Sin is a Process : Crouching Sin Hidden Dragon

Canvas Church : San Diego CA

Crouching Sin Hidden Dragon

How does sin become active in our lives?

At the heart of sin is the essence of self-centeredness. 

People who are self-centered aren’t able to please God. If you live on the basis of selfishness, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the actions of the body, you will live. (Romans 8:8, 13 CEB)

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 ESV)

You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Genesis 4:7 NLT)

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. (James 1:12-14 NLT)

We ALL have a tendency (bent) towards something. The enemy can not read our thoughts like God can so the enemy observes us.. & when the enemy discovers our weakness he throws things out to see what causes us to stumble. 

Sin is not a single event it is a process!  (Genesis 3 - Adam & Eve)

The process:

Avoidance. Enticement. Dwelling. Guilt. Repeat. Rationalization. Adjusting boundaries. Re-evaluation. Choices. Flirtation. Step a toe in. Put a leg in. Submerged. Consumed. Then you question Gods word. Now you've created an appetite for it. Regret. You must kill it. Starve it! Desire  eventually changes. 

"The sinful nature does not want what the Spirit delights in. And the Spirit does not want what the sinful nature delights in. The two are at war with each other. That's what makes you do what you don't want to do."(war inside)

Sin is pleasurable for a season but its end is tragic death. 

God is good. 

We spend time trying to conquer the fruit of our behavior rather than the root of our behavior.  Picking off dead fruit from the tree but next year it will be right back again because the root isn't being addressed. 

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)

1) Temptation: to try & trap to entice someone for the purpose of failure

These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. (James 1:15 NLT)

When temptation arises God will provide an escape! You have to find it. 

2) Drawn away: to be lired away by bate. Much like a hunter or a fisherman goes after there game. (Ref James 1:12-14 NL)

3) Desire: Deep desire, lust or desire for what is forbidden. (Iniquity) (Ref James 1:12-14 NL)

4) Enticed : allure, bait, lure into sin  (Ref James 1:12-14 NL)

5) Conceived: Join in helping, become pregnant. (Growing when fed like a baby in the womb).  (Ref James 1:12-14 NL)

Example of #1-5

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. (Genesis 3:6 NLT) 

So what do I do? 

Hide Gods word in your heart.

Above everything else, guard your heart. It is where your life comes from. (Proverbs 4:23)

I destroy every claim and every reason that keeps people from knowing God. I keep every thought under control in order to make it obey Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5 NIRV)

Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things. (Philippians 4:8)

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (I John 1:8 NKJV)

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, (Matthew 3:8 NKJV)

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, (2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV)

Think Godly thoughts.

Man Sins & Jesus Saves (Crouching Sin Hidden Dragons)

Canvas Church : San Diego CA

Crouching Sin Hidden Dragons

Sin is the number one thing that stands in the way of our relationship with God. In all 66 books in the bible the reoccurring theme is man sins & Jesus saves. 

If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7 ESV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight (things that are making you ineffective & not adding to your journey), and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1, 2 ESV)

Sin was never meant to be in your life. Sin does not start with the action. It begins in the heart & starts as a thought. If you dont understand sin then you don't understand the need for a savior (nor grace).

Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (Luke 7:47 ESV)

Movie ref: God's Not Dead (last scene "what are you after") 

What is sin:

1) The thought of foolishness. Being without wisdom. Wisdom = the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 (The devising of folly is sin, and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind. Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. Proverbs 24:9, 11 ESV)

2) All unrighteousness  (unjust deed) is sin -All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. (1 John 5:17 ESV)

3) Not doing good when you know you should do it is sin- Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 ESV)

4) Anything that's not of faith is sin. - But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. (Romans 14:23 ESV)

5) Transgression of the law is sin - Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. (1 John 3:4 ESV) 

In our culture we think "whatever i wanna do is right." We want to erase boundary lines. As to say, you can get there however you want to as long as you get there. All lifestyles are ok. No! " I would rather lose in a competitive game then have no parameters at all. We need boundaries! " Everything is a matter of subjectivity. Internationally the 3 point line is a little different in basketball but the point is, there is still a 3 point line. 

What do i need:

1) You need to educate yourself with the bible - I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11 ESV)

2) Get a coach/mentor that will help you improve. Get a pastor - Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1 NABRE). For lack of guidance a people falls; security lies in many counselors. (Proverbs 11:14 NABRE)

3) Get around Christians that are further along in the spiritual journey - Iron is sharpened by iron; one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17 NABRE)

..all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23 NABRE)

If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing. (1 John 1:9 NABRE)

What is Sin Really? (Crouching Sin Hidden Dragons)

Canvas Church : San Diego CA

Crouching Sin Hidden Dragon

Reference: Joshua 7

Fatal Attraction:

You set a plan & execute but unexpected distractions create a lust that can cause fall. God has a plan laid out for us, yield to the holy spirit inside of us to stay focused & obedient. You can surround yourself with like minded ppl to hold you accountable but the reality is we surround ourselves with people just like us. Which creates opportunities to compromise to sin. 

God detest sin so much that he sent his son for the sinners. 

The purpose of the good news is that Christ came to save sinners! 

Pray what David prayed: Lord search me, try me, if you find anything in my life remove it b/c i dont want to be separated from you. "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23, 24 ESV)

Teaching moment: 

You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” (Genesis 4:7 NLT)

Sin:

1) Hurts you & others - Joshua 7:1,5 

This is why bad things happen to good people (ex.drunk driving victims).

2) Keeps you from fulfilling the purposes of God in your life (Joshua 7:4,7:12) <-- Blessings cant be earned like rewards & they aren't given according to whats deserved. "But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners." (Romans 4:5 NLT) But you block your inheritance when your sinning b/c God can't dwell where sin is! 

God can use anyone, NO MATTER the baggage. 

3) Keeps god from hearing your prayers (Joshua 7:7-10) <-- God cant hear you over your sin! Ask God what's in your life that you need to repent for? (Matt 5:24)

4) Be exposed in time (7:19-20) <-- God gives us every moment privately to repent. "Your sinning" & at that point you have to make a choice. Its not just those that commit the crime that are sinning but also those who know about it & do nothing. (Num 32:23) Sin isn't just what you do but also what you don't do. 

When you think your above sinning pride enters your life, right before the fall. "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us." (1 John 1:8-10 ESV)

Unbeknown sins: 

The schemes of a fool are sinful; everyone detests a mocker. (Proverbs 24:9 NLT)

All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death. (1 John 5:17 NLT)

But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. (Romans 14:23 NLT)

Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. (1 John 3:4 NLT)1

To be discussed: Sexual impurity, gossip, anger.