Sermon on Sunday 1 December 2019 by Pastor Justin
The bible tells us that no one can mock God. Whatever you sow, you reap. Galatians 6:7 - Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Jeremiah said that God tests your mind, searches your heart and will give you according to the fruit of your deed. We can choose to sin or not to sin. Every sin has a consequence, either in our life, the next generation; it hurts us, our family and friends.
In the book of 1 Chronicles, Satan tempted King David to sin, to number the people of Israel. What had he done wrong? He had shifted his attention from trusting God to trusting his own strength and army. He no longer focused on God. He glorified himself. King David took on the census because of his pride. Here, we can see that God permitted the occurrence of these things, for He is sovereign. King David later realised his mistake and admitted his wrongdoing. Because of his sin, God punished Israel. 1 Chronicles 21:8 - And David said to God, "I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take a way the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly."
We must always focus on the Lord who is faithful to keep us, deliver us, provide for us and enable us to conquer, no matter the trial or adversity. When we start to focus on ourselves, and look at our own achievements, we will not see the glory of God. We must take care of the mind which is the battleground. Do not allow sinful thoughts, self-glorification to settle in your mind, and entertain those thoughts. Rebuke those thoughts immediately.
God takes delight in every single detail of our lives. He loves us and wants to train us. Every trial and tribulation is an opportunity to strengthen us. Do not allow yourselves to look at your achievements. We are nothing without Christ. Christ is everything and yet is humble. Do not be boastful. Whatever success you attain, praise God.
1. To admit our wrong and to confess our sin isn't always easy.
Pride is the root of this difficulty. Pride is so strong that it compels you to hold on to your old man. So strong that it prevents you from carrying your cross. So strong that it stops you from biting your tongue. Pride is a sin. God hates this sin. Pay attention to this sin.
Proverbs 16:18 - Pride goes before destruction. And a haughty spirit before a fall.
Remember, pride is a sin that God hates. In the garden of Eden, Eve pointed the finger at the snake and blamed it for her wrongdoing. With pride, you will never admit your mistake.
1 Chronicles 21:7 - And God was displeased with this thing; therefore He struck Israel.
Proverbs 6:16-19 - For there are six things the Lord hates - no, seven: haughtiness, lying, murdering, plotting evil, eagerness to do wrong, a false witness, sowing discord among brothers.
The number one sin that God hates is haughtiness - pride. King David was unwilling to listen to the advice of his general, Joab, who knew that God was the one fighting their battles. King David did not listen to the advice of a godly man.
2. Confess our sins and apologise for our wrongdoings ASAP
You must be quick to apologise. Stop and pray for courage to apologise. Reconcile quickly. All that Jesus taught, we must do and teach people to follow.
Matthew 5:23-24 - "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."
There is always a consequence to sin.
1 Chronicles 21:17 - And David said to God, "I am the one who called for the census! I am the one who has sinned and done wrong! But these people are as innocent as sheep - what have they done? O Lord my God, let your anger fall against me and my family, but do not destroy your people."
3. Apologising is a way of confessing our sins, a way or recognising our sins, a way of clearing the air between people and between you and God
When we realise we are wrong, we come clean with God and with the person involved. Don't say "why must it always be me to take the first step?" The root issue here is pride.
1 John 1:8-10 - If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
You must have Christ within you. You have the truth in you. The truth is Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. He is always faithful. He will cleanse us and bring us to the path of righteousness. Walk in the likeness of Jesus.
4. Admit our wrong and confess our sins so that we will not wander away from humility
Jesus Christ is God but He came to us in humility. He had obedience until death. Who are we to bask in our achievements? Who are we to say "do you know who I am?"
Philippians 2:5 - Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
God opposes pride and gives grace to those who are humble. James 4:6-7 - But He gives us more grace. That is why scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
While we promote ourselves, Jesus humbled himself. After He went through suffering, and resurrected, He told the disciples about the kingdom of God. He said nothing of His suffering, as if it never happened. Jesus was humble to this point, therefore stop promoting yourselves.
Proud and nothing. Humble and everything.
When we commit a sin:
1. Admit it
2. Confess it
3. Get over it
The sooner you admit, confess and get over your sin, you will not prolong the consequences of sin.
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