It has been very obvious by our time together that Christians sin (1 Cor 3), there is no debate there, but the difficulty that comes to our attention is: What about the “Christian” who continues in their sinful ways?
Paul says the root of the difficulty is that we live to the “flesh” and not to the Spirit
Galatians 5:16-26 is a reminder to believers from Paul that they are in the Spirit and should not follow the desires of the “Flesh”
What do we do with the habitually sinning Christian?
Luke 17:1-4, Warn, confront, forgive, GRACE & GOSPEL
They are unrepentant. Extreme cases:
Matt 18:15-20 (going to need to exegete this)
How do you treat unbelievers?
1 Cor 5 (quick explanation then look at verses 9-13)
Why the harsh stance? Because sin is serious business to the Lord Jesus wants us to speak truth in a compassionate way and be involved in the wake up calls of stubborn individuals. & He knows what is good for us and sin is not.
The Local body of believers is a reminder because most people intrenched in sin are not opening their Bible
What if it is you?
When you continue in sin this is what you do to yourself.
The Consequences we will face when we continue in sin.
1. Jer 5:25 Withholds good
2. Heb 12 Discipline Tedd Tripp “Discipline is a rescue mission”
3. 1 Cor 3 hinders spiritual growth (milk)
4. 2 Tim 2:21 limits our service (sin disqualifies)
5. 1 Cor 10&11 Pollutes the fellowship
6. Eph 4:30 Grieves the Spirit
7. 1 Peter 3:10 Hinders prayers (God does not want to hear you)
8. 1 Cor 11:30 & 1 John 5:16 Brings sickness and death
What to do if you are in habitual sin?
Many times we make the mistake of modifying behavior. “I will substitute this word for that word”. “Or instead of doing this I will do that”. Things like that do work for a time but the problem is our heart and its condition.
-Realize it. what are the benefits of this habit? why is it a detriment and what does God say about it? Romans 12 says “Renew our Mind”
-Repent “Godly Sorrow” 2 Cor. 7:9-11 You need to really care about what Jesus thinks about this. (How do you know if someone has Godly sorrow? They confess w/o being caught)
-Stop John 8:10-12 Stop it.
James 4:8 tells us that solution is getting closer to Jesus
How do you do that?
Personally I do not think it is a step by step process of things to do, it is about your theology (what you believe about Jesus and then responding to that) “Good theology gets you through tough times” (my quote)
-Have a right perspective about who you are. Romans 7:14-25 Describes Christian maturity, Paul is realizing that he in his own strength and power cannot live the Christian life.
-Remember your standing in Christ Romans 6
-Romans 8:15-17 Rely on the Spirit “You are weak He is strong”
-Remember the Gospel Rom 8:11 Remember the resurrection
-Matt 13:44 Give Him everything (If Jesus doesn’t get your attention then not much will)
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