We learn so many lessons from our moms. In so many ways our mother is our first teacher, leader, and friend.
During our worship service today, I asked folks to give testimony to the best advice their mother ever gave them. We heard a mixture of the funny, “have clean underwear” and the series, “honesty is the best.” Messages to focus on Jesus stay in our minds.
This week’s blog will focus on five messages of wisdom moms would give.
- Tell the Truth About Your Sin (1 John 1:9)
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
John is writing to confront false teachers who claim that they have been saved but do not sin. His language is specific. He speaks of sin as an outward action of choice.
Denying the reality of sin in our lives is wrong on four counts. First, we produce self-deception. We actively deny our own sinfulness. Second, we lead others astray. They are watching us and know the truth of our sinfulness.
The third error we make when we deny sin is that we call God a liar. He calls our “errors” or “mistakes” sin. We cannot call them otherwise. Finally, when we deny sin, we show evidence that God’s Word does not have a place in our lives. His word does not fit when we deny the Lord.
The alternative is the simple command. John says “homologeo” which comes from two Greek words meaning to speak the same. When we confess sin, we agree with God concerning our sinfulness. We show openness and vulnerability.
If we confess our sin, agreeing with God that it is sin, we acknowledge God’s faithfulness and justice. He gives you two promises. First, you will be cleaned. Your sin is let go. You are released from the legal relationship with your sin.
The second promise is that we will be cleansed from our sin. He will purify you, getting rid of the pollution of sin.
The lesson is simple, you are forgiven.
- Accept the Righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21)
2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Every one of us has felt the weight of our sinfulness. We have had the moments when we feel the pain of our decisions. All except Jesus. Every pleasure, desire, and thought of His life was without the stain of sin.
Every one of our failures was placed on Jesus. Every single one! He was made sin for us, becoming every wickedness that we were.
And in the place of our wickedness, we receive the righteousness of Christ. We have all of Jesus holiness on us. This is grace!
The lesson is powerful, you are right!
- Believe God for Freedom from Condemnation (Romans 8:1)
Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
Paul’s words in chapter 8 must be taken in context of chapter seven. Paul wrote of his frustration. “The things I don’t want to do I keep doing…the things I want to do I cannot get accomplished.” He calls himself wretched and poor.
His frustration wells up until we can almost feel him put down his quill in pain. He cannot continue. His failures stare him in his face.
The Spirit of God speaks to Paul and reminds him of Jesus. Jesus won the victory on our behalf. With uplifted hands Paul pauses and then writes the words.
There is NOW. Now. At this moment. Full forgiveness is our present reality. We are now forgiven.
Because of what Jesus did for us there is no condemnation. No is the Greek word ouketi. It is an emphatic word. We do not endure condemnation. The guilt of our sin is done. We are not judged.
Satan may try to point out our sin. He dredges up memories of our past failures. He causes us to compare ourselves to others. But we remind him that we are not condemned.
How do we know. Because of where we are, we are confident. We are IN CHRIST. We reside in His holiness.
The lesson is necessary. We are justified.
- Keep God’s Word (Joshua 1:8)
Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
We move our attention now to one of the key passages in the Old Testament. Our fourth and fifth word of wisdom come from the words of Joshua.
Here the advice is simple: Keep God’s Word as primary. He commands the readers to not allow the Word to depart from his mouth. We are to study it and meditate on it.
More importantly, we are to do it. Hearing God’s Word and studying it is not enough. We must be careful to do what He says. The promise that comes with it is that we will be prosperous and enjoy good success.
Our mothers would tell us simply, stay connected to God’s Word. Choose the path of listening to and obeying God.
- Be Strong and Courageous (Joshua 1:9)
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Finally, our moms would tell us not to be discouraged. We are to be filled with strength as we trust Him to not let go of us.
Joshua was told to cross a river, enter the land, and engage the enemy. During each step of the journey, he is promised success. Be strong and courageous. That command is found so many places in Scripture. Finish with one more: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid: do not be discouraged.”
