As we have studied the book of Hosea, I am reminded of the Separating power of sin. It was evident in the lives of the Israelites as they adopted idolatry, disobedience, and a lack of knowledge of God.
When we allow sin or pet sins to remain relevant, we will enable a wedge between God and us. I want to remind you today just how powerful sin is.
Sin is a pervasive force that can consume and destroy our lives. As Christians, we believe that the separating power of sin can separate us from God and hinder our spiritual growth. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 6:23 that “the wages of sin is death,” indicating that sin can lead to eternal separation from God.
However, as believers, we also believe that the power of sin has been defeated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through our faith in Christ, we have the power to resist sin and live a holy life.
The separating power of sin can manifest in many ways in the life of a Christian. It can lead to broken relationships with others, guilt, shame, and a lack of peace. It can also cause us to feel distant from God and hinder our ability to connect with Him.
Sin can become a vicious cycle that keeps us trapped and separated from the abundant life that God intends for us to have.
The Bible is clear that sin is a reality in our lives, and we will all fall short of God’s perfect standard at times.
However, as Christians, we have the power to resist sin through the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live a righteous and holy life. Galatians 5:16 says, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” This verse reminds us that we can overcome sin through our relationship with God and the power of the Holy Spirit.
One of the most powerful ways to resist sin is through prayer and Bible study. Spending time in God’s Word and seeking His face through prayer helps us to discern His will for our lives and gives us the strength to resist temptation. Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” By memorizing and meditating on Scripture, we can arm ourselves with the truth and resist the enemy’s lies.
Another way to resist sin is through accountability with other believers. When we surround ourselves with other Christians committed to living a holy life, we can encourage and support each other in our walk with God. Proverbs 27:17 says, ” Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.”
By building relationships with other believers, we can sharpen and hold each other accountable to live a life that honors God.
In conclusion, sin is a powerful force that can separate us from God and hinder our spiritual growth. However, Christians can resist sin through the Holy Spirit and our relationship with God. Through prayer, Bible study, and accountability with other believers, we can overcome the separating power of sin and live a life that honors God.
In 1905 Charles A. Tindley penned the words to a very familiar hymn, “Nothing between my soul and the Savior,
So that His blessed face may be seen;
Nothing preventing the least of His favor;
Keep the way clear! Let nothing between.”
May we continually seek His face and ask for His help in living a life that is pleasing to Him.