I read a story about a man who had this to say, “I never feel convicted, nor do I feel like God is punishing me or is angry with my sin. In fact those things make me FEEL GOOD IN THE MOMENT. I guess my main thing is I don’t know how to HATE SIN, especially when I don’t feel any immediate backlash from God for indulging in it. It’s almost like God is giving me a free pass. And I just am wondering why that would be. HOW DO I LEARN TO HATE MY SIN?” Solomon tells us this, “These six things the LORD HATES, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.” (Prov. 6:16-19)
The first thing that must happen to us is, we must feel is “GODLY SORROW” “Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that YOUR SORROW LED TO REPENTANCE. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For GODLY SORROW PRODUCES REPENTANCE LEADING TO SALVATION, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” (2 Corin. 7:9-10)
Then we must understand that, “…ALL HAVE SINNED and fall short of the glory of God…” (Rom. 3:23)
There is a consequence we face for that sin, “…the wages of sin IS DEATH…” (Rom. 6:23a)
There is a reward for us when we repent of that sin, “the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23b)
How do we receive that reward? “Repent therefore and be converted, that YOUR SINS MAY BE BLOTTED OUT, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” (Acts 3:19)
Where do I begin? Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and OPENS THE DOOR, I WILL COME IN and fellowship with him and he with me.” (Rev. 3:20)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham