John Owen wrote "Be killing sin or it will be killing you." Dealing with sin is an ongoing struggle for me. I know my own depravity and inability to overcome sin on my own. The closer I strive to walk with Jesus the more aware I become of my sin. At times, this can be soul crushing.
In Isaiah 6, the prophet receives an awe-inspiring vision of Heaven, with the glory of God filling the throne room, and the Seraphim singing of His greatness. One might think that as Isaiah draws closer to God, he would feel an increasing sense of righteousness. However, the opposite is true. The closer Isaiah gets to God, the more he realizes his own depravity.
As I strive to grow closer to God, I am daily becoming aware of my own inadequacy to be righteous. Yet, I am reminded of Hebrews 4:14-16, “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Alister Begg states, “The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.'” Begg reminds us of the importance of actively fighting against sin in our lives, rather than passively tolerating it
My struggle with sin is a never ending battle. I must constantly preach the Gospel to myself. I am ever reminded of the dangers of drifting away from the faith (Hebrews 1:2). Yet, Jesus Christ remains my sure and steady anchor.
Thomas Watson describes this hope, stating, "Repentance is a grace of God's Spirit whereby a sinner, out of a true sense of his sin, and apprehension of the mercy of God in Christ, doth, with grief and hatred of his sin, turn from it unto God, with full purpose of, and endeavor after, new obedience."
The Gospel must remain central in our lives. We preach the Gospel to the lost that they may receive faith. We preach the Gospel to ourselves that we may be strengthened in the faith. We preach the Gospel so that we may remain faithful until Jesus returns.
Maranatha!
Article written by BJ Eason.
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