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Sin
Sermonette by James BeaubelleOur carnal nature will always deceive the self, convincing us that our behavior is not so bad, but Paul realized the addictive, toxic nature of sin.
What Sin Does
Article by John W. RitenbaughSin produces slavery as a direct consequence of the will's destruction. When a person sins, he is not truly doing what he desires but what sin compels. Paul writes in Romans 7:17, 23, that it is no longer he who acts, but sin dwelling within, warring against the law of his mind and bringing him into captivity to the law of sin in his members. Even if one finds enjoyment in the act, the individual is not in control—sin is. This bondage is especially profound when sin is committed with knowledge. Jesus warns in John 8:34, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin." Having been freed through Christ's sacrifice and God's gift of the Holy Spirit, we must guard against being pulled back into such bondage. As He states in the following verse, a slave does not abide in God's Kingdom forever, but a son does. Paul reinforces this resolve in I Corinthians 6:12, declaring that while all things may be lawful for him, he will not be brought under the power of any, refusing to let any created thing gain dominance over him through his sins.
Sin (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSin, as a pervasive force, exerts a dominating influence over humanity, enslaving individuals through their inherent nature. This nature, though not created evil by God, is naturally unenlightened, lacking a true understanding of God and His ways. As a result, it is easily influenced into sin, which enters from the outside and begins to control a person from birth, much like a drug infiltrating the body. Sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, influenced by Satan, though he did not force their choice; they yielded to his presence and chose to sin, allowing it to take root within them. This enslavement is evident even in the youngest, as foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, harboring the seeds of deceit, lust, and selfishness. If indulged, these tendencies grow rapidly, dominating the individual and making them a slave to sin. Even the best parenting cannot fully restrain this nature, as the inclination to corruption is already present, driving choices that lead to further bondage. Sin's power is portrayed in Scripture as a living entity, with the potential to control a person's life until their nature is transformed by receiving God's Spirit. This transformation enables one to overcome sin's destructive influence, though the struggle persists even after conversion. As seen in Romans 7, Paul, a converted man, describes sin dwelling within him, warring against his desire to do good and bringing him into captivity to the law of sin in his members. This ongoing battle reveals sin's deep hold, rooted in habitual thoughts and reactions developed over a lifetime, making it a formidable force that requires constant effort to resist. Ultimately, no one forces us to sin; it is a choice, sometimes made in ignorance or negligence, but always within our power to resist. Sin's presence and influence, intensified by external factors like Satan and societal pressures, exploit the natural disposition of human nature, yet the responsibility lies with the individual to choose against it, seeking God's help to break free from its enslavement.
Addiction, Slavery, and Serving
Sermonette by John W. RitenbaughAs God calls people to service in the church, He demands that they not be enslaved to alcohol or any other lust, but have their desires under control.
Sin (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe recognition of our powerlessness in the face of sin is crucial to overcoming and growth. Sin, as defined in I John 3:4, is the transgression of the law, or more accurately, lawlessness, encompassing all violations of God's instruction, whether written or implied by its spirit. Human nature, inherently corrupt and inclined to evil, is the root of sin, a vast moral disease affecting all of humanity. This nature, present from conception as expressed by David in Psalm 51:5, drives attitudes and conduct that produce sin unless truth is established in the inward parts, as God desires. By the time God calls us, sin dominates our nature, enslaving us to its pull toward self-satisfaction and self-preservation. This enslavement manifests outwardly through acts of sin, which cannot be redeemed but must be cast off and replaced incrementally by a new, divine nature. Overcoming sin is essential to true holiness, as without a clear understanding of sin, we cannot progress toward God's purpose for us. Sin, derived from a nature that can be influenced toward evil, becomes a formidable barrier to submitting to God's sovereignty, making us guilty whenever we deviate from His perfect will and character.
Of Freedom and Independence
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloIdeas of independence apart from God emanate from carnal human nature which is aligned to the rebellious mind of Satan.
Do Americans Value Liberty?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughYounger Americans have been spoiled by the sacrifices of preceding generations, and many do not realize the responsibilities freedom imposes. Freedom is not free.
Should We Ignore Our Feelings of Guilt?
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMany try to undermine the credibility of Scripture. If they can overturn it, they reason, they will be free to have all the fun non-Christians supposedly have.
Responsibilities of Real Liberty
Sermonette by Mark SchindlerA piece of paper, such as Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, does not really set people free, especially from the slavery of human nature.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod is putting us through exercises to create leaders in His image. His covenants are a primary tool in this process.
Liberty and Justice for All
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod has freed us from the bondage of sin, the breaking of His law. Liberty comes only from obeying God and accepting the positive yoke of Jesus Christ.
Freedom's Dark Underbelly
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAny freedom to choose must be accompanied by a set of standards against which choices are made. The people of the world do not have this freedom.
John (Part Fifteen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughAs long as we are slaves of sin and following the dictates of our lusts, we have no free moral agency. God liberates us from sin so we are free to obey Him.
The Sovereignty of God: Part Six
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe overriding issue of life is to whom we will give ourselves in obedience. Will it be ourselves, society, business, Satan or God?
Wilderness Wanderings (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Israel's trek was not only a physical journey, but a mental wandering caused by rejecting God's leadership. The potential to sin is a test of resolve.
How Does God Help Us? (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughJesus explains that the truth is the only thing that will set us free. A major player in our lives or spiritual journey is the truth and how we use it.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Seven): Fear of Judgment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur fear of being judged negatively by God should spur us to greater obedience and growth toward godliness. The fear of God is a fundamental mindset.
Liberty or Independence?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe approach of 'I want it my way' begins with license but then leads to chaos, and eventually the loss of liberty.
Addicted
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityIndividuals from stable families or those having a network of healthy relationships are less vulnerable to addiction than those who suffer isolation.
Are You Subject to Perpetual Bondage?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul appealed to his old friend Philemon after his slave Onesimus ran away, stealing his money, running to Rome to assist Paul during his imprisonment.
Wilderness Wandering (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We are in various stages of our wilderness journey, not knowing where our journey will take us. The turns give us opportunities to strengthen our faith.
Communication and Leaving Babylon (Part Three)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughChristians must continue to fight against self-centered and deception long after their calling to deepen and strengthen their relationships with God.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Four): Obligation
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughUnderstanding our obligation to Christ leads to a deeply held loyalty to Him. Our redemption should make us strive to please Him in every facet of life.
We are Called to Liberty
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAs we are liberated from the bondage of sin, we are now free because we are slaves of righteousness, ironically the only true and lasting liberty.
Repentance and Righteousness (Part 1)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNothing happens in our lives (including repentance) until God initiates it. A change of heart, by God's Holy Spirit, results in a total change of direction.
Freedom and Unleavened Bread
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughChristian freedom has nothing to do with location or circumstance but how we think. By imbibing on God's Word, we will incrementally displace our carnality.
Elements of Motivation (Part Six)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven though sin offers fleeting pleasure, we must learn to intensely hate sin, regarding this product of Satan as a destroyer of everything God loves.