Him Not Sin

“The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans‬ ‭5:20-21‬ I taught on this passage a few weeks back to the kids talking about how God’s grace in our lives is far greater than the sin we have done, or will do. I really wanted them to understand the continuing sin in the future that will occur, but more importantly, the lasting and greater effectiveness of grace at work in them through Christ. But I also wanted to add something I didn’t see before, that I wanted to share with you. This verse and the author really hit a new level of power in our faith to believe the gospel. I mean think about it, this is Paul writing, who used to be Saul. The Pharisee who was an enemy of the church. Saul sought out the first Christians and condemned them to death. Then, Christ shows up, reveals to Saul the truth, and as Paul he becomes the most decorated missionary on the planet. Isn’t this message, paired with our faith crazy powerful? I mean think about it...God’s truth of His forgiveness being greater than our transgressions has to be in place first. Then secondly, we have to believe it, which can at times be more difficult. However, think about Paul. This man condemned people to die and felt that it was God’s will to do so. Then he gets knocked off his donkey by Christ, and has to bear the weight of the truth of his actions. I see now why he uses the famous line,’what a wretched man I am.’ Paul sees his sins, he feels the heaviness of his actions, and the dirtiness of his heart. Yet, more correctly he sees the clearness and reality of the gospel of Christ. He practices and preaches the forgiveness of all sins. Paul recognizes the resounding ability that the grace of God overcomes anything that would stand in the way of our relationship with Him. This is the power of the message to transform anyone who has the capacity to believe. So how do we apply this? Let’s have faith like Paul. Let’s not get caught up in our wretchedness and sins. Let’s focus on God’s grace being bigger and greater than anything we have done and will do. Let’s focus on Christ. Let’s focus on Him not sin. ‘Your grace is bigger, drowning every lie inside Your grace is bigger, pushing out the shame I hide’ - Steven Malcom & Stars Go Dim