His Glory, Our Story – Part II: Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
Scripture:
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” Ephesians 2:1-2 NIV
Observation:
Ben Kern, deacon, delivered a powerful message on Sunday. It’s simple; when we come to Christ, we become dead to sin and alive in Him. What great news it is that mercy and grace are gifts from God, not something we deserve or earn through our actions. It is through Christ alone that we are made new. This message really hit home for me.
Our past no longer defines us; therefore, we can let go of the shame and unworthiness the enemy tries to place on us.
How many times have you had the thought that a certain sin will be the one that finally pushes God away; that if you aren’t perfect, God won’t love you? I’ve battled those thoughts, too. Before Jesus, my life was marked by habitual sin. My soul felt dead; I felt like I had nothing to live for. Tormented by the enemy, I allowed the shame to pull me further away from God and convince me I was unworthy of His love.
While we can’t earn God’s grace through works, He has prepared good works for us to do. It’s a privilege and something we get to do. There is no middle ground; we either live for Christ or we live in the world. Those who live in the world live for Satan.
Ben reminded us that many Christians let their sin be ‘a still do, instead of a used to.’ I needed to hear this. While sanctification is a process, I can’t let sin be a stumbling block that derails me from being a true follower of Christ.
Application:
We must leave our old, dead selves behind and embrace the new life we have in Christ. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us. We are a new creation, called to live in alignment with His will. The enemy will try to distract us, fill our minds with lies, tempt our flesh, and draw us back into the ways of the world. He will attempt to plant doubt in our hearts; this doubt keeps us from seeking our Lord and Savior. But we cannot give in. God loves you, and nothing can separate you from His love. Know this: the enemy has already been defeated through Christ Jesus. The Bible says in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
So keep your eyes on Jesus. When the enemy comes with lies, answer him with the truth of Scripture. The Word of God is our greatest weapon, our source of strength, and our reminder of who we are in Christ.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us Your mercy by withholding the punishment we deserve; and thank You for the grace You freely give us when You pour blessings upon us that we do not deserve. We are unworthy, and we stand in awe of You. It is by Your strength alone that we are able to do anything that is good. Help us continue to fight our flesh and combat the enemy. Help us to remember that we are Your children — that we are loved and have Your spirit within us. Guide us to the good works we are called to complete, the works that You have prepared and equipped us for, in advance. May the glory and honor be Yours, Father, forever and ever. In Jesus' Holy Name, Amen!