Christian Response to Sin
1 Peter 4:1 - 3 (NKJV) 1Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 3For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.
“Arm yourself with the same mind”
Romans 12:2 (NKJV) 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
1. Jesus suffered and died because of sin
Hebrews 12:3 - 4 (NKJV) 3For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
Think of what sin did to Jesus
How can we enjoy that which made Jesus suffer and die on the cross?
Jesus:
a. Taught us to turn from our sins
Mark 1:14 - 15 (NKJV) 14Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
b. Showed us how to Live free from sin (our example)
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) 21For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
c. forgave and healed people from the effect of sin
Matthew 9:4 - 7 (NKJV) 4But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? 6But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the paralytic, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 7And he arose and departed to his house.
2. What it did to us in the past (we were once in bondage)
Remember what you were before you met Christ
God urged Israel to remember that they had once been slaves in Egypt
Deuteronomy 5:15a (NKJV) 15And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm…
Paul remembered that he had been a persecutor of believers
1 Timothy 1:12 – 13a (NKJV) 12And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor…
3. The time we are wasting today
v.3 (read) Have we not already spent enough time
“The will of the Gentiles” means “the will of the unsaved world”
Talking with a Christian this week who is in their 70’s and trying to do more for Christ. They talked about all the time they wasted.
Romans 6:1 - 2 (NKJV) 1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
1 Corinthians 15:54 - 57 (NKJV) 54So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 55 “O£ Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" 56The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
