Putting the Past Behind
2003015
Subject: promises; forward thinking; confession
of sin.
Introduction:
A.
Sin is a terrible thing.
1.
Like carrying around a ball & chain. Weighs on you. Slows you down. Tires you
out.
2.
Heb 12:1 – note the word picture here.
3.
Can make us feel utterly helpless. See Lk. 5:8; Acts 2:37
4.
Of course, only way out of sin is through Christ! Mt. 11:28-30; Acts 22:16; Eph. 2:4-10
B.
Many obey the gospel and do well initially. But then fall back into the same old habits as before
becoming a Christian.
1.
Then comes the guilt – and this time it’s even worse!
2.
Because we know better – know the potential punishment – can
weigh on us every hour of every day.
3.
2 Peter 2:20-21
4.
Some get so discouraged that they just give up or flirt with the thought
of giving up.
C.
Brethren…need to understand something. After one obeys the gospel there will be occasion to sin
– and the Christian will sin.
1.
Devil plays a role here.
a)
First he has lost one of his own and is doing all he can to get
new/young Christian back w/him.
b)
Second – he plays to our weaknesses
c)
Third, he tells us we are not worthy to be Christian’s b/c of our sinful
thoughts/ actions.
d)
Fourth he tells us there’s just no use in trying anymore.
2.
Self plays a role too.
a)
Much sin is pleasurable.
b)
Have to gain control over the body and fleshly wants.
c)
“Want to” is essential!
D.
But still we fail. Still we
fall. Still we willfully engage in
sin. What to do? How can we handle our sin & get
back up to where we need to be?
E.
Promise yourself to learn from the mistakes of the past, and let them
go, so you can focus on the future.
I. There are many examples leading us here.
A.
Paul. See Acts 8:1-3;
9:1-2; 1 Tim. 1:13-15. Then turn
to Philippians 3:13-14.
B.
Three things people can do with sin:
1.
Resolve to never sin again.
a)
Impossible!
b)
See 1 Jhn. 1:8; Rom. 3:23
2.
Let sin make a coward out of us.
a)
Judas – Mt. 27:1-10
3.
Learn from our sin!
a)
Profitable!
b)
Peter – Lk. 22:31; Mt. 26:69-75; 2 Peter 1:3-4
II. On the aspect of letting go…
A.
We must learn to let go. Sinful behavior happened. Can’t take it back. Can’t do it over again. Can
put words back in mouth, etc.
B.
I believe this is what Paul
did. 1 Tim. 1:12-16
III. We must get on with living life for God!
A.
Who are we living for? 2
Cor. 5:15
B.
What are we living for? 2
Cor. 5:9
C.
How do we please God? Col.
1:9-12
1.
filled w/knowledge
2.
Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord – follow through!
3.
Bear fruit
4.
Increase in knowledge
5.
strengthened
6.
Giving thanks to the Father!
Conclusion:
A.
What sins are you trying to carry?
B.
Why?
C.
Lighten your load. Give it
to Christ Mt. 11:28-30
D.
Already a Christian & in sin? Confess it; repent of it; get on w/your life!
E.
I N V I T A T I O N.