Courageous Choices Part 4Sample

THE PREDICTABLE PATTERN OF SIN

When we experience temptation that leads to sin, it follows a predictable pattern. This pattern is seen in Achan’s explanation of why he sinned to Joshua. We can also see it in the garden with Eve when she eats the forbidden fruit. First, it starts with seeing. We see the fruit looks good. We see the sparkling of the silver. We see the attractive features of a friend. Second comes coveting. This is desiring what isn’t ours. It begins to take hold of our thoughts and become something we can’t shake. The third is the taking. Acting on the thing that we have seen and coveted so that it can belong to us. Finally, when our conscious strikes or someone points out our sin, we hide. We don’t want to reveal what we have done. It ultimately leads to death, as we have touched on in the previous days. The only hope for our sin is through the saving grace of Jesus Christ who took the punishment (death) upon himself so that we can be forgiven (more on that tomorrow).

Ask Yourself:

-How have I seen myself go through this pattern with sin?

Pause to Pray: Ask for the courage to bring your sin out of hiding and for God to remind you of his saving grace in Jesus.

Take a Next Step:

-Confess one of the sins you have been hiding to a trusted friend as well as to the Lord.