Repent Of Your Sins!

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How to defeat Sin in your life

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Submit Yourselves to God

6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud

but shows favor to the humble.”

7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.

12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Boasting About Tomorrow

13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”

14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”

16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.

17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

James 4:1-15 deals with conflicts, selfish desires, humility, and submitting to God. Here's a breakdown of the passage with real-life application:

1. Conflict and Desires (James 4:1-3)

James begins by asking why there are quarrels and fights among us. He answers that they arise from our selfish desires and cravings. People fight because they want things for themselves—whether that’s power, control, or material things—and they do not get what they want. Even when they pray, their prayers are selfish, seeking to satisfy their own desires rather than God’s will.
Application: In our own lives, when we experience conflict or frustration, it’s essential to ask ourselves if we’re driven by selfish desires. Are we seeking our own interests or God's will? We should examine our motives before reacting to situations or praying. Self-reflection can help us realize if we are trying to control circumstances or if we are genuinely seeking peace and harmony.

2. Friendship with the World vs. God (James 4:4-6)

James harshly addresses those who are “friends with the world” – meaning people who prioritize worldly values like greed, pride, and lust over God. Being a “friend of the world” is equated with being an enemy of God. James also reminds us of God’s jealousy for our devotion and how He gives grace to the humble.
Application: This passage challenges us to evaluate where we are placing our allegiance. Do we prioritize worldly success, materialism, or fitting in? Or are we more concerned with living according to God’s standards? A good test is whether we’re seeking to please God above all else, even if it means standing out or sacrificing worldly comforts.

3. Humility and Grace (James 4:7-10)

James advises us to submit ourselves to God, resist the devil, and draw near to God. He emphasizes that humility before God is key. When we humble ourselves, God will lift us up. He also speaks about mourning and grieving over our sins and encourages us to purify our hearts and minds.
Application: In our daily lives, humility is crucial. This means admitting our faults, seeking forgiveness, and approaching God with sincerity and reverence. It also means recognizing that we cannot fight spiritual battles on our own but need to depend on God’s strength. By submitting to Him, we position ourselves for growth and healing.

4. Avoiding Judgment and Pride (James 4:11-12)

James warns against speaking negatively about others or judging them. He reminds us that only God can judge, and we should focus on our own lives rather than criticizing others.
Application: This is a call to practice empathy and understanding. How often do we gossip or criticize others? Instead, we should strive to speak words that build others up and leave judgment to God. This also challenges us to keep our focus on personal growth rather than worrying about the shortcomings of others.

5. Boasting About Tomorrow (James 4:13-15)

James cautions against boasting about our plans for the future. He reminds us that our life is a vapor and that we can’t control what will happen tomorrow. Instead, we should acknowledge that our plans depend on God’s will.
Application: This teaches us to approach life with humility and open hands. We might make plans, but ultimately, we are not in control. Acknowledge God in our daily decisions, trusting that He has a purpose for our lives even if things don’t unfold exactly as we planned. Practicing this mindset helps reduce anxiety and fosters a deeper trust in God’s sovereignty.

Summary of Application in Real Life:

Examine your desires – Are your actions motivated by selfishness or by a desire to please God? This applies to conflicts, relationships, and goals.
Choose God over the world – Evaluate whether you’re more focused on worldly success or on aligning with God’s values.
Humility before God – Approach God with a humble heart, acknowledging your need for His grace and strength.
Avoid judgment – Be mindful of how we speak about others. Strive for kindness, empathy, and understanding rather than criticism.
Trust God with the future – Recognize that life is uncertain and that our plans should be flexible, always submitting to God's will.
In conclusion, James 4:1-15 calls us to humble ourselves before God, prioritize His will over worldly desires, avoid judgment, and recognize that we are not in control of our future. This passage encourages a life of surrender, trust, and authenticity before God.
Than talk about how serious God takes sins and what he say about those who sin.
Sure! Here’s a breakdown of Matthew 18:1-10, along with explanations and real-life applications:

Matthew 18:1-10 (NIV)

1. At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2. He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.
3. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
4. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
6. “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
7. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!
8. If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life maimed or crippled than with two hands or two feet to be thrown into eternal fire.
9. And if your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.
10. See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

Explanation of Matthew 18:1-10:

The Disciples’ Question (v. 1): The disciples are asking Jesus who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. They were still thinking in terms of worldly status and hierarchy, likely imagining that greatness in God’s kingdom would be based on power or authority.

In the parallel passages of Mark and Luke, this question arises out of an argument among the disciples (

Jesus’ Response with a Child (vv. 2-4): Jesus answers their question by calling a child and placing him among them. Jesus says that unless they change and become like little children, they will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Children in Jesus' time were seen as humble, innocent, and dependent on others. Jesus teaches that greatness in His kingdom is not about status or power but about humility and childlike dependence on God.
Welcoming the Humble (v. 5): Jesus further teaches that whoever welcomes a humble, innocent child in His name is welcoming Him. This emphasizes the importance of valuing those who are often overlooked in society—those who are humble and childlike in their faith.

18:6-9. In these verses, Jesus uses hyperbole (deliberate exaggeration) to make a point about the seriousness of sin. In

Warning Against Causing Others to Stumble (vv. 6-7): Jesus warns that anyone who causes "little ones" (likely referring to believers, especially new or young ones in the faith) to stumble will face severe consequences. It would be better for such a person to face death than to lead others into sin. This emphasizes the responsibility Christians have to be careful with how they live and influence others.
Radical Actions to Avoid Sin (vv. 8-9): Jesus gives radical advice to avoid sin at all costs. He uses extreme examples of cutting off your hand or gouging out your eye if they cause you to sin, underscoring that it is better to make painful sacrifices now than to suffer eternal consequences. While these are not meant to be taken literally, they show the seriousness with which we should treat sin.

18:8 Is Another use of hyperbole for the sake of making a point, not advice that should be taken literally. See note on vv. 6–9.

better for you to enter into life Refers to eternal life (compare

Value of "Little Ones" (v. 10): Jesus concludes by saying that we should not despise the humble or weak believers, as they are precious to God. He reminds His listeners that their angels in heaven always see the face of God, reinforcing that even the most humble believer is important to God. This is an instruction from Jesus in about seeking lost sheep.

Real-Life Applications:

Embrace Humility (vv. 2-4): In our world, ambition and power are often valued, but Jesus teaches us that true greatness in God's kingdom is about humility, not status. To live this out, we need to embrace humility in our relationships, whether it's in our families, workplaces, or church. This could mean serving others without seeking recognition or learning to approach challenges with a humble, teachable attitude.
Real-life application: Be quick to serve others, especially those in lower positions or those who may not have the ability to give something in return. Practice humility by being kind, approachable, and willing to listen to others, particularly those who might be overlooked by society.
Be Careful How You Influence Others (vv. 6-7): Jesus warns against causing others, especially those new to the faith, to stumble. In real life, this means being mindful of our actions, words, and behaviors, as they may impact others’ faith and spiritual growth.
Real-life application: Be aware that your actions and attitudes might influence others, especially younger or less mature believers. This can include being careful about how we live out our values and being intentional about setting a good example. Think about how your behavior could impact someone else’s faith journey.
Radical Steps to Avoid Sin (vv. 8-9): Jesus emphasizes the need for radical action to avoid sin, suggesting that if something is leading us into sin, we should be willing to part with it—even if it’s painful. This teaches us that we must take decisive action to remove sinful habits or influences from our lives, no matter how difficult it may seem.
Real-life application: Consider what in your life may be leading you to sin. Is it a specific relationship, an addiction, a bad habit, or unhealthy media consumption? Sometimes, this will require making hard choices, like changing your environment, distancing yourself from certain people, or cutting out negative influences. Taking drastic steps is an act of spiritual commitment to living righteously.
Value the Vulnerable (v. 10): Jesus’ concern for “little ones” shows us that we are to value those who are humble, vulnerable, and often overlooked in society. We are called to protect and care for those who are marginalized or weak.
Real-life application: Consider how you treat the vulnerable in society—whether it’s children, the elderly, the marginalized, or the poor. How can you advocate for their dignity and ensure they are not despised or overlooked? Perhaps you can volunteer, mentor, or simply treat those with humility and respect, recognizing their value in God's eyes.

Summary:

Matthew 18:1-10 teaches us the importance of humility, the responsibility we have in how we influence others, the necessity of radical steps to avoid sin, and the value of caring for the vulnerable. By embracing childlike humility, living with awareness of how we affect others, taking serious actions to remove sin, and valuing those often overlooked, we can reflect the heart of Jesus in our everyday lives.
(Show the pic of Checkmate)
There is a painting that once hung in the Louvre museum in Paris, painted by Friedrich Moritz August Retzsch. Today, the painting is popularly known as “Checkmate.” It is now in private hands, having been sold in a Christie’s auction in 1999.
If you know anything about the game of chess, you know it all comes down to when the King on either side can move no more. Once the king is trapped, the winning side declares “checkmate” and the game is over.
The painting depicts two chess players. One is Satan, who appears arrogantly confident. The other player is a man who looks forlorn. If Satan wins, he wins the man’s soul.
According to legend, and probably fact, the story goes like this. A chess grand master came upon this intriguing painting in the Louvre museum alongside other famous art such as the Mona Lisa.
The grand mastered stared a long time at the chess board in the painting and finally noticed something surprising. The typical interpretation of the painting (that the devil had the man in “checkmate”) was incorrect.
Though the devil seemed to be the obvious victor, he was in fact not winning. The man, who thought he was losing, was actually winning.
According to the arrangement of the pieces left on the chess board, his king had one more move. This fateful move would make him the winner of the game.
The grand master called the curator and determined that the title “Checkmate” did not fit the scene because the forlorn-looking player actually had the ability to defeat his opponent, though he didn’t realize it yet. His king had one more move.

The Spiritual Implications

Now think about the spiritual implications of this painting with me about what the grand master discovered.
So often in life, we consider the world to be a mess. With war, violence, a deadly pandemic, unemployment, struggling marriages, depression, isolation, and more … we can easily become disillusioned. People begin to feel lost. We look for direction but often end up on the wrong path. It looks like checkmate, but we need not fear—the game is not over.
Our Creator God still has one move left! Our lives and future are in His hands. The Lord is the only King who can never be defeated.
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