What is Our Reaction to Failure?
- The faithful still sin (1 John 2:1 et al) without being rejected by God.
- Our objective is to walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:6)
- To be transformed into the image of Jesus
- (Romans 8:29) For whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
- (Colossians 3:9 – 10) Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.
- (2 Corinthians 3:18) But we all, with unveiled face, behold as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
- (2 Peter 1:4) For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature . . .
- To have the faith of Jesus
- (Romans 3:26) …that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has the faith of Jesus
- (Galatians 2:20) I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave His life for me.
- (Revelation 14:12) Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
- The faithful are enjoined to have godly character on earth.
- (Matthew 5:48) Therefore you shall be consistent, just as your Father in heaven is consistent.
- (1 Peter 1:15 – 16) But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
- To be transformed into the image of Jesus
- How do we live with this?
- (Romans 6:1) Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
- Can we fool God into accepting us?
- People assume that sin implies rejection, so need a way to feel acceptable.
- Asserting that one cannot stop sinning rejects the promises to the contrary.
- Overcome through Jesus and the Spirit (Romans 7:25, 8:9 – 15, Galatians 5:16, 1 John 5:4)
- Maturity, growth, and unity (Ephesians 4:13 – 16)
- Love, discernment, and the fruit of righteousness (Philippians 1:9 – 11, Colossians 1:9 – 11)
- Renewing of your mind makes you able (Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 3:14 – 18, Colossians 3:10)
- Be filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:19)
- Partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)
- Excusing sin as inevitable blames God.
- (John 8:11, 5:14) “Go and sin no more.”
- Suggested responses:
- Gratitude for God’s patience and mercy
- Joy that we are in a faith system rather than a performance system
- Secure in redemption and forgiveness to learn and do better.
- (Romans 6:1) Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?