IT'S NOT ABOUT MANAGING SIN

For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. 

1 Peter 3:17-18 (NIV)

One of the books I am currently reading is Sticky Faith by Dr. Kara E. Powell & Dr. Chap Clark. One of the topics it discusses is sin management. Quite often we tend to just manage our sin rather than truly seeking to know God. The point is that Christ already dealt with our sin. All our sin. Past, present and future sins. 

Of course I don't want to sin. Of course I want to do what is right. But the issue is knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection. Many moons ago I attended a small Bible college named Columbia Bible College, in Columbia, South Carolina (it is now named Columbia International University). It's motto is, "To Know Him and Make Him Known". At the time I thought it was a bit hokey. But, as I have matured I have come to understand its simple depth. 

Christ, the righteous, died for me, the unrighteous, to bring me to God. He did not do this to give me a second chance at being perfect. He died to bring me to God. 

In Genesis chapter three the story of the fall of man is told. In verse 9 it says, "But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"" In Christ we, without fear, say, "Here I am" and enjoy the very presence of God. Think about that...

Father, help us to enjoy your presence. Praise be to you in us today!

DOES YOUR ANSWER OPEN A DOOR?

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 

I Peter 3:15-16

Up against the fear of suffering for doing what is right Peter tells us to set apart Christ as Lord. That means trusting him with the outcome of our faith. If you chose to act in accordance with the love of Christ, you will find yourself on a different path than those around you. Some people will be really bothered by that. Be ready to gently explain why your faith in Christ leads you to chose to do some things and not others. 

I have been asked to go places and do things that I know would not honor God or my wife. So, I have to say no. Sometimes people want to know why. There is a difference between answering with gentleness and respect while telling the truth (calling sin sin) and condemning people without the offer of hope. If I respond in gentleness and respect a door is opened that the Holy Spirit uses. I guess you might say it leads to a redemptive conversation and there is nothing like seeing someone open up to Christ. The opportunity to see someone come to Christ is truly awesome. 

Father, help us to live by faith and respond in gentleness and respect to those who need you. Provide a redemptive conversation today! Praise be to you in us today!

ARE YOU AFRAID OF DOING GOOD?

"Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear, do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord." I Peter 3:13-15a

Sometimes we are afraid to live by faith. Afraid of what people might think. Afraid of having to explain ourselves. Afraid of being different. Afraid of failing. Afraid that God might let us down. 

Job said, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15a). Sometimes faith seem foolish. Sometimes doing what we know is right in Christ may seem odd to those around us. It may even seem odd to us! But what others may think is not what is most important. Knowing that we are doing what God says is right is most important. How God views us is what counts and he sees us through the righteousness of Christ. That is why we should seek to please Christ, as our Lord. 

The wonderful truth is if we do what is right we will be blessed. even if we suffer for doing what is right, we will be blessed. 

Father, thank you for being Sovereign over all. Thank you that if we seek to live by faith and do what is right, in the end you will work all things for our good. Praise be to you in us today!