Recover

Second Wind

The Apostle Paul speaking by written letter to Timothy--Paul's spiritual son whom Paul placed in Ephesus to instill in the church sound teachings and practices. Here, in our text, Apostle Paul is mid-instruction, guiding Timothy on what guidance to provide the people--to strengthen the church body in the faith.

2 Timothy 2:14–21 NKJV

14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

Our opening Text for today:

2 Samuel 12:13–14 NKJV

13 So David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die.”

Hebrews 12:1–3 NKJV

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Recover. Keep living in the light.

Topic: Recover...recover from a moment or life of sin.

Keep living in the light.

1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) But you [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

**Please think about, Q: What are some the hurdles to recovering from a sinful act or a life of sin?**

This topic is an important topic. I recognize that temporarily or permanently--from discouragement (and/or frustration)--trying to leave one's walk with Christ, or not starting a surrendered walk with Christ, is a real temptation...a temptation demanding a response (from each person).

Today's message:

Recover--Keep Living in the Light.

In our opening text, we pick up on the end of a conversation--actually, a divine confrontation. God sent the prophet Nathan to confront David about David's sin. God was making known to David just how egregious David's sin was.

I encourage you to read it the story, especially 2 Samuel 11 and 12.

Jesus, speaking with His disciples, said:

Matthew 15:18-19 (NKJV) 18 "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.

David, King David at that time, committed a number of these things. The stripped down narrative is that King David

- committed adulatory with Bathsheba

- Had her husband, Uriah, killed to cover up David's sin

- And the murder of Uriah was after a previous failed attempt for David to cover his sin.

So, David, sinned, tried to cover up his sin. When that coverup failed, David had killed the man from whom he took so much rather than David own how much damage was done, and done to numerous people, including God.

# Sin is...

Primarily a wrong relationship with God, which may express itself in wrong attitudes or actions towards God himself, other human beings, possessions or the environment. Scripture stresses that this condition is deeply rooted in human nature, and that only God is able to break its penalty, power and presence.

Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.

Scripture portrays sin in terms of wrongness before God in a variety of different ways, such as uncleanness, guilt or rebellion.

Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. London: Martin Manser.

There are several

Kinds of sin

**Sins of omission** (--the sin is when I knowingly "omit"--the right actions that I knowingly do not take)

James 4:17 (NKJV)

17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Matthew 23:23 (NKJV)

23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

**Deliberate sins** (--sin for when I knowingly do—I knowingly take actions I know are not right before God.)

Luke 12:47 (NKJV)

47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

Romans 1:32 (NKJV)

32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

**Unintentional sins** (--sin when I unknowingly/am unaware am wrong before God)

Luke 12:48 (NKJV)

48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.

Acts 3:17 (NKJV)

17 “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers.

1 Timothy 1:13 (NKJV)

13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

**Sin against the Holy Spirit** (--?for what you do God's demonstrated power? Rejecting God's evidence???)

Matthew 12:31–32 (NKJV)

Pharisees Commit the Unpardonable Sin

Mark 3:28, 29

31 “Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32 Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come.

1 John 5:16 (NKJV)

16 If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that.

David sinned, big time. God took David's sin personally, and made clear to David what was David's transgression.

God forgives David. David is the biological lineage through which Jesus comes. This narrative with David is proof that one can divinely recover from sin. And David's story is proof that sin still has (devastating) consequences.

Sin has numerous consequences/affects--on the individual, with the person's relationship with other people, with the environment, with God.

(You may remember, God told Adam, "...cursed is the ground..."

David choose not to rely on God but to take his own path.

David committed adultery with Bathsheba.

King David abused his power in committing adultery and also in having Bathsheba's husband Uriah killed.

David betrayed the loyalty of Uriah--one of David's mighty men of valor who risked and gave their lives in battle for David.

Bathsheba was sinned against and both she and David lost their newborn son.

Uriah lost his wife and then his life.

Before God, in my sin I am:

**Unclean**

Isaiah 64:6 (NKJV)

6 But we are all like an unclean thing,

And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags;

We all fade as a leaf,

And our iniquities, like the wind,

Have taken us away.

Matthew 15:18–20 (NKJV)

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20 These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”

Mark 7:20–23 (NKJV)

20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

**Guilty**

Ezra 9:6 (NKJV)

6 And I said: “O my God, I am too ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to You, my God; for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has grown up to the heavens.

Genesis 3:10 (NKJV)

10 So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”

**Separated from God.**

Isaiah 59:2 (NKJV)

2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God;

And your sins have hidden His face from you,

So that He will not hear.

Ephesians 2:12 (NKJV)

12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

So when the author of Hebrews writes:

Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)

12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

**...I recognize that sin is a pretty big "snare". **

And I experience sin to be the largest "snare" in my life.

Yet, in our series Second Wind, we are talking about how to keep running the race. In today's case, how to move forward in life with Christ, how to recover from sin...in order to keep living in the light, God's light.

**Q: okay, here's the dangerous, but potentially powerful part, in a speaker's and minister's delivery of a message: congregation participation. **

**What are some the hurdles to recovering from a sinful act or a life of sin?**

(I wait too long to address sin in my life. I should have nipped it in the bud when I discerned sin's presence, rather than wait for it's further manifestation.)

(Defeatist mentality)

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV): 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

When I look back in my own life, I remember holding:

Misconceptions about sin...

- **I can't help but to sin**--(true my flesh desires to sin but Jesus is "my out.") while I rightly acknowledge my flesh's desire for sin, I failed to embrace the freedom and power I have through Jesus Christ to live an upright/pleasing life before God. Instead of my asking for, looking for, reaching out for God's help--trusting/responding to the Scriptures--I settled for excuses, living life in my own human wisdom and strength.

1 Corinthians 10:12–13 (NKJV)

12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Romans 8:2 (NKJV)

For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:11-12 (NKJV) 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. 12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors--not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh.

Ask for God's Holy Spirit to help you

Luke 11:13 (NKJV)

“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will [your] heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV)

So he answered and said to me: “This [is] the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.

- **It's worth it to sin**. Trying to live righteous before God can get you killed, ostracized and/or "canceled"...recognizing that today people don't talk about sins half as much as they talk about folk trying to be saints. I am reminded of what Jesus and Apostles Peter and Paul clarified for me.

2 Corinthians 4:17 (NKJV)

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,

Matthew 5:11 (NKJV)

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.

Apostle Peter says

1 Peter 3:17 (NKJV)

17 For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

James 1:12–17 (NKJV)

Loving God Under Trials

12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

- **Everybody is doing it**. Meaning, "nobody is living right/righteous"

Elijah complained to God that Elijah alone was left of those zealous for God.

1 Kings 19:18 (NKJV)

18 Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”

Misconceptions about God...

- **God can't forgive what I've done.** (...that my sin is so bad I am beyond God's reach. Truth: Forgiveness is Possible and worth it)

Mark 10:26–31 (NKJV)

26 And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?”

27 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Numbers 23:19 (NKJV)

“God [is] not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Eternal Reward

Matt. 19:27–30; Luke 18:28–30

28 Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”

29 So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, 30 who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

- **God won't forgive what I've done**. (While God can do it, God won't do it.)

Romans 10:13 (NKJV)

13 For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

On the cross Jesus prayed to God:

Luke 23:34 (NKJV)

34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

And they divided His garments and cast lots.

Matthew 18:21–34 (NKJV)

Instruction About Forgiveness

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.

- **God helped me and it didn't work** I'm doomed. God forgave me and delivered me once--but it didn't stick--now I'm back in sin. (The flesh and spirit war against each other)

Galatians 5:16–17 (NKJV)

16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

1 Corinthians 15:50–58 (NKJV)

Our Final Victory

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “O Death, where is your sting?

O Hades, where is your victory?”

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Peter 2:11–12 (NKJV)

Living Before the World

11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Romans 7:13–25 (NKJV)

Law Cannot Save from Sin

13 Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. 20 Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

21 I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. 23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

Good news....

**God can forgive. **

Mark 2:1–12 (NKJV)

A Paralytic is Healed

Matt. 9:1–8; Luke 5:17–26

2 And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. 2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”

6 And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

8 But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, 11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 12 Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Real news....

**God will forgive. **

Mark 2:13–17 (NKJV)

Call of Matthew

Matt. 9:9–13; Luke 5:27–32

13 Then He went out again by the sea; and all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. 14 As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him.

15 Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?”

17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

More good news...

**God’s forgiveness is available to you today. **

Revelation 3:19–22 (NKJV)

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”

1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Repentance

Luke 19:1–10 NKJV

1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

**Repentance**

- Repentance is a change of mind--a comprehensive change of my orientation towards following God

- is my response to God's love...to the revelation of God's grace and mercy extended me. Do you remember the day that God's love walked into your life? When God's love entered the room of your situation? Everything got brighter. What changed was hope--how things were did not have to dictate how things would be moving forward.

- Repentance means to turn around...in my heart, with my actions following quickly thereafter. It is a surrender.

- Won't you receive God's love, today? For every dark place, for every wrong decision, for every wayward thought. For every bit of shame. For every fall of defeat. For every moment of "oh wretched man that I am..."

1 John 2:1-2 (NKJV) 1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.