A Clear and Present Danger
While danger concerns what is in the future, evil concerns what exists in the present. Presently, sin grieves the Holy Spirit and we are encouraged, “Do not grieve the Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed unto the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30. If by our ingratitude we grieve a loving and tender friend, what more is it to grieve the tender, loving Spirit of God who has chosen our hearts as his dwelling place.
You can’t think this and not feel convicted! Our sins were not forgiven so that we may casually and contentedly continue in them. Grieving sin seriously, seeking freedom from its bondage, and vigilantly dealing with it is the ongoing preoccupation of God’s man. If we are not dutiful to kill sin we are abusers of God’s grace, which incidentally did not come cheap. Becoming good at tracking sin down is a key message of the scriptures. “I write this to you so you will not sin.” (I John 2:1). Elimination is the goal. But John isn’t after perfection by human efforts. “But if anyone does sin we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense — Jesus Christ the righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Defeating sin is a lifelong process because we are humans. But John’s reminder of sacrifice recalls the high price, raises our intensity level and renews our commitment to go after sin with the same passion our King did on that ugly Friday 2000 years ago.
There is no complete elimination of sin for the believer on earth. The Bible is crystal clear that there is to be a steady weakening of sin through our constant fight with increasing evidence of frequent success, the final victory will go to the Savior.
Thank you, for providing a way for me to prove my love for you.