Friday, September 7, 2012
Freedom
Today's Scripture
"When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." (Romans 5:6-8 NLT)
Thoughts for Today
Most sexually addicted people live in such a state of guilt and shame they believe they are defective, they can never change, and no one could love the "real them." This hopelessness drives them deeper into their sin. The truth is that God loves us even when we are doing what is wrong. In fact, today's scripture assures us that Christ died for us while we were still sinners.
How difficult do you find it to believe God could love you even though you feel helpless to change? Would you love someone like yourself? Would you die in someone's place who was just like you? Jesus did. He loves you so much, he gave his life to pay the penalty for your sin.
The death of Jesus in our place to pay the debt for our sin - that's what makes it possible for us to change and live a life that pleases God.
Consider this . . .
The Bible reveals that freedom from sin is a process. We are forgiven the instant we receive Jesus as our Savior or, as a Christian, repent of wrongdoing, but the lingering effects of sin often continue in us. God is working to remove these. As you trust Christ to help you and begin to gain victory over your sin, you will have much to praise him for.
The hope you can have right now is that God loved you enough to send Jesus to the cross for you. God loves you and will not abandon you. Submit to him, and he will give you victory.
"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1 ESV
Prayer
Father, thank you for your unconditional love. Thank you for loving me even before I turned to you. Please forgive my sins and give me the strength to follow your steps to complete and lasting freedom. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …
Crossroads: Choosing the Road to Sexual Purity by David E. Longacre. Crossroads deals with choosing the road to sexual purity and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
- Describes the sexual addiction process
- Shows how the sin of proximity often precedes sexual sins
- Shows the way out of sexual addiction
- Presents biblical insights to help a person break free and stay free
- Gives practical actions for renewing the mind
- Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then pointing them to Christ
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