From time to time we’ve all heard the old worn
out phrase everybody’s doing it or
some variation. Truth is not everybody is
doing it, whatever it is. It has
become a catch phrase, a futile attempt to justify ones sinister behavior. It’s
a feeble attempt to justify ourselves, to somehow continue the malicious
activities without the repercussions necessitated by such evil deeds. And we
inherited the trait from our first parents Adam and Eve as they tried in vain
to dodge the inevitable. Furthermore, just because everybody’s doing it does not justify you or me in doing it. Just because all the other
kids are doing it does not justify me
doing it. Just because it was common
practice and afforded by the laws of man did not make it acceptable in God’s
sight for Abram to lie with Hagar.
We plead with God to
withhold those hidden and not so hidden costs, which in effect are simply
a plea to continue the illicit behavior without the consequences [putting it in
the biblical vernacular curse/s]. In
short what we really want is to enjoy the pleasures of sin without the
punishment---a license to sin. We ought to be more like Moses, Heb.11:24-25 By faith Moses, when he was come to years,
refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer
affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a
season. Sin’s pleasure is always for a season, a short time.
Upon
reviewing the list of curses Moses from Mt. Ebal pronounced to the Children of
Israel [in particular Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan and Naphtali] in
Dt.27:11-26, I find that there were no definitive consequences given, rather
the people merely agreed. The same is found in Lev.18:1-30 whereas Moses addresses
the children of Israel concerning sexual atrocities, the curses are not
defined. Interesting; however a quick overview of contemporary crimes reveals
some startling hidden costs of sin.
A recent story revealed on
national media told the story of a prominent woman in a small community
convicted of sexual relations with a minor. The hidden costs to her:
·
Labeled as a registered sex offender
·
Prohibited from even attending her teenage
daughter’s athletics events. Had to stay at least 100 feet away.
·
Divorced as a result
·
Prohibited from any contact with any minor,
relative or not
·
Prohibited from any contact with future
grandchildren
·
Ousted from public office
·
Lost personal business
·
Excommunicated from friends and relatives
·
Prohibited from crossing county lines
·
9 months in jail.
·
Labeled as an ex felon
·
Loss or reputation
·
Loss of income
·
Remarried, to younger man who, because of the
relationship, had to forfeit visitation rights to his own children
Now consider Abram’s hidden
costs of sin with Hagar:
·
Hagar and Ishmael cast out of his domain
(Ge.21:10)
·
Hagar and Ishmael disinherited (Ge.21:10)
·
Ishmael marked as a wild man (Ge.16:12)
·
Ishmael’s inability to get along with anyone
(Ge.16:12)
·
Ishmael’s perpetual war with his brother
Isaac/Israel
·
Yes Ishmael was blessed, but he could never
have his father Abraham’s blessing of the firstborn
·
Deprived of God’s covenant (Ge.17:19-21)
Is
Sin worth it?
Each sin carries with it a tsunami of unrealized
consequences. I’m sure that neither Abram nor the woman in the story above even
dreamed of the horror to come as the result of their fling with sin. Moses, on
the other hand, evidently gave it much thought.
As I pondered this writing, several questions arose.
1. Does
God require confession today?
2. If
so, to whom are we required to confess?
3. What
is the difference between confession and repentance?
4. Does
God, upon confession, does God negate consequences mandated by man?
In my study I have concluded sin must be confessed to
three different entities:
·
Self [admitting our wrong and accepting the
consequences]
·
God [coming into agreeance with Him about the
sin] [every sin is a transgression against God whether or not it involves
another person]
·
Others [those whom we’ve harmed] [when we sin
against another, God is also sinned against]
Confession is not only agreeing with God about the sin,
it is also [when made public] a declaration of guilt, for without public
confession the tendency is to go about business as usual. You cannot have
repentance without confession, public or otherwise.
Questions answered:
1. Yes.
a. God
requires confession even today. 1Jn.1:8-10…confess
our sins; Ja.5:16 Confess your faults
one to another; Mt.18:21-35
b. God
requires confession to Himself Mt.5:21-26; 1Jn.1:9
c. God
requires confession to those harmed Mt.5:21-26
2. See
#1
3. Confession
is basically agreeing with God that there is indeed an offence; whereas
repentance is the act of turning from the sin resolving to never repeat it. True
repentance is never attained until confession is made.
4. No.
God never negates man’s consequences, provided they agree with His. Often there
is an extended period of time until the fullness of consequences occur. They
are nonetheless inevitable.
I have also concluded that we always seek a safe person
with whom to confess.
·
Safe: one who is not obligated to report sin;
close friend or relative [in short one who will not apply due consequences]
·
Unsafe: one who by law is obligated to
report; law enforcement, educators, counselors
We are always concerned with our reputations, wealth,
well being, and freedom which hinders and contributes to out reluctance to
confess. If we deem a person to be safe, we are more likely to proceed. On the
other hand, if the person is deemed as unsafe…
Why is there a lack of power within the Church today?
Based upon the preceding
information I conclude that the most hindering to miracles within the Church
today is a lack of confession. James 5:16 Confess
your faults one to another, and pray for another [for what purpose?] that ye may be healed. [a fault is not a
zit on your nose. A fault is something worthy of judgment] Mt.18:21-35; 1Cor.11:24-34 For this cause many are weak and sickly
among you and many sleep. 1Cor.5:1-13 Purge
out therefore the old leaven… 31Form if we would judge ourselves, we
should not be judged.
The more the church allows sin within its walls the more
power is withheld and the miraculous is withheld.
Individual members are
charged with holding one another accountable for three reasons:
1. That
the name of the Lord be not blasphemed amongst unbelievers.
2. That
the flesh might be destroyed but the spirit saved 1Cor.5:1-13.
3. That
His church be beyond reproach giving witness to the fallen world we live in.
God’s name is so Holy He
watches over it with a vengeance. The OT admonished the children of Israel to
keep watch over one another, so also the NT establishes clear cut instructions
for believers to be their brother’s keeper. There are those who take the stand
that it’s only the duty of the clergy to provide care for God’s sheep, however,
we are all charged with the task.
All this does not mean God
is arbitrary, an angry, sadistic God, seeking to execute wickedness on those
who step out of line. NO! He is a loving compassionate God not only demanding
holiness but also providing the way and lovingly guiding each of us unto His
holiness.
This is
not a popular doctrine, however, truth is truth. In many cases Grace has been
overly simplified and miss taught to the point many believe they can keep the
old sinful lifestyle and still make it to heaven. To the contrary, Scriptures,
both OT and NT are replete with admonitions to repent and purge out the old leaven of wickedness; as God is HOLY [separate
from sin] therefore we ought to separate ourselves from sin. Sin is a reproach
upon our Holy God, His church and the Christ who gave His life for us. He
demands us to be holy, not just by our accepting of Jesus as our Savior then
continuing in sin.
Faith
Building Practice and Review
1. Why
does God demand holiness?
2. In
what ways does God provide you and me with the where with all to be holy?
3. How
do you view God? As an angry old man looking to beat us whenever we screw up?
Explain.
4. Or
do you see Him as loving, compassionate, full of mercy. Explain.
5. Reflect
on your personal life. explain His actions toward you.
6. Are
you beginning to see the relativity between sin and its consequences/curse?
7. Is
sin worth it?
Knowing
God
A brief [not complete, add
to the list] synopsis of the persona of God:
·
Love
·
Gracious
·
Merciful
·
Righteous
·
Longsuffering
·
Gentle
·
Faithful
·
Compassionate
·
Forgiving
·
Friend
The ultimate goal of Bible study is to
know God and not to merely memorize Bible trivia. As you study, identify the
attributes of God. For instance: make a note when you read of God extending His
forgiveness or compassion, and remember how He has done the same for you.
Richard has
been an avid student and teacher of the Bible for over thirty years, and has
written Bible studies for over ten years, emailing them across the country to
friends and relatives. He and his wife, Diane, love to travel and enjoy
spending time together with their family, and fellowshipping with other
believers.
Richard wrote Crossroads of Life primarily because he
was always a terrible decision maker and had the desire and need to improve
dramatically in this important area of life. Secondly, it was recommended by a
doctor as treatment for a mild traumatic brain injury suffered in a car and
semi-tractor trailer accident. Thirdly, it was a God given mandate to help
others who suffer from lack of good decision-making skills.
Every day
Richard encounters people who have very poor decision-making skills. Even
worse, they continue to make the same mistakes over and over expecting
different outcomes, not unlike myself. It is exciting to share the principles
with others and experience their success stories. The principles are applicable
not only to tough decisions, but also to situations we encounter in our daily
schedules. Crossroads of Life
provides the tools to make great decisions while building self confidence,
improving relationships, fosters an environment of study and worship, and
demonstrates the relevancy of the Scriptures in our daily lives.
When Richard
and Diane began to apply the steps in Crossroads
of Life, they immediately began to see changes in their marriage. The
steps, over time, have become almost second nature to follow. It is for these
reasons Richard has set a goal of reaching one million people with the message
of Crossroads of Life. Aired
on KLTT 670AM 12/31/2011 and KLVZ 810AM 1/13/2012
To schedule
reservations for book signing, seminars, or speaking engagements please
contact:
In His
service to serve you
Richard Godfrey
Book ordering
information: WestBow Press 1-866-928-1240 ext 5022 or click on bookstore
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