2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (ESV)
As believers, we are no longer powerless against sin. Yes, when we do sin, we must continue to acknowledge it and confess it in order to maintain our relationship with God and with our fellow believers. But we are no longer slaves to sin. We are no longer powerless. We no longer HAVE to sin.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
This is not referring to hardships in life, like many people think when they mistakenly quote this verse to you during a trial in your life. This verse is referring to you ability to conquer sin. God will always provide a way out. Always! It is up to us to take it through the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.
But, in those times when we fail, in those times where our fleshly desires temporarily consume us, in those times where we succumb to temptation, we have an advocate. Jesus Christ is our mediator. Jesus Christ is our High Priest.
My MacArthur study bible says...
Although Satan prosecutes believers night and day before the Father due to sin (Rev 12:10), Christ's high priestly ministry guarantees not only sympathy, but also acquittal (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Thanks be to God!
Tomorrow's scripture focus: 1 John 2:2
4 comments:
I think what keeps blowing my mind when we talk about the believers' ability to fight temptation is that we have EXACTLY the same sin-fighting tools at our disposal that Christ used when facing temptation. KNOW THE SCRIPTURES and USE THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT residing in you. That's all Jesus did. He didn't use His supernatural power as God to keep Himself from sinning; He used what was/is available to ALL mankind. I LOVE that!!!
I love how John writes, "but IF someone sins..." I wonder why he didn't say "when" instead. There's really no possibility of being sinless!
That blows my mind too, Tammi. But what blows my mind even more is that Jesus, who Himself withstood temptation and was sinless, is STILL willing to advocate for us when we fail, despite our having the exact same tools to fight temptation that He did and not using them effectively.
Ooo, NO KIDDING!!!! THAT is "amazing grace" right there.
"Although Satan prosecutes believers night and day before the Father due to sin (Rev 12:10), Christ's high priestly ministry guarantees not only sympathy, but also acquittal (Hebrews 4:14-16)."
Acquittal. Acquittal. Acquittal.
So unbelievable and yet true.
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