THE DIVINE CURE FOR SIN
This is the second part of a two-part lesson about Joshua's defeat at the city of Ai (Joshua 7). Last time we learned that the consequences of sin include a dangerous course that leads us away from God and His blessings. We also learned about the destructive nature of sin. Sin destroys everyone and everything it touches. Because Achan disobeyed God, he and his family paid the price with their lives.
Is there a cure for sin? Absolutely. Just as Joshua 7 points out the problem with sin, it also teaches about God's divine cure for sin. Notice it with me.
First, I must develop a radical hatred toward sin. God hates sin. Sometimes we feel sorry for Achan, but He was warned. And so are we. The cross stands as a visible reminder as to how much God hates sin. You will never walk by faith until you hate sin as much as God does.
It wasn't the cross that killed Jesus. It was sin: my sin and your sin. Romans 8:13 teaches, "For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." We have to hate sin as much as God does if we ever want to overcome it.
Second, I must practice both confession and repentance. After some coercion, Achan made a confession, but he never repented. If we want to be reconciled to God, we have to do both. Proverbs 28:13 says, "He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy."
To receive God's forgiveness, we have to complete a two-part process. We must confess, and then repent (or forsake). It is not enough to be sorry, or to be remorseful. We have to be serious with God in order to get it right. Today, I see very little confession and repentance. Do you know what I see? Justification and explanation. These do not work when it comes to God.
Third, I must accept God's cleansing. Thankfully, the Lord is a God of the second and third, and fourth chance. In chapter 8, the children of Israel go up against Ai again. This time they are victorious. Listen to the wonderful promise found in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." When you sin, here is what you need to do. Admit it (that is confession). Quit it (that is repentance). Then, forget it (because God has forgotten it).
Regardless of the sin, God stands ready to forgive and restore. However, before we can receive what God has for us, we must come humbly to Him. Too often, pride gets in our way. Do not allow pride to rob you of a right relationship with God. Whatever Satan promises is a lie. The path of sin leads to destruction, while the path of God leads to blessings. Do you have an Achan Breakin' heart today? Come to Jesus. Allow Him to enable you to walk by faith.
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DAILY DEVOTIONALS
by Kristi Morgan
Godly Gossip
Spreading God's Word from
Person to Person
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