts.

Sin definition: It’s, in essence, is a rebellion against God. It is a rejection of His authority and a violation of His holy law. It is a transgression that separates us from Him, creating a chasm that we cannot bridge on our own. This is the power of sin – it has the ability to alienate us from our Creator, to distort our relationships with others, and to mar the image of God within us.

It’s deceptive: It entices us with false promises of pleasure and fulfillment, only to leave us empty and unsatisfied. It blinds us to the truth of our condition, making us believe that we are free when we are actually enslaved. It convinces us that we can find life apart from God, when in reality, it leads to death.

It’s pervasive: It permeates every aspect of our lives, influencing our thoughts, our desires, our actions, and even our identities. It is not something that we can compartmentalize or isolate. It is not something that we can overcome through sheer willpower or moral effort. It is a power that is deeply rooted in our fallen nature, a power that requires a radical solution.

The gospel of Jesus Christ: The gospel confronts the power of sin head-on, offering us a way of escape. It tells us that Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has broken the power of sin, setting us free from its dominion. It assures us that in Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin, but children of God, empowered by His Spirit to live a new life.

We still experience the power of sin: We still face temptations. We still struggle with sinful habits and attitudes. We still fall short of God's glory. This is because the power of sin, though broken, is not yet completely eradicated. It is a power that we must continually resist, relying not on our own strength, but on the grace of God.

Understanding is crucial for our spiritual growth: It helps us to recognize our need for God's grace. It drives us to depend on Him for strength and guidance. It motivates us to pursue holiness, not out of legalistic duty, but out of love for God and gratitude for His saving work.

Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about a time when you were particularly aware of the power of sin in your life, or a time when you experienced God's grace in a profound way.

Jesus' Sacrifice to Overcome Sin

It is through Jesus' sacrifice that we are given the opportunity to overcome sin and live a life that is pleasing to God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO