What if we have done wrong? What if – knowing what Jesus has seen – our shame overwhelms us? Don’t hide from reality; that only worsens the problem.38 Bring every sin and failing to Jesus. He welcomes sinners and heals us spiritually. That is why “a woman who had lived a sinful life” poured her tears and perfume on Jesus’ feet. She experienced His gifts of forgiveness, peace and renewal (Luke 7:36-50 cf. Matthew 21:31-32). Jesus died for the very purpose of taking our shame, and suffering in our place. We shine, not because we are so good, but because He is so good to us. We shine by opening up to Him. In the context of God as light, and our walk in the light, 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
We should also be honest with fellow-Christians about our weaknesses.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed (James 5:16).39
Let Jesus cleanse you and renew you. His death removes the guilt of sin and also its power to enslave you!
For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace…. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life (Romans 6:14,22).40 M
Trust God to provide the power to overcome sinful habits. Find sexual fulfillment within marriage, not outside it.
But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does (1 Corinthians 7:2-4).41
God created us as beings with sexuality,42 a gift He included in saying, “It was very good” (Genesis 1:31). We can be sure, therefore, that God provides for every need and healthy desire He has placed within us.43 We can also trust Him to keep us safe from overwhelming pressures.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Sometimes He allows tests to know whether we are truly depending on Him.44 But God always gives a “way out,” a way to avoid sinning. Our part is to find that exit and to escape!
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire (2 Peter 1:3-4). M
“For this reason,” we add to our faith “virtue… knowledge… self-control… steadfastness… godliness… brotherly affection and love,” so that we “never fall” (2 Peter 1:5-11). Instead of falling, we are “being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18). We shine more and more, not because we achieve our own perfection,45 but because God’s Spirit does His work in us46 and sanctifies us.47 He makes us into His bright new creation.48
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6). M
And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever (Daniel 12:3).
CHRIST IN YOU SHINES IN YOUR HEART… AND IN YOUR HABITS!
38. Psalm 32:3; Proverbs 28:13; Job 31:33; Jeremiah 16:17
39. James 5:16 speaks of “a righteous man” praying (in this context, praying also for you). Some matters are very private or sensitive. Weak people might use them for more opportunities to sin. Immature people might use them for gossip and trouble, Proverbs 20:19; 26:20-22; 2 Thessalonians 3:11; 1 Timothy 5:13; James 3:5-6; 1 Peter 4:15. In such cases especially, find a righteous, spiritually mature person who can be trusted to keep sensitive information safe, Proverbs 11:13; 12:18,23; 15:2; Galatians 6:1.
40. Read all of Romans 6:5-23.
44. Research Subject – God tests: Genesis 22:1; Judges 2:22; 3:4; 2 Chronicles 32:31; Psalm 11:4-5; Proverbs 17:3; Isaiah 48:10; Jeremiah 17:10; Zechariah 13:8-9; 2 Corinthians 2:9; James 1:3; 1 Peter 1:6-7; 4:12
45. Philippians 3:12; Luke 18:19
46. 2 Corinthians 3:3,17-18; Romans 15:16; 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13
47. 1 Peter 1:2 cf. Romans 15:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8; 2 Thessalonians 2:13
48. 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10
Research Subjects
- Stay free of stains
- Spiritual clothing
- Productive work
- Money and motives
- Sanctified
- Immorality
- God tests
After we receive the gift of God’s holiness in Christ, we are called to purify ourselves and to live holy lives. We take off our old rags of sin and put on new clothes of righteousness. If good does not fill our lives, then evil will return and take over again. Holiness changes every aspect of life, including our speech, our work habits and our moral conduct. Run away from temptation! Purity begins with better thinking and motives. When we do fall we should not try to hide it. Instead, we confess it to God, who purifies us, and to others, who can pray for us to receive God’s strength. God’s grace fills us with light that shines more brightly than ever.
Memory Verses
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
- Philippians 2:14-15 – Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…
- Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
- Colossians 3:23-24 – Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
- Romans 6:14,22 – For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace…. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.
- 2 Peter 1:3-4 – His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
- 2 Corinthians 4:6 – For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Righteous God, I realize that you have called me to holy living that reflects Your goodness. Forgive me when I fall. Lord, I want to glorify you in my words, in my work, in my sexual desires, and in my thoughts. Fill my life with Your good ways. Help me to flee temptation of every kind. May I be holy as You are holy…
Picture: “Escape Sin!”