The introduction to today’s study was very good: ‘In almost every life,’ said Dr E. Stanley Jones, ‘there is an issue which needs confronting, which becomes the decision point from which we swing toward darkness or toward light – toward spiritual malformation or spiritual transformation. If that central issue is not faced then the process of transformation is blocked. If faced courageously then the process of redemption is at our disposal.’
It should be remembered that all confrontation of sin will involve a level of discomfort for at least one of the parties. Consequently, whenever we are involved in exposing (discerning) the sin and restoring the sinner – the issues must be taken to God in persistent and persevering prayer. Some people may respond along the lines that we should not judge other people – however, the Bible does not say that we should ignore the sin in other’s lives – what it is saying, is that we have no right to condemn others (to hell) for their sins – that function is on Jesus’ job description, not ours.
I’m reaching the view that a lot of the mess seen in various Christian denominations is due to poor teaching on sin, its consequences and our responses to it. I feel that some have been drawn into lopsided discussions regarding issues like homosexuality; without first defining the nature (the context) of sin and looking; just as closely, at the sins of fornication and adultery.
Is it any wonder that Christians in our western culture lack credibility when the vast masses fawn over gossip about celebrities and their sinful, adulterous lives? If a married person looks at another (in any environment: shops, movies, magazines, TV etc,) with lust in their hearts – it is adultery, that’s what Jesus said - what we desire in our hearts is just as important as our actions when dealing with our sinful nature. (In an Old Testament context, the proven sin of adultery deserves death by stoning). Yet, keep in mind that sin laden, hypocrites are automatically disqualified from discerning the exact nature of sin – that is, they should not throw stones!
We must not hate the sinner, yet the confrontation of sin will often cause discomfort. To avoid discussion of an issue because we may cause discomfort to someone – is not an act of love – it is, a hateful neglect of that person’s eternal future. What do you say?
Handle with care!
The introduction to today’s study was very good: ‘In almost every life,’ said Dr E. Stanley Jones, ‘there is an issue which needs confronting, which becomes the decision point from which we swing toward darkness or toward light – toward spiritual malformation or spiritual transformation. If that central issue is not faced then the process of transformation is blocked. If faced courageously then the process of redemption is at our disposal.’
It should be remembered that all confrontation of sin will involve a level of discomfort for at least one of the parties. Consequently, whenever we are involved in exposing (discerning) the sin and restoring the sinner – the issues must be taken to God in persistent and persevering prayer. Some people may respond along the lines that we should not judge other people – however, the Bible does not say that we should ignore the sin in other’s lives – what it is saying, is that we have no right to condemn others (to hell) for their sins – that function is on Jesus’ job description, not ours.
I’m reaching the view that a lot of the mess seen in various Christian denominations is due to poor teaching on sin, its consequences and our responses to it. I feel that some have been drawn into lopsided discussions regarding issues like homosexuality; without first defining the nature (the context) of sin and looking; just as closely, at the sins of fornication and adultery.
Is it any wonder that Christians in our western culture lack credibility when the vast masses fawn over gossip about celebrities and their sinful, adulterous lives? If a married person looks at another (in any environment: shops, movies, magazines, TV etc,) with lust in their hearts – it is adultery, that’s what Jesus said - what we desire in our hearts is just as important as our actions when dealing with our sinful nature. (In an Old Testament context, the proven sin of adultery deserves death by stoning). Yet, keep in mind that sin laden, hypocrites are automatically disqualified from discerning the exact nature of sin – that is, they should not throw stones!
We must not hate the sinner, yet the confrontation of sin will often cause discomfort. To avoid discussion of an issue because we may cause discomfort to someone – is not an act of love – it is, a hateful neglect of that person’s eternal future. What do you say?