“For we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One Who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the Throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV
When we fall into sin as a genuine believer, one of the first things we do is condemn ourselves. We believe we are unworthy to approach God’s Throne of grace. We allow guilt and condemnation to take root within our heart. When this occurs, the Enemy quickly rushes in to hammer this mindset down ten-fold. The Devil and his legion of demons love to remind us of the wrong we have done and whisper, “You’re no good. God doesn’t love you anymore. You’re worthless. You can’t go back to Him now.”
How quick we are to give into his words of condemnation and believe them! We must not be so quick to listen to Lucifer who is the Father of Lies (John 8:44). When our flesh takes over and we disobey God, God does not look at us with condemnation. Though conviction of what we have done may come, God wants us to quickly come back to the Throne of grace. He wants us to enter into His presence through genuine repentance.
Whether we have sinned in thought, deed, act, word or motive, when we pray and ask God for forgiveness for what we have done, “He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV). This by no means gives us the right to sin, for Paul says, “Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!” (Romans 6:15 NIV). It simply is a recognition that when we sin and fall short, if we come to God with a broken and contrite heart (Isaiah 57:15) He is ready and willing to forgive.
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12 KJV). The Devil’s legion of demons and unclean spirits know our past just as much as we do. They know what entices our flesh and they understand where our weak points are. Knowing this, we must understand that it is absolutely essential to stay in the Word of God and speak it loudly and boldly over our life.
Demons don’t want to come close to a person who has the fire of the Holy Ghost in them and the Word of God being spoken through them. That is why we must call upon the Holy Ghost to show us the path of righteousness. We must allow the Holy Ghost to direct our steps and lead us out of temptation.
No sin that the believer does goes without consequence. There will be missed blessings on this earth and missed rewards in Heaven. None of us are exempt from this reality. Regardless of this, we must press on in Christ. We must not get discouraged or allow shame and guilt to rule us when we sin. Instead, we must learn to immediately go to Christ Who has already purified us and made us clean.
May God's promises be ever at the forefront of our minds. May we be passionate in our work for Him. May all come to know this grace that saves man out of Hell and from their flesh.
Glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Grace and Mercy. Forgive us, O Lord, of our sins. Forgive us of the times we have neglected You and gone our own way. Guide us into Your loving arms and give us the strength to have dominion over our temptations and weaknesses. Cleanse us and sanctify us, O God. Breathe newness of life into our souls. May we live for You as we strive to walk in the way of Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lance VanTine