(8/3/21) Overcoming sin is NOT the great commission - Bible Study
Overcoming sin is NOT the great commission
Passage: Hebrews 12:1-2
Sin hunts us down daily. There is not a day that goes by that we will not feel its presence. Some days more than others, but struggling with sin is part of the everyday experience of the Christian life. Of course, certain sins have more significant consequences and effects than others. Many of us have struggles that we have battled for years, if not our entire lives. Everyone here has thought at some point, “If I could never struggle with…life would be so much better.”
We easily slip into the pursuit of overcoming sin. We have tried books, accountability partners, podcasts, conferences, therapy, counseling, the list goes on. On top of our sin struggle, we face the massive waves of guilt poured upon us from Christianity. Phrases such as, “How can you say you love Jesus and still struggle with that sin?” Many would even admit they have questioned their salvation. This is a real problem, and the bible provides a real solution––one that doesn’t end with defeat and guilt.
QUESTION: How do you relate to the above paragraphs?
QUESTION: What has motivated you in the past to fight against your sinful habits?
The Christian life is not. “Live 80 years trying not to fail God.” Our great commission is not, “You have been cleansed, now don’t mess it up. Prove to the world your different.” We are different, not because we don’t sin, but because we love.
John 13:35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
What defines us is our passion. Our passion comes from our savior. “1John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.” This life is not about what we don’t do, but who we are trusting in. Jesus has given us a mission that far exceeds simply not doing something but accomplishing something for eternity’s sake. To not sin is merely the first step towards something greater, and that is what Hebrews points us to.
Heb. 12:1 ¶ Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Heb. 12:2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
The writer of Hebrews uses a language of progress, movement, something that we are longing to achieve. We are not running away from something (mainly sin), but we are setting it aside so we can actually run toward something––Jesus!
I believe many in our church have struggled with the same sin year after year because they can’t see past their sin to something greater. Our commission from Christ is extraordinary. We sinners, in humility and weakness, take THE power of God (Romans 1:16) and give it to those who are suffering and lost. We can watch the dead come to life. If you are part of GRC, you are part of this commission. When you come and sing, serve, encourage, fold a chair, help with children, take a meal, no matter what you are serving in, you are advancing the gospel to those in need.
When we have something to look forward to, our sin becomes the distraction we toss aside. Temptation only has its power because we believe its lies. When we can see past sin’s lies, we have reasons to fight. We are fighting for our family. Our cause. Our Savior. Sin is what keeps us from significantly changing someone’s life. You have the power to love. To carry a burden. To listen. Your life has far more meaning than simply not sinning. Let’s gather as a church and take God’s power to change lives and help those in need.
QUESTION: Do you feel that you are more motivated to conquer sin than you are to love others? Why or why not?
QUESTION: How can we help each other look past our sin and focus on our mission as a church?
QUESTION: What discourages you most about your struggle with sin?
Praise, Prayer and Confession:
• What can you offer to the Father in praise?
• What is a sin you need to confess?
• What is a burden we can carry?
• What can we take to our Father in prayer?