03/03/2020
As Christians, we believe that we can identify sin and avoid it, but we aren’t always tempted by obvious sin; many times we are confronted by things that we might be inclined to rationalize , and that are less obvious. There is a fine line between conversation and gossip, or stretching the truth and telling an outright lie. How well do we identify and resist such subtle sins?
“And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread."”
Matthew 4:3 ESV
To Jesus who’s Father fed the Israelites manna in the desert for years, and provided water from a rock, what would be the harm in turning a few small stones to bread to prove who He was? Wouldn’t doing this be a good way to convince the tempter He was the Christ, and end all of this doubt? These are the kinds of sins that cause us to question whether they are sins at all, they seem so small, and yet they can snare us, and cause us to lose our struggle for righteousness. How do we know, how can we decide what to do?
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.”
James 4:17 ESV
We have God's commandments, and failing to adhere to those are obvious sins, but how do we determine if whispering a rumor into someone’s ear is a sin, or if we are just giving them interesting information? How do we know that not helping a man on the street corner with a couple of dollars is a sin, or just avoiding helping an addict buy his next drink? Sometimes we know if a thing is right, or wrong, but at other times we are uncertain, and have to depend on how it makes us feel, what our spirit is telling us, on discernment.
You know what I am talking about; a neighbor’s wife is seen walking with a man that isn’t her husband, and you really want to call the lady next door and say “I don’t know if anything is going on, but I just saw Susan walking with the guy down the street.” Does that feel like the right thing to do? What if they were looking for a lost pet? Gossip can destroy lives and reputations. When you do this it is a sin, and gossiping is just one of a great many subtle sins. Praying is how we should seek help and guidance when we are in doubt...
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts.”
Psalms 119:132-134 ESV
In our opening verse Jesus recognized Satan’s request that He turn a few stones into bread as a sin. Maybe He reasoned this, or perhaps He just felt that it was wrong and chose not to do it. Either way He identified this was a sin, and responded in with these words as He refused the request...
“But he answered, "It is written, "'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"”
Matthew 4:4 ESV
We wear the armor of God as we walk through our daily lives, and scripture, or God’s Word, is the sword we wield against both the obvious and subtle sins we encounter along the way.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 ESV
So although we can easily identify the obvious sins as outlined by God’s commandments, there are those subtle transgressions that are sins nonetheless... how are we doing against these? Are we listening to our hearts, and the Spirit that guides us? Are we turning to prayer, and using God’s Word against temptation?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Holy Word that strengthens us and teaches us to identify temptation, and sin. We thank you Lord for your Holy Spirit that gives us understanding, and leads us through the subtle snares of the tempter. We thank you Merciful Father for your Son Jesus who not only resisted temptation in His own life, but who intercedes for us as we face sin in all of its many forms, shapes, and sizes, in ours. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who gives us escape from temptation, and the blood of your Son Jesus to cover our sin. Great are you who defends us against evil, and shields us against temptation. We praise your name Father for blessing us with your loving protection, and opening our eyes to the subtle sins that would trip us. We give you all the glory Father for your mercy and grace as we confront the darkness of Satan, and claim victory in Jesus Christ our Savior.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
1 Peter 5:8-10 ESV
Rich Forbes