We Have Sinned: Looking to the Healer

Intro

God heals us when we repent of our sin.

Introduction:

-Share a short story or illustration about how pride keeps us from admitting we’re wrong.

- Transition: The Israelites struggled with this too—and in their pride, they turned against God. But their healing began the moment they turned back to Him.

-—

Focusing on Tough Circumstances Harms Us

**(Numbers 21:1–6)**

Frustration distorts God’s blessings (v. 4–5)

- The Israelites loathed the manna—God’s miraculous provision—for 40 years.

- Quote: “Even the best of gifts from the Lord can lose their savor; nothing will satisfy until the heart is made right.”

Complaining against God is sin (v. 5–6)

- Their dissatisfaction led to rebellion, which brought judgment: fiery serpents.

- Application: When life gets hard, do we blame God, or trust Him?

Repenting of Our Sin Heals Us

**(Numbers 21:7–9)**

Confession opens the door to grace (v. 7)

- The people confessed: “We have sinned.”

- Moses intercedes. God listens.

Healing comes through faith and obedience (v. 8–9)

- The bronze serpent lifted up was not magical—but an act of faith.

- Connection to Jesus (John 3:14–15): We look to Christ lifted up on the cross and believe.

Jesus Is Our Better Healer

**(John 3:14–16)**

We all face the serpent’s bite—sin and death

- Just like the Israelites, we are guilty.

- Sin leaves us in need of healing.

Jesus became the curse for us

- Galatians 3:13 – “Christ redeemed us from the curse...”

- He was lifted up so we could live.

What people think saving faith look like

John MacArthur identifies **seven conditions that neither prove nor disprove the genuineness of saving faith**. These are characteristics or experiences that can be present in both believers and non-believers, and thus are not definitive indicators of true salvation. Each is accompanied by scriptural references that illustrate their presence without confirming genuine faith:

**Visible Morality**: An outwardly moral life does not necessarily indicate true salvation. The Pharisees appeared righteous externally but were rebuked by Jesus for their inner corruption.

- *Matthew 23:27*: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.”

2. **Intellectual Knowledge**: Mere knowledge of scriptural truths or doctrines does not equate to saving faith. Even demons possess correct knowledge about God but are not saved.

- *James 2:19*: “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!”

3. **Religious Involvement**: Active participation in religious activities or affiliations does not confirm genuine faith. The parable of the ten virgins illustrates that outward religious actions can exist without true preparedness or relationship with Christ.

- *Matthew 25:1-12*: This parable depicts virgins awaiting the bridegroom; some were unprepared despite their involvement, symbolizing superficial engagement without genuine faith.

4. **Active Ministry**: Engaging in ministry work or performing acts in Jesus’ name does not necessarily indicate true salvation. Jesus warns that some who prophesy and perform miracles in His name will be unknown to Him.

- *Matthew 7:21-23*: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven… And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"

5. **Conviction of Sin**: Feeling guilty or convicted about sin does not, by itself, prove saving faith. Felix felt alarmed when Paul spoke of righteousness and judgment but did not repent.

- *Acts 24:25*: “And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, ‘Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.’”

6. **Assurance**: Having a personal sense of assurance or confidence in one’s salvation does not guarantee its reality. The Pharisees were confident in their righteousness but were mistaken.

- *Luke 18:9-14*: The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector highlights misplaced self-assurance versus genuine humility before God.

7. **Time of Decision**: A past decision or emotional experience, such as responding to an altar call, does not necessarily indicate true conversion. The parable of the sower describes individuals who receive the word with joy but fall away in time of testing.

- *Luke 8:13*: “And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away.”

These insights emphasize that while these conditions can accompany genuine faith, they are not definitive proof of it. True saving faith is ultimately evidenced by a transformed life and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

What are reliable proofs of saving faith?

1.**Love for God**: A deep and abiding love for God is a primary evidence of true faith. This love manifests as a desire to glorify God and prioritize Him above all else. citeturn0search0

—Matt. 22:37

37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

2. **Repentance from Sin**: Genuine faith involves a heartfelt turning away from sin, accompanied by confession and a desire for holiness.

Luke 13:3 ESV

3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

3. **Genuine Humility**: True believers exhibit humility, recognizing their unworthiness and relying wholly on God’s grace. This humility is marked by a contrite spirit and a willingness to submit to God’s will.

Matthew 5:3 ESV

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

James 4:6 ESV

6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

4. **Devotion to God’s Glory**: A sincere commitment to glorifying God in all aspects of life is indicative of saving faith. Believers seek to honor God through their actions and decisions.

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

5. **Continual Prayer**: Persistent and heartfelt prayer reflects a believer’s dependence on and relationship with God. True faith fosters a consistent prayer life.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV

17 pray without ceasing,

Luke 18:1 ESV

1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

6. **Selfless Love**: Authentic faith is demonstrated through selfless love for others, especially fellow believers. This love is active, seeking the well-being of others.

John 13:35 ESV

35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

7. **Separation from the World**: True believers are characterized by a distinct separation from worldly values and behaviors, choosing instead to align with God’s standards.

1 John 2:15–17 ESV

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

8. **Spiritual Growth**: An ongoing process of spiritual growth and increasing conformity to Christ’s image is a sign of genuine faith. Believers exhibit the fruit of the Spirit and mature in their walk with God.

2 Peter 1:5–8 ESV

5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9. **Obedient Living**: A life marked by obedience to God’s commands and a desire to live according to His Word is evidence of true faith. This obedience is not burdensome but a joyful response to God’s love.

1 John 2:3–4 ESV

3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,

-—

Application

- Repentance isn’t just saying “sorry.” It’s turning away from sin and turning to God.

- Practical steps: Confession, accountability, cutting off access to temptation, walking in faith.

- Question: What “bronze serpent” moment do you need today? What sin do you need to confess and leave behind?

Conclusion:

- Recap the cycle: Sin → Judgment → Confession → Healing.

- Call to action: Look to Jesus. Don’t carry the weight of guilt another step—He is faithful to forgive and heal.