December 15 Stop Sinning

John 5:14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 
 
“STOP sinning or something worse many happen to you.” Jesus warned. What could be worse than being crippled for 38 years? The “worse” is eternal suffering in Hell. “Stop sinning.” was Jesus’ warning of God’s eternal wrath on the unrepentant. Only the man’s repentant heart would save him into God’s grace.
   Jesus often connected physical and spiritual healing with forgiveness and repentance. See this in a man’s physical healing: Mark 2:10-12 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins 11 I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” And note Jesus’ command to a woman condemned for adultery: John 8:10-11 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” The Lord clearly speaks his grace and commands obedience. How is it possible stop sinning?
   Let’s consider our attitude toward sin. Are you aware of how you speak and act against God’s commands? If so, how do you respond? Some will mourn their sin and seek God’s help to stop sinning. This is the hear that meets the Lord’s command. With the Holy Spirit’s help, you will overcome your natural desire to sin to become more true to your Lord. Galatians 5:17-18 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.
   Others, though, might say of their sin, “That’s the way I am.” They believe there is no solution to a sinful habit, so they accept disobedience as a way of life. Perhaps they like what they are doing and use “the way I am.” as a reason to continue sinning. Or maybe they do not truly believe the Lord will heal their sinful habit.  
   What would have happened to the crippled man and the adulterous woman if they had rejected Jesus’ admonition to “stop sinning”? Their souls would be eternally in Hell now. To accept our sin as unchangeable is to negate God’s redemptive message. Such an attitude must cause you to examine your heart and repent. Constant must be your prayer, “Deliver me from the Evil One, for Yours, Lord, is the Kingdom and the Power and the Gory forever.” Then we must live as if we believe God’s power will deliver us into his heavenly glory.
   If you are again tempted to refer to your sin as, “That’s the way I am.” stop first to pray thanksgiving to God he has come to minister his truth and grace. Receive forgiveness. Be healed. Stop sinning in God’s holy power. Confess, “I am made new in the attitude of (my mind) to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:23-24)  
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for teaching us of the Father’s healing ways. Amen.