Sin is the most devastating power that has entered he human stream. Romans 8:22 reminds us that “The whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.” A carful examination of Scripture shows that it characterizes sin and its effects in many ways. Let me suggest some ways sin effects us today: 1. It tramples the Word of God as it leads to a rebellious heart and nature 2. It leads to an ungrateful heart, and refuses to acknowledge God as the source of every good thing. 3. It is incurable by man’s own efforts and power, and can only be overcome by the power of Christ’s Death and resurrection. 4. It is overpowering, dominating the mind (Romans 1:21, the affections (John 3:19-21), and the will (Jeremiah 44:15-17) 5. It brings satanic control, because every sin serves the purposes of the Devil (Ephesians 2:2) 6. Although sin promises satisfaction, it brings misery, frustration, and hopelessness instead. 7. Sin damns the unredeemed soul to hell! In order to overcome the power of sin in our lives we need to understand the work of Christ that is outlined in the Bible. victory over sin comes through the indwelling power of the … READ MORE

As we struggle with the idols of our heart, what is the prescription for overcoming? James 4:7 outlines six commands to help us understand the battle plan. Let me briefly share those commands with you: 1. Submit o God and Resist the Devil (V7) – I must know and understand the Worde of God to do this, We must use the Word of God to remind us the path to choose (cf. Matthew 4) 2. Draw near to God (v8a)- This pictures intimate fellowship. this is the general expression for one who sincerely approached God in penitence and humility as we long for fellowship with God. 3. Cleanse your hands you sinners (v8b=9) – this pictures the ceremonial prescription for priests before they came before the Lord to offer sacrifices in the temple or tabernacle. James here is speaking to shoes who have no relationship with God, and overcoming the idols of the heart starts with a relationship with God. 4. Purify your hearts (v8c) – Not only do we need to change our behavior, we need to change he way we think, which leads to our actions. Here he addresses those who claim a conversion experience, but do not … READ MORE

In James 4:4-6 James accuses the hearers of Spiritual adultery, by following the idols of their heart. According to this passage, we are chasing after the things outside our covenant relationship with God. The danger is friendship with the world. This is putting things that are temporary before that which is eternal. Jesus says in Matthew 6:24 :”No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” According to this we see that idols of the heart break our fellowship with God. James seems to be saying with this passage, “You are living proof of the truthfulness of Scripture, which clearly teaches that the natural man has a spirit of envy Here we see that those who are in a permanent state of spiritual conflict with God, not only are His enemies, but also reflect that hostility by not trusting or obeying His Word. It is impossible to hold Scripture in genuine high regard as God’s own Word and yet not trust Jesus Christ for salvation and life. He concludes in verse by reminding us … READ MORE