Disciples Take Sin Seriously Whether it’s in Thought, Word, or Deed
Matthew 5:29
If your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. ~ Jesus
Last week, we pointed out that the USA operates under a highly sexualized culture. Nonetheless we are still responsible for what our eyes take in. While there are certainly external enticements, we need to face our internal temptations too. We have a choice over what our eyes look at or don’t look at.
Evangelist Dwight L. Moody aptly described this great source of sinful trouble: "I have more trouble with D. L. Moody than with any man I know". Moody’s eyes may have dwelt on sinful pleasures at one time, but he never gouged his eyes out over it.
Nor have I.
Jesus isn’t seriously calling for us to gouge out our eyes; what He is calling for is a serious approach regarding sinfulness. Don’t minimize it or downplay it. That’s our focus this week from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Prayer For the Week
Holy Spirit, convict me of any area of my life where I’ve minimized my sin. I don’t want to accept what You find unacceptable. This may not be easy for me. Encourage me even as You draw my attention to sin that I’ve been allowing to go unchallenged or unchecked.
Pause and listen… consider writing and confessing. Thank Jesus for the gift of forgiveness, then finish up by remembering that you’re forgiven.
Biblical Themes:
Bad Words, Episode 1 Khata / Sin
The word sin is one of the most common bad words in the Bible, but what does it really mean? In this video, you’ll explore the concept of moral failure that underlies this important biblical word. Get ready to discover a profound and realistic portrait of the human condition.
https://bibleproject.com/videos/khata-sin/
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God
Psalm 119:161-168 21st letter: Shin (ש)
- Rulers persecute me without cause,
but my heart trembles at your word. - I rejoice in your promise
like one who finds great spoil. - I hate and detest falsehood
but I love your law. - Seven times a day I praise you
for your righteous laws. - Great peace have those who love your law,
and nothing can make them stumble. - I wait for your salvation, Lord,
and I follow your commands. - I obey your statutes,
for I love them greatly. - I obey your precepts and your statutes,
for all my ways are known to you.
Read the verses of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.