Respectable Sins Session Nine
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Key Verses
Key Verses
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
colo
Matt
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
ppet
Get Focused
Get Focused
Many of us think of a list of prohibited activities when we hear the word worldliness. Yet Jerry Bridges is speaking of the tendency to become preoccupied with things of the world or to go along unthinkingly with the culture around us—particularly in the areas of money, immorality, and idolatry.
The thought of those three areas involving subtle sins may startle us. Immorality and idolatry aren’t subtle at all! However, there are aspects of all three areas where we have lost sensitivity and discernment.
We simply accept the values and practices of society without thought as to whether those values and practices are biblical.
The antidote for worldliness isn’t to come up with a list of prohibited activities or associates. Rather, it is a determination to become more godly, a process that begins as we grow in relationship with God and affection for Him.
In fact, a growing affection for God is the antidote to all our subtle sins. That growth comes from an increasing awareness of our still-remaining sinfulness and of Christ’s love for us in dying for that sin.
While looking at our sins can be painful, there is hope: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” ()
Think It Through
Think It Through
Read the following passages. How does letting our hearts be drawn toward the world affect our love for God?
jam
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”?
Because we are willing to compromise with the world in order to attain our goals, James calls us "adulterers and adulteresses."
Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee.
There is no middle ground. As will be discussed below, you can no more spiritually have two gods than you can legally have two spouses.
MacArthur New Testament Commentary
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.
True Christians therefore will not be characterized by a habitual love for the world, nor will worldly people demonstrate a genuine affection for the gospel and its Lord
MacArthur New Testament Commentary
; , ;
For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.
For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot.
ro
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,
For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews,
who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and oppose all mankind
by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last!
1thess2 14
And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,
2. Both passages use strong words to describe how affection for the world changes our relationship with God. Why is it so hard to enter into friendship with both God and the world? (See and .)
Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate Chapter Twenty: Worldliness
Worldliness means accepting the values, mores, and practices of the nice, but unbelieving, society around us without discerning whether or not those values, mores, and practices are biblical. Worldliness is just going along with the culture around us as long as that culture is not obviously sinful.
But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
I believe the key to our tendencies toward worldliness lies primarily in the two words going along.
YOU ARE NOT OF THE WORLD. Our job is to stay in the world as visitors with a message and that message is the gospel.
What God Says on the Subject
What God Says on the Subject
And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right,
1king
And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.
And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.
gal
col
No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.
1thess
If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return.
heb
By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.
heb
This is what you call the preponderance of evidence as to what God has to say about redemption of the saints and our thought process. The World vs. Heaven.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
What God Says on the Subject
What God Says on the Subject
If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
john
For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.
1cor
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
eph
But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.
2thess
Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?
They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.”
rev17
jam
God sets apart believers primarily to have a relationship with Him, and service to Him flows out of that relationship.
MacArthur
3. Jerry talked about the truth embedded in a sermon by Thomas Chalmers, “The Expulsive Power of a New Affection.” Here is what Chalmers said about displacing our love for the world:
There are two ways in which a practical moralist may attempt to displace from the human heart its love of the world—either by a demonstration of the world’s vanity, so as that the heart shall be an object that is not worthy of it; or, by setting forth another object, even God, as more worthy of its attachment, so as that the heart shall be prevailed upon…to exchange an old affection for a new one.
What two methods does Chalmers identify as ways of detaching our hearts from love of the world?
a. Convincing my heart not to love something unworthy.
b. Finding something more worthy to love.
4 Have your tried either or both of these methods? Describe your experiences(s).
a. Convincing my heart not to love something unworthy: I’ve tried this and it worked on some but not on most due to my flesh. Remember, , you’ll get twisted up dealing with the sinful heart.
b. Find something more worthy to love: This is the way to go because the love of God will grow you out of your affinity for the love of the world. The Holy Spirit leaves no room for darkness.
He has redeemed my soul from going down into the pit, and my life shall look upon the light.’
job
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,
“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light,
but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
mt
It is not by determining that we will not be worldly but by committing ourselves to becoming more godly.
Bridges, J. (2007). Respectable Sins
We need an increased affection for God that will expel from our hearts our affections for the things of this world.
5 How does a new affection disrupt your tendency to go along with the status quo? (If you need an example, think of a time you fell in love with something or someone and how that new focus changed your routine ways of thinking and acting.)
Bridges, J. (2007). Respectable Sins
and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.
Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”
Simon the Pharisee did not realize how sinful he was and how much he needed to be forgiven, so he loved little or actually not at all.
Bridges, J. (2007). Respectable Sins
5 How does a new affection disrupt your tendency to go along with the status quo? (If you need an example, think of a time you fell in love with something or someone and how that new focus changed your routine ways of thinking and acting.)
I think the million dollar question is if you’re really in love with God? If not, ask the Lord to give you a new heart for Him and repent of your sin.
Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel?
eze
Where Do We Go From Here?
Where Do We Go From Here?
6 Throughout Respectable Sins, Jerry has been helping us see areas in which we may have been coasting along, not noticing our sins because they seem so acceptable. How has this study altered your attitude toward sin?
Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate Chapter Twenty-One: Where Do We Go from Here?
In Luke’s account of the sinful woman who washed and anointed the feet of Jesus (7:36–50), Jesus said, “He who is forgiven little, loves little” (verse 47). The opposite is also true, as Jesus clearly indicates in verses 41–43; that is, he who is forgiven much, loves much.
Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate Chapter Twenty-One: Where Do We Go from Here?
Simon the Pharisee did not realize how sinful he was and how much he needed to be forgiven, so he loved little or actually not at all.
It makes me more aware then I was before, but what I don’t want to do is to go back to coasting and being unaware again.
I need to pursue God and I will find Him because promised me I would.
But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to him who searches for it.
pr
7 Read the following verses and note the attitudes or actions that will help us as we consider our sins, along with the outcomes or promises given to those who hold the attitudes.
Perspective
Perspective
Beatitudes- A name derived from Latin and referring to a stat of happiness or bliss.
Blessed
Makarios (blessed) means happy, fortunate, blissful.
The fullest meaning of the term, therefore, had to do with an inward contentedness that is not affected by circumstances.
Why do many people, including Christians find it hard to believe
That is the kind of happiness God desires for His children, a state of joy and well-being that does not depend on physical, temporary circumstances (cf. ).
MacArthur
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
In a way, happiness is misery with another name; Jesus has changed the price tags.
He teaches that misery endured for the right purpose and in the right way is the key to happiness. That basic principle summarizes the Beatitudes.
The world says, "Happy are the rich, the noble, the successful, the macho, the glamorous, the popular, the famous, the aggressive."
But the message from the King does not fit the world's standards, because His kingdom is not of this world but of heaven.
His way to happiness, which is the only way to true happiness, is by a much different route.
MacArthur
Doesn’t God want me to be happy?
Doesn’t God want me to be happy?
Jesus presents the possibility of people being genuinely happy, and that available happiness is the opening theme of the Sermon on the Mount.
Many people, including some Christians, find that hard to believe. How could a message as demanding and impossible as the Sermon on the Mount be intended to make people happy?
Yet the first and greatest sermon preached by Jesus Christ begins with the resounding and repeated theme of happiness, a fitting start for the New Testament's "good news."
MacArthur
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Attitudes or actions: The “poor in spirit” are those who are aware of their sinfulness.
Promises or outcomes: Blessed and Heaven
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Attitudes or actions:
Gentle is from praos, which basically means mild or soft. The term sometimes was used to describe a soothing medicine or a soft breeze.
It was used of colts and other animals whose naturally wild spirits were broken by a trainer so that they could do useful work.
As a human attitude it meant being gentle of spirit, meek, submissive, quiet, tenderhearted.
MacArthur
Promises or outcomes: Inherit the earth
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Attitudes or actions: Those who require the necessities of spiritual life. Just like food and water is required for the physical life, more so the necessities for the spiritual because it last forever.
Promises or outcomes: They will be satisfied. In other words, the spiritual supersedes the physical. This is how the apostles were able to die for Christ and go through horrible situations.
All of the Beatitudes
All of the Beatitudes
matt
And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
(ESV)
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
James
Attitudes or actions: Be humble, submit yourself to God, draw near to God, confess your sins and turn from your sinful ways.
Mourn your sin. Can you mourn your sin? If you’re in sin you should not be happy or content.
Promises or outcomes: Grace, exalted by God.
8 Where would you like God to give you continued help and empowering as you struggle with sin?
Respectable Sins: Confronting the Sins We Tolerate Chapter Twenty-One: Where Do We Go from Here?
The worst sin of all, in practical terms, is the denial of the subtle sins in our lives.
To help me realize how much of a sinner I really am. Help me to have the same attitude of the woman who cleaned Jesus’ feet with her tears.
9 As we saw previously, “the expulsive power of a new affection” is a tremendous aid in moving us away from sin and toward the life we want with God. Write a prayer to God, asking Him for that aid. Ask Him to give you such a taste of His care and love for you that you are moved toward humility, meekness, and affection in response.
Lord, please forgive me for treating you with contempt and in some cases knowing and others not knowing. Lord thank you for loving me with a perfect love I still have problems understanding. Lord continue to regenerate my heart, help me to hate sin, and love you with all of my being. I can’t do this on my own but I am willing to commit everything to you. Amen.
Talk It Over
Talk It Over
1 In session 1, the first question in the “Think It Through” section asked, “Why do you think it’s important for us to understand what sin is and its impact on our lives and relationships?” How would you answer that question now, at the end of the study?
Sin is hate toward God.
2 How has this study affected your view of Jesus’ sacrifice for you on the cross?
It’s made me feel guilty of not loving the Lord the way I should. I felt like Peter in the D.A. Horton sermon, I like hanging out with Jesus. I’m not giving the Lord my all like He gave me.
3 Read together. If you had been sitting next to Jesus at that table, what might your response have been? For example, would you have identified with the woman who was so expressively grateful to Jesus? Might you have found it easier to understand Simon—or had a different response entirely?
She realized that she was a sinner and in need of forgiveness. In contrast, Simon saw himself as pure and righteous and therefore did not need to treat Jesus in a special manner.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary
Her faith in turn caused her to respond in love.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary
One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”
“A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
luk
4 Notice how this passage focuses on relationship. The sinful woman demonstrates intense love for Jesus. And Jesus asks Simon which forgiven debtor will love the moneylender more—not which debtor will be happier or more likely to forgive another’s debt. How would you explain this interplay between sin, forgiveness, and loving God?
The sinner should be grateful and realize what they have been forgiven. I need to pray for a new heart and trust the Lord to do what He has promised to do.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
ps
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.
2cor
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
5 Over the past weeks, what has God revealed personally to you about His heart toward you and His willingness to forgive you and make you clean? How has that altered your affection for Him?
To show my love and humble myself when it comes to obedience to Him and his will.
6 How would you like this study to continue to affect you in the week ahead?
To remember the debt forgiven me, and to seek God above this world.
Group Prayer
Group Prayer