Courageous Choices Part 4Sample

THE RESTORATION WITH GOD AFTER SIN

So far, we have covered all the negative effects of sin and how sin can slip into our lives. The good news is that we are not condemned to death because of our sins. We have Jesus who died in our place and rose from the dead so that we can have a restored relationship with God and be forgiven of our sins. This process of coming to him is simple, but it takes a lot of emotional effort to admit our wrongdoing. He wants to hear from us in prayer. We need to confess our sin, which means that we need to identify it and call it the same as what God calls it. Next, we need to repent. This is turning away from our sin. We rely on the Holy Spirit to help us not to turn back to that sin again. Finally, we put to death that thing. We remove ourselves from the temptation to do it again. In the story of the Israelites and Achan, it doesn’t end with forgiveness and restoration for Achan. It ends in his death. The Israelites put to death their sin by stoning Achan. But we don’t have to die for our sin. Jesus did that for us!

The future for the Israelites is full of hope. God has promised that if they continue in obedience, confessing sin, repenting of idolatry, then He will bless them abundantly. We know the rest of the story though- no matter how hard they try, they will just never get it right. Those sin patterns are deeply ingrained in our human nature. Again and again, we will return to the things that lead to death and destruction, rather than to the One who leads to life.

That’s why Jesus’ work on the cross is such a big deal. As we read at the beginning of the week, Paul’s words to Timothy reflect the humble, yet confident position of a sinner saved by grace-

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Ask Yourself:

-What crossroads am I standing in?

-What unconfessed sin patterns in my life are holding me back from full obedience to God?

Pause to Pray: Use Paul’s words to Timothy to write your prayer of confession, thanksgiving, and praise.

Take a Next Step:

-You can make courageous choices! The Lord wants you to move forward with boldness, to overcome great obstacles as you faithfully obey Him, follow Him, and confess your sins. Reflect on all you have learned through this study in Joshua and write down some action steps as you commit again to following Jesus Christ.

Find more resources at www.whoisgrace.com/READ.