The power of sin, the greatness of shame & the sufficiency of Christ

2020-08-30 

David Nasser  

The power of sin, the greatness of shame & the sufficiency of Christ. 

We are reminded in the gospel about the cancer and the cure. The problem and the solution. 

1. Sin is strong 

Definition: 
Sin is the “missing of the mark” or going beyond the boundaries or limits set by God. 

Romans 6:23 

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life inChrist Jesus our Lord. 

Ephesians 2:1 

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins  

Quote: “The recognition of sin is the beginning of salvation.” – Martin Luther 

2 primary distinctives: 

1) Original sin= sin has been with us from the very beginning. (duration) 

We are born with a sinful nature. Adamic in nature. not neutral. 

2) Total depravity- sin touches the totality of our being. 

 John Wesley- no man loves God by nature any more than he does of stone or the earth he treads upon. what we love we delight in but no man naturally delights in god. we are hardwired against it by nature. 

2. Shame is great 

Define: Shame is the conscience acknowledging sin 

Shame is a privilege. Remember that the next time you experience it. It shows that God values you enough to beckon you to the righteousness that He alone can provide. (Jeremy Pierre)  

Philippians 3:18-19 

18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.  

Our posture towards others sin must be accountibility and brokenness. 

3. Jesus is greater 

Phil 3:20-21 
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body. 

This is amazing news. His power is greater than our sin and shame. 

 Romans 6:12 

Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.