pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!

Tag Archives: sin


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Choosing Death or Life

Reading: Romans 6:20-23

Romans 6:22 – “But now that you have been set free from sin and become slaves to God, you have the consequences of a holy life, and the outcome is eternal life.”

Turning to the last verses of this week’s Epistle reading, Paul focuses on the outcomes of our choice to be a slave to sin or a slave to righteousness. As “slaves of sin” the outcome of doing “things you are now ashamed of” was and is death. In one sense Paul is talking about the outcome at the end of this physical life on earth. A sinful life leads to death and eternal punishment. But there is also a present death that we experience when we choose to be a slave to sin. In this life, living only in sin, there is no true joy, no real peace, no lasting hope. All is temporary and transactional. To live this way is to live as if dead.

In verse 22 Paul contrasts a dead life to a life alive in Christ. In this verse he writes, “But now that you have been set free from sin and become slaves to God, you have the consequences of a holy life, and the outcome is eternal life.” From Paul’s perspective, being set free from sin did not mean that we would never sin again. In his understanding, this meant that we were free as children of God to choose how we will live. Because a part of us will be flesh until we step into eternal glory, we are never totally, 100% free from sin. No longer enslaved to sin, though, we can make our own choices. When we choose to live for God, we experience a “holy life.” This life knows joy, hope, peace, love, grace, community… Yes, one day consistently choosing God will lead to eternal life in glory. But in the here and now, we can choose to live in sin or to live for God. One brings death and one brings life. May we consistently and steadfastly choose God and life. May it be so.

Prayer: Lord God, while free will ultimately allows us to choose life or death, we do not make our choices in a vacuum. So we ask that the voice of the Holy Spirit would be loud and clear. We ask that the living Word would inform our decisions and actions. We ask that your love and grace would equip and empower us to choose you, again and again. Amen.


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Life in Christ

Reading: Romans 6:12-19

Romans 6:14 – “Sin will have no power over you, because you aren’t under Law but under grace.”

As we turn to Romans 6 today and tomorrow, we read Paul’s arguments about sin and the new life that we find in Christ Jesus. Today’s section begins with this advice: “Don’t let sin rule your body so that you do what it wants.” Here Paul is acknowledging a reality. Sin is always there, always trying to draw us in. Because of this, we must battle every day so that we are not used “as weapons to do wrong.” Instead, Paul encourages us to offer ourselves to God, as people “who have been brought back to life from death” so that we can be used “as weapons to do good” in the world.

Although sin and temptation are powerful, Paul reminds us, “Sin will have no power over you, because you aren’t under Law but under grace.” By the grace made available through Jesus Christ, we are no longer held captive to sin and the guilt and shame that keeps us entangled in our sin and its consequences. As Paul explores our freedom from sin found in Jesus Christ, he lays out the choice we make on a very regular basis. Do we offer ourselves as “slaves of sin,” setting our course towards death? Or do we offer ourselves as “slaves of righteousness,” which leads to holy living? Paul understands that for each of us who seek to follow Jesus, as it was for him, this is a choice made again and again, over and over, many times each day. Each time may we choose life in Christ.

Prayer: Lord God, we face an almost steady stream of temptation. We’re encouraged to just do what feels good, to just sling that verbal barb, to just get more and more for self. We soon enough learn that, as Paul wrote, one sin often leads to another and another. Soon we are enslaved. Lord, we want to choose your will and way. We want to live as children of righteousness. We want to do and be good in this world. O Lord, help us. Only through and with the power of the Holy Spirit inside of us do we stand a chance. Lead and guide us, O God. Strengthen and encourage us. Thank you. Amen.


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Alive for God

Reading: Romans 6:6-11

Romans 6:11 – “You should also consider yourselves dead to sin but alive for God in Jesus Christ.”

Coming back to Romans 6 today, we go a bit deeper into Paul’s thoughts on our new life in Christ. I love Paul’s word choice for describing the change from old to new self. He writes of our old self being “crucified.” This conveys the magnitude of dying to sin and the power that it can have in our lives. This word speaks of commitment. It also helps us understand the finality of leaving behind “the corpse that has been controlled by sin.” Crucified with Christ, our new self is freed from sin’s power.

Because we are set free from the power of sin, we can fully live a new life in Christ. In the same way that death has no power over Christ, sin holds no eternal power in our lives. Through his sacrifice, the price was paid so that we can be forgiven and restored back into right relationship with God. The power of sin to trap us in the guilt, shame, and regret was broken forever. Because Christ “died to sin once and for all,” forgiveness is always available to us.

Given the ability to be made right with God again and again, we are freed to live for God just as Christ lived for God. In verse 11 we read this great reminder: “You should also consider yourselves dead to sin but alive for God in Jesus Christ.” Since sin has no power in our lives, all of our focus, energy, and love can go to living for Christ – instead of fighting the power of sin. Alive for Christ, we walk in the newness of life, bringing all of the glory to God.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for making a way for us to walk daily with you. Without the sacrifice of your son, we’d be forever lost in our sin. But because of your great love, we can come back into right relationship with you again and again. Each time, O Lord, refine us more and more each time, recreating us each time just a little closer to the image of your son, Jesus. Amen.


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More and More

Reading: Romans 6:1-5

Romans 6:4b – “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too can walk in newness of life.”

In today’s reading Paul argues that grace transforms our lives. Yes, it is grace that leads to the forgiveness of sins. Some in the Roman church, however, have argued that more sinning equals more grace, so sin away! In response to this idea, Paul writes, “Absolutely not!” In fact, Paul adds, it should be just the opposite because “All of us died to sin.” When we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we commit to live as he lived. This leads to a death to sinning. But the reality is that this is not a final death. Yes, as we walk with Christ, we mature in our faith. Yet the reality is always this: we sin less as we grow in Christ, but we are never sinless.

The process of dying to sin is an ongoing process. As we mature, we come to realize that this thing we’ve always done, well, it is in fact sin. It never felt like it before, but suddenly we realize that is. And then we must die to that thing, letting go of a part of ourselves. We then walk a little closer to Christ. The good news is that we can do this again and again. Paul emphasizes the ongoing nature of this process in verse 4, where he writes, “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too can walk in newness of life.” Dying to sin, again and again, we will be raised to new life over and over.

There is a transformation, a healing, that occurs in our soul when we are forgiven and made new. As we are made more and more like Christ, we gradually learn to let go of the guilt and shame of our sin. We learn to trust God’s love and grace more and more. And as we repeat the process, sinning less, growing in Christ, we learn to love and extend grace to others more and more. Doing so, we better reflect Jesus’ light and love to the world, drawing others to the goodness of God. Day by day, may it be more and more so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for walking with us daily on this long and often slow journey of faith. Thank you for your patience and steadfastness that draws us back to the well of grace again and again. Each time we drink of it, O God, shape us more and more into the image of Christ. Use us day by day, Lord, to be light and love in and to the world. Amen.


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Weak, Ungodly, Sinners No More

Reading: Romans 5:6-8

Romans 5:6 – “While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people.”

Photo credit: Nick Fewings

In the first part of this week’s Romans 5 passage we were reminded of the hope, love, and peace that are ours in and through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Yesterday we were also reminded that we don’t just endure but also grow and are refined as the Holy Spirit guides us through the troubles and problems that are just part of living in this world. Looking back, these times can feel like a small miracle. Today, in verses 6-8, Paul turns to the work of Jesus that made and makes all of this possible.

In verse 5 Paul reminds us of this truth: “While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people.” There are three parts to this statement. First, Christ died for us while we were still weak. Before his death, all people everywhere were powerless in the battle with sin. Our human flesh is far too weak to stand against the evil one. But with Christ we are strong. Second, Jesus’ death occurred at just the right time. His birth, life, death, and resurrection – all parts of God’s plan. All solidly in God’s control. Jesus’ example, witness, and teachings – all placed exactly when and where they needed to be along the spectrum of God’s unfolding plan to redeem all of creation.

And lastly, Jesus died for the ungodly. This is not bound by time, place, or any other human construct. It is not bound by ethnic or social or even religious constraints. All of humanity are ungodly. Without a saving faith in Jesus Christ, we all live as ungodly, wretched creatures. Without belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we live in a state of separation from God. Without Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, we would live in this state forever. However, Paul reminds us, “while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” Why? Because God loves us. Yes, God loves us.

Prayer: Lord God, it is true that some might die for a good person or for a just cause or even for the right reason. But for the ungodly, for the blind, for the ones lost in sin? Only Jesus and only through love divine. Thank you, O God, for sending your Son, knowing this was his human fate. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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A Place at the Table

Reading: Matthew 9:11-13

Matthew 9:13 – “Go and learn what this means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.'”

Today we turn back to Matthew’s gospel, revisiting the call of Matthew the tax collector. We recall that tax collectors were thought to be sinners because of their connection to the Romans. Added to this fact, many used this connection to take advantage of their fellow Jews, collecting more than was required, adding to their “sins.” After Jesus ends up at the table in Matthew’s house, surrounded by more tax collectors and other “known sinners,” the Pharisees ask Jesus’ disciples – not Jesus – “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” In many ways, the Pharisees were gate keepers, determining who could enter the circle, deciding who could remain in the circle. Their understanding, interpretation, and application of a myriad of laws guided these determinations and decisions.

What do you think led them to ask this question? And on a related line of thinking, what makes us accept some into our circles while rejecting others? There is a huge part inside of us that desperately wants to belong, to fit in, to matter. There is also this part inside of us that wants to determine and guard who else can enter our circles. I think both were at play as the Pharisees asked this question of Jesus.

On the surface level, Jesus was making space at the table based on need: these “sinners” needed healing. But the deeper question is this: Who was Jesus identifying as the sinners – the tax collectors… or the Pharisees? Each in their own way needed Jesus’ healing. This makes me wonder, how often do we forget our circle “rules” and invite someone different in that causes looks or even questions from others in our circles? Jesus tells the Pharisees, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I want mercy and not sacrifice.'” Go and reveal God’s love and grace to the world. That is what invites others to the table. Don’t try to require or force sacrifices they’re not ready to make yet. Obedience to God comes through love and faith, not through authority and power over. We were not asked to follow Jesus once we were perfect or even once we checked certain boxes. May we extend that love and grace to others too.

Prayer: Lord God, as we consider the call to love others into a place at the table and then into a relationship with you, remind us of how we got there. We’re all sinners saved by grace. None of us deserved a place at your table, yet here we are. First, thank you. Second, may our response of thanksgiving be to open wide the doors of invitation to all people. Then might they come to know your love and grace too. Amen.

PS – On a related side note/rabbit hole… Do you think Jesus invited himself to Matthew’s table, or was he invited by Matthew?


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Faithful Suffering

Reading: 1st Peter 5:6-11

1st Peter 5:10 – “The God of all grace, the one who called you into his eternal glory in Jesus Christ, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you.”

Wednesday’s reading from 1st Peter 4 was about the “fiery trials” we face on our walk of faith. Today’s reading is first about how to get through these trials and then is about the end results of staying faithful. Peter offers four steps to help us remain faithful. The first is to “humble yourself under God’s power.” Maybe you’re like me though. My first thought in a time of trial often revolves around how do I get out of this trial, how do I stop the suffering, how do I… But I’m slowly learning that when I do surrender control to God, my time in the trial involves less suffering, less scaring, less hardship. And it always works out better.

We find the second step in verse 7: “Throw all your anxiety into him.” If you’ve followed step one, this step is SO much easier. When I’m trying to do it on my own, I tend to hold onto the anxiety, stress, fear, worry… It’s still about me. But when I place the control in God’s hands, it is much easier and more natural to give up all the anxiety… too.

Verse 8 turns to a reality that we don’t always recognize. Satan is ever “on the prowl,” seeking to tempt us into sin. The whispered lies, the half-truths, the distortions of facts… – just a small sampling of Satan’s bag of tricks. Yes, we certainly need to be clear-headed and alert. This helps us to resist the evil one and to see his temptations.

Peter closes with the outcome of faithful suffering: “The God of all grace, the one who called you into his eternal glory in Jesus Christ, will himself restore, empower, strengthen, and establish you.” The end game is glory in eternal life. The present game is a deeper, more devout walk with the Lord. It is true. You and I have experienced it. Looking back at a trial or time if suffering, we can see how God restored, empowered… This is part of our story of faith. May we learn to tell it well so that others in a similar trial or time of suffering may find hope. May it be so for you and for me.

Prayer: Lord God, how we need you! While you are ever-present and all-powerful, the evil one is always right there too, tempting, pulling, trying to separate us from you. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, guide us to humility and surrender. Only then do we stand a chance in these battles. Lead us through, O Lord, refining and restoring, strengthening and empowering us for the next inevitable battle. Thank you for your faithful love and unending grace. Amen.


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Daily in Christ’s Spirit

Reading: John 14:15-21

John 14:16 – “I will ask the Father, and he will send another Companion, who will be with you forever.”

Photo credit: Diego Gennaro

Chapter 14 begins with Jesus explaining that he is the way, the truth, and the life. There is a promise of presence both now and in heaven in these words. Jesus is preparing the disciples for life after his death and resurrection. As we turn to this week’s gospel lesson, Jesus defines this promised presence. In verse 15, Jesus states, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” The coming gift of this presence begins with living in right relationship with God. Jesus centers the relationship on keeping his commands. He lifted just two. The first is to love God with all that we are: heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second is to love one another just as Jesus loves us: unconditionally, humbly, completely, sacrificially.

Verse 16 feels conditional, based on verse 15. In verse 16 we read, “I will ask the Father, and he will send another Companion, who will be with you forever.” As we press on we see that “knowing” Jesus leads to knowing the “Companion” or Holy Spirit. Reading on, knowing Jesus is again tied to keeping his commands, which is tied to knowing the Spirit. To “know” Jesus is to follow him, to walk in his footsteps, to model our lives after his example. This forms a relationship with Jesus. Through this relationship, the Spirit will “live with you and will be with you.” Receiving this presence, we have Christ in our hearts. In us and loving us, Jesus tells us that he will “reveal myself to them.”

The Spirit – the counselor, comforter, advocate, companion – will be with us and will make Jesus known to us. The Holy Spirit empowers, leads, and guides us to keep the love commands. It teaches us and reminds us and convicts us, leading us to grow in our relationship with Jesus. With Christ’s eternal presence in our hearts and lives we are far from “orphans.” In fact, it is just the opposite. Through the Holy Spirit’s presence, we have Christ with us always. May we choose to walk daily in that presence and love.

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for Jesus’ love. It is a love that conquers sin and death. It is a love that conquers hate, pride, greed, lust, selfishness… It is a love that calls us in, that fills us, that sends us out to be love in the world. Following Christ’s example, use us today to make others feel loved – by us and by you. Thank you, O God. Amen.


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Made Alive by the Spirit

Reading: 1st Peter 3:18-22

1st Peter 3:18c – “Christ was put to death as a human, but made alive by the Spirit.”

As we turn to the second part of our Epistle reading for this week, Peter focuses first on Christ’s suffering. At the start of verse 18 we are reminded that the “righteous one” suffered on behalf of the unrighteous – all who sin. This includes you and me. In the next part of this verse, we see the “why.” Christ suffered so that we could be in God’s presence. Without the atonement that Jesus paid with his body and blood, we would forever be tarnished by our sin. In such a state we could not be in God’s holy and perfect presence. Having paid the price for our salvation, Jesus made a way for us to be made new again and again, washed clean by his blood, standing for moments holy and perfect in God’s presence.

Jesus was also a first fruit in another way. At the end of verse 18 we read, “Christ was put to death as a human, but made alive by the Spirit.” Christ’s human body died but his spirit was made alive by God’s Spirit. Jesus then ascended into heaven and took his rightful place at God’s right hand. Through the Spirit, Jesus continued and continues to be present. Long ago, Jesus was present to the “spirits in prison” (in hell) – offering forgiveness even there. Today Jesus is present to all who call on him as Lord and Savior. Once we die a type of human death, surrendering self to Jesus, dying to the things of this world, we too are made alive by the Spirit. Made alive in and through Christ, we take our rightful place living as disciples of Jesus Christ. In this role we live out our salvation here on earth, sharing our faith with others, both in word and in deed. As we share our faith, we share our Jesus, the one with the power to save and redeem, to open the way to abundant life now and into forever. Doing so, we help others to be “made alive by the Spirit.” May it be so!

Prayer: Lord God, thank you for the gift of Jesus, he who died our death so that we could be alive in you. There is no better place to be – filled by your presence now so that one day we can dwell eternally in your presence. Equip and empower us to fully live into our call as disciples, sharing the good news, opening eyes and hearts to your love, salvation, and redemption. Amen.


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We Must Choose

Reading: Psalm 66:18-20

Psalm 66:18 – “If I had cherished evil in my heart, my Lord would not have listened.”

Photo credit: Nadine Shaabana

Continuing in Psalm 66 today, the psalmist hits on a reality. We can easily fool ourselves into thinking all is okay with God. We can rationalize unkind thoughts, harsh words, and even unethical behavior. We can pretend that maybe God didn’t notice. We can tell ourselves that if it’s just once in a great while, it’s probably fine. But the psalmist reminds us of this reality: “If I had cherished evil in my heart, my Lord would not have listened.” In all of these cases of maybe’s and what-if’s, we are cherishing the world.

With God, there is no gray area. The psalmist, the prophets, Jesus, Paul, and the other apostles all painted the black and white reality. Love God or love the world. Walk in the light or dwell in the dark. Choose life or death. Even the ancients understood this clear choice. Framed long ago as good versus evil, for the faithful it still comes down to living by God’s will and way or living by the ways of the world.

Day by day and moment by moment, this is the choice: Will we live for God or for the world? Will we do what is good and just and loving? Or will we do what is selfish, greedy, and evil? When we choose God, we walk in relationship with the Lord. We hear God’s voice and God hears our voice. When we choose the world, self becomes the sole focus. Walking with God, in right relationship, we daily experience God’s faithful love for us. Day by day, moment by moment, may we choose love.

Prayer: Lord God, so often we must choose. You or the world? One way is filled with pleasures and all we could ever want. Or so it is said. The other way is filled with peace, joy, love – all we really need. It is true. You are true. Lord, guide us to choose your will and way. There we find life to the full. Amen.