The Root of the Problem: Chapter 6 – Rebellion (Excerpt)

March 4, 2011 by

Satan tries to convince us to reject the rule of Christ. He makes his appeal to one’s rebellious and independent spirit, trying to make us believe that the way of Christ is too restrictive and that there is not enough liberty. After all, we should be free to live as we please, right? We certainly are free to live as we please. But this does not mean that we live without a master. If we do not wish to be slaves of Christ, and therefore refuse to submit to Him, we are still not truly free – we are slaves of sin.

“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness” (Romans 6:20).

When we seek to free ourselves from practicing righteousness in the service of Christ, we make ourselves the slaves of sin. Why do we choose to rebel against Christ rather than rejecting the other master – sin? Christ, through our service to Him, gives us liberty (2 Corinthians 3:17). The path of sin is one of bondage that ultimately leads to death (Romans 6:12-13, 23). (p. 33)

You can read more about our choice between rebellion and submission in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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The Root of the Problem: Chapter 5 – Deception (Excerpt)

February 25, 2011 by

The lies about sin are common. The world tries to convince us that sin is not so bad and that we can engage in it without consequence. Yet as we have seen, the Scriptures teach otherwise. So how do we keep from being deceived? Be on the alert.

“Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ, but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting” (Romans 16:17-18).

Paul warns of false teachers who deceive others. But who is it that will be deceived? It will be those who are unsuspecting. Therefore, we must be on the alert. Do not allow yourself to be lulled to sleep and thus let your guard down. (p. 27)

You can read more about the lies of Satan and his ministers in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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The Root of the Problem: Chapter 4 – Ignorance (Excerpt)

February 18, 2011 by

We have heard the phrase: ignorance is bliss. The idea presumes that we are often better off not knowing about problems that might come upon us. If one is ignorant, he does not have to spend his time worrying about the problem. He does not have to work to fix or prevent it either. When it comes to violating the law (either the law of God or of man), ignorance is appealing because it prohibits guilt and does not require any act of repentance or restitution.

When it comes to God’s word, the “ignorance is bliss” idea is completely false. Notice the words of God through the prophet Hosea:

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest. Since you have forgotten the law of God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6). (p. 17-18)

You can read more about the dangers of ignorance and how to overcome it in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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The Root of the Problem: Chapter 3 – Failing to See Sin for What It Is (Excerpt)

February 11, 2011 by

The consequences and punishment for sin are too great for God to simply allow us to suffer this fate without any hope of escape. As horrible as Jesus’ death on the cross was, we stand to face something far worse than crucifixion – an eternal separation from God in a place filled with agony and pain. This is what we are due for our sin.

Sin is not to be taken lightly. God knows how terrible the wages of sin are, so He was willing to watch His only begotten Son suffer. Jesus clearly understood the severity of sin in that He was willing to lay down His life for us. We must recognize what sin is and remove it from our lives. (p. 14-15)

You can read more about the consequences and punishment for sin in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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The Root of the Problem: Chapter 2 – “We’re Only Human” (Excerpt)

February 4, 2011 by

Man has repeatedly shown a preference to sin – some on occasion, some perpetually. But everyone has done it. When considering this fact, many get discouraged, thinking that there must be no way to overcome sin. “We’re only human” is the excuse that is given (as if this somehow justifies one’s actions).

One of the fundamental tenets of Calvinism is the inherent sinfulness of man. Calvin’s doctrine of total depravity is the belief that we are born in such a state that we are totally corrupt, inclined toward sin, and unable to do what is right on our own. The doctrine states that one cannot even come to God without a direct operation of the Holy Spirit upon his heart.

Yet the Bible teaches something very different than Calvin. “God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices” (Ecclesiastes 7:29). When we sin, it is because we choose to sin. It is not because we are unable to help ourselves since God failed to do something that would keep us from sinning. Calvin’s doctrine takes the blame for sin away from the one who commits it and places it upon God for not regenerating the sinner.

It is true that we are human. But this is not an excuse for sin. Granted, as long as we live, we will have the potential to sin. But that does not excuse or justify it. We still must make the choice: to do good or do evil. (p. 6-7)

You can read more about the pursuit of perfection in The Root of the Problem: Why We Sin & How We Can Overcome. Follow the link to learn more about the book and purchase your copy today!

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